Sitting at his desk Moonstone looked over several piles of files trying to find the one Starknight had mentioned while on the way back to the precinct. Getting up he noticed Starknight was still in the captain’s office turning his attention towards Starknight’s computer he wiggled the mouse hoping she had left it in sleep mode. The screen turned on a smile quickly etched on his face sitting down at Starknight’s desk he clicked on the ‘files open’ tab. Reading through several open cases under her supervision he failed to notice Starknight was coming out of the captain’s office.

“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing Moonstone”?! She all but yelled out to him catching him by surprise looking up he quickly got out of her chair as she finished, “Get away from my computer”.

“Relax I am just trying to find out more information about Daisy Green” he replied stepping aside allowing her to take sit “you had said her file is the same as yours so I thought there might be a contention between you and her”,going back to his side of the desk he finished, “I didn’t mean anything by this sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid and her girlfriend is all”.

Glaring at him she received only a concerned look in return picking up a file Moonstone set the folder down on his desk returning to his work. “I spoke with the captain though I am ‘benched’ for at least four days due to you taking me to the E.R. I know you did what you felt was right”, watching him pick up another file she reached over the double desk tapping his left hand. Moonstone glanced up locking eyes with hers “I was able to get the captain to give you your own computer Moonstone but you need to understand that what you did by going through my computer like that could have cost me my job”.

“I don’t understand why would I have cost you your job sergeant? And besides if you’re so concerned about your ‘job’ then you should turn your computer off rather than leaving it in sleep mode” looking back at his work he added, “I don’t get why I wasn’t given a computer when I first started here I swear I never had this sort of trouble when I was with the---” cutting his words short he closed the file setting it aside he sighed, “it doesn’t matter”.

“Listen it would have cost me my job if you had learned or read information that doesn’t concern you, such as information about a pending case going for out to I.A. or to trial.” squeezing her hand into a tight fist she added,“Or information about other cases that I need to work on such as cases that C.I.B need me to look over prior to me submitting them next time think twice before you act!” opening her hand she took her cup of coffee taking a sip she tried hard to calm down further adding, “And as for my own file which I might add my file doesn’t concern you at all Moonstone” she harshly all but growled, “my file wouldn’t be kept here for anyone to see it” setting her coffee cup down she took a breath finishing, “The tech guys should be here in a few minutes to set up your computer and to give you the necessary paperwork to sign for it.”

Taking up another file he opened it, “I’m sorry sergeant I just want to keep my promise to Frigid this mistake will not be repeated” noticing two people approaching their desk he added with a gesture towards them “are these the tech guys you told me about sergeant?”

“Yes they are” getting up and stepping aside Starknight allowed the technicians to do their job “I’ll go get you a cup of coffee Moonstone while they work this should only take about ten minutes”.

Returning a few minutes later with a full cup of coffee for him Starknight gave him the cup watching the technicians do their job. Ten minutes passed before Moonstone signed several papers, set his password and sat in front of his new computer. Sitting down herself Starknight sighed looking at the piles of folders on her side of the desk turning her attention back to Moonstone she handed him a file.

“What’s this for?'' he asked clearly a bit confused.

“Just another file to go through and see if there is any connection to the children that are missing” going through several computer documents she added, “Moonstone believe it or not I too want to help Frigid and her girlfriend find their niece Daisy Green”.

“I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through” He replied, “all you can or I can do for that matter is offer them some sliver of hope and pray you make good on that offer”. Looking up from his work he finished, “If you don’t mind me asking Sergeant where's your file the one that you mentioned on the way back from the hospital”?

Trying to ignore him Starknight continued to work going over other computer files glancing up at the clock located above the coffee station she noticed it was four thirty. Returning to her work she moved the mouse icon over the ‘open file’ tab clicking on it she brought up several other cases she had been assigned to. Watching her work for a few seconds Moonstone sighed catching Starknights attention quickly returning to his own work he got up headed for the coffee station returning a few minutes later with a fresh cup of coffee.

“As for my file I am not allowed to let anyone look at it as the record was sealed, I can’t even look at it unless I have a court order to do so.” Starknight bitterly began “what I will tell you though Moonstone is that if my case is truly connected to this case then I won’t stop you from doing what is ...right. Or what you have to do in order to see that case file.”

“Thank you sergeant I’ll try not to bring up your past if I can avoid it” He replied taking up his cup of coffee taking a sip his eyes widened in aghast painful shock “ow, wow that’s hot” almost dropping his coffee cup he added, “what temperature is that coffee maker set to?”

Hearing Starknight chuckle he gave her a stern glare before returning to his work a few moments passed without further incident. Both officers continued to look through file after file before another officer approached their desk offering both a friendly smile. Looking up from her work sergeant Starknight nodded to the other officer, “Comet Duster what brings you to my desk this afternoon?” she asked giving him a concerned look.

“I just wanted to see how you were doing sergeant we all heard about your activity at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ and thus I just wanted to make sure your doing alright,” he replied with a sincere smile, looking at Moonstone he added, “and how you kid? You got anything good to report”?

“Kid?” Moonstone replied looking up from his work with a confused look “I happen to be twenty eight sir, as for your other question; no I don’t have anything to report, other than that, I don’t like doing all this paperwork”.

“I am doing rather ...well Comet Duster” she replied “though I do have a question for you,” she added, “when you say ‘we all heard about your activities at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ what did you mean by that” giving Moonstone a disapproving glance she added, “I take it someone is talking about me again”?

Chuckling officer Comet Duster walked away with a smile on his face leaving Moonstone bemused and Starknight fuming choosing to let it go she sighed returning to her work. “You know sergeant since you have to ride a desk for the next three or four days why not spend that time doing something meaningful?” She heard Moonstone begin, taking notice he was looking over more files as he continued, “you could use this time to join a youth mentor program and help someone that really needs your help, it's just a thought mind you”.

Taking a pencil from her desk she tapped her chin, letting his words sink in leaning back into her chair she took out her notepad from her front shirt pocket jotting down a few things on it. Putting it back into her shirt pocket she glanced at the clock, seeing it was five o’clock closing down her computer she stood up giving Moonstone a firm stare.

“You know I might take you up on that offer of helping someone out Moonstone.” gesturing towards the clock in and out station she finished, “before you head out remember to file your report about what happened at the docks today and at the Sweet Snacks Cafe as for me I am going to head out have a good night”.

“You too, wait what about your reports sergeant I didn’t see you file them” he replied watching her stop in her tracks, Starknight turned around and headed back to her computer watching her press a few keys on her keyboard he added, “I doubt anyone will actually believe us about those reports oh, where are the kids that we arrested earlier today sergeant?”

“They should be holding I’ll call down there once I get this last file sent via email to the captain,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number pressing it to her ear she waiting for the clerk at the other end to answer. “Once I find out what their status is I am going home to a much needed couch and good book”.

“Hello this is officer Joslin Trueclaw how may I help you?”

“Yes this sergeant Starknight I need to know if Gust Chaser and his two friends are still in holding right now”

“One moment while I check” Starknight waited for a few moments before hearing the phone being picked up again “yes sergeant all three are still in holding as a matter of fact neither of those three have requested any phone call or lawyer of any kind”

“You’re joking right we read them their miranda rights and we clearly stated they could have one phone call and a lawyer at any time so why have they not gotten a phone call or a lawyer”? Noticing Filthy Rich was coming near her desk she quickly added, “tell you what Joslin we will talk about this in about an hour I have someone at my desk that needs to talk to me”. Hanging up the phone she finished, “it’s about time you showed up I was about to leave but I’ll stay just to hear what you have to say about your daughter and her friend Silver Spoon”.

“My sincerest apologies sergeant Starknight” Filthy Rich began, “I was on the phone for the past few hours with Silver Spoons father whom is currently away in Ponland he unfortunately won’t be returning until next month” pulling up a nearby chair Filthy Rich sat down placing his briefcase on the floor next to him, “I informed him of his daughters distasteful behavior his reaction was, well less than cordial so in lue of this I asked him if I could make decisions for his daughter”.

“And what did he say?” Moonstone chimed in clearly angry “let me guess he wants you to free his brat of a daughter and for me to not only lose my job but to also agree to not file charges on that brat” looking to Starknight he added, “speaking of those two where are Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?”

“They should both be in holding cell six,” she replied, picking up the phone she dialed a number waiting for the clerk to answer she added, “The officers who took them in were Cloudy Skies and Fancy Wish-star both of whom should be in the holding cells block their shifts should be ending in about fifteen minutes”.

“Hello this is Cloudy Skies” sereagent Starknight heard over the phone “how many I help you?”

“Cloudy this is Starknight I want to know if Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are in holding cell six”.

“Yes they are” she replied “Should I have them moved into another holding cell? Or has there been some sort of arrangement made so they can see a judge about bail?”

“Hang on” Starknight sternly replied, giving Filthy Rich a glare she added, “has anyone asked you for bail for either of those two yet or have you set a time and day for them to see a judge about this matter?”

“The answer is no to both of those questions sergeants” he replied, “I don’t think that will be necessary for either girl however if you want to go through that we can” turning his attention to Moonstone he finished, “you officer Moonstone said that you were going to file charges on both girls for what they did to your sister. I agree fully that they should be punished for this so tell me, are you going to go through with this?”

“Give me one very good reason why I shouldn’t file charges on both of them Filthy Rich” Moonstone demanded folding his arms over his chest “I pulled my little sister out of another school two years ago and sent her to that school because she went through something like this when she was in the fifth grade. So tell me why I should allow your daughter and her friend to make going to school a living hell for my little sister Mr. Rich!”

“Listen I know how you feel and I do fully agree that both girls need to be punished for what they did, they have already been expelled from school, what more do you want from them?”

Getting up Moonstone sighed uncrossing his arms he looked to Starknight who was still awaiting a decision from both Filthy Rich and Moonstone. Clearing his throat Moonstone sat down staring at his computer hearing Starknight clear her throat he gave her a concerned glance before turning his attention fully to Filthy Rich.

“One” Moonstone began, “I doubt very much sir that you have any idea as to how I ‘feel’ about this whole entire situation and two, ‘what more do I want?’ Mr. Rich I want those two to actually feel some sort of remorse for what they did to my little sister. I want them to know that what they did wasn’t acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. I want to be able to send Moon Dancer to school and not have to worry if she is going to be bullied by a pair of brats that have no idea how the real world works.” Moonstone continued, “If it were up to me I would place them both into a cell and toss away the key however it is not up to me.” with anger clearly showing in his purple eyes he further added, “Therefore Mr. Rich being an attorney you know as I know that this country's laws state that both girls can be released on their own recognizance if they both agree to appear before a judge within two weeks of their internal release” trying to hold his temper in check he finished, “I am sorry but I must go through with this there for you and I will be seeing each other in court.”

“Very well” Mr. Rich replied opening his briefcase he took out a file handing it to Moonstone “in that case I have already prepared this forum for you in which I will request that you release both girls into my custody” Moonstone barely believing his ears stood up watching Filthy Rich smirk as he added, “I know you're upset about this officer but I promise you I will take both girls to court within two weeks”.

Setting the file down on his desk Moonstone didn’t bother to open it and read it turning to leave Moonstone snarled, “I’m going home sergeant deal with this scum as you see fit to do so” taking his radio in his hand before Starknight could say anything to him Moonstone called into it, “Dispatch this is officer Moonstone I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is Seventeen hundred hours”.

“Roger that officer Moonstone ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before everyone heard over Moonstones radio, “Ten four officer you are clear to end your shift have a good night”

“I can’t believe he actually did that” Filthy Rich muttered catching Starknights attention

“Hey scumbag” Starknight snarled back to Filthy Rich, “can you actually blame him for storming off like that?” Turning her attention back to her phone call with Cloudy Skies sergeant Starknight gruffly added, “bring both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to my desk within ten minutes they are going...home”. Hanging up the phone she shook her head finishing, “well I hope your happy Mr. Rich now neither of those girls will learn anything from this all they will learn is that their fathers money can buy them out of any sort of trouble they get into”.

“Well no now that you mention it I can’t actually blame Moonstone for storming off like that” Filthy Rich replied standing up and moving behind officer Moonstones desk chair, “Actually you would be very wrong in that statement” He added taking Moonstones chair out and sitting down receiving an angry glare from Starknight his right eyebrow quirked slightly, “now before you say something that might be ...actionable I do indeed want those girls to be punished for what they did.” leaning back in the seat he added, “believe it or not I do also want them to learn that my money and Silver Spoons father’s money can’t buy either of them out of whatever trouble they find themselves in”.

Ten minutes went by before Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara appeared beside Starknights desk both girls kept their gaze fixed upon the floor. Starknight got up giving both girls a cold hard icy stare before turning her attention to Filthy Rich. “You say you want them to learn from this how do you plan on doing this”?

“It’s simple” He replied getting for the last time, “I will take both girls before a city judge like I said this will be done within two weeks from today I will therefore ask the judge to sentence both girls to probation at which they will be made to pay restitution to Moon Dancer” receiving a bitter hurt glare from Diamond Tiara and a cold stare from Silver Spoon he added, “don’t even think about opening your mouth’s you two have caused enough trouble as is with your behavior” turning back to Starknight he finished, “now as I was saying, Moon Dancer will receive some sort of recompense for what these two have done. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon will also have to serve their probation at a local public school and not be allowed to attend any ivy league school until they are both in their twenties. Tell me sergeant Starknight does that suit your form of punishment?”

“It is not up to me to decide who is punished or how they are punished however, I do feel that officer Moonstone might object to this but we will have to wait and see what he will do when he comes back to work tomorrow morning” getting up herself she walked over to a printer located on a nearby desk adding, “now these girls will be free to go as soon as I sign the paperwork for their release” pressing the print tab she finished, “you three should know that by me doing this I am taking the chance that both girls as well as yourself Mr. Rich are not a flight risk.” Returning with the paperwork she watched Filthy Rich and both girls sign it before finishing, “If however you do become a flight risk, then you three should know that I will ensure that the letter of the law will be fully followed through without regard to your feelings on the subject”.

“Is that a threat sergeant Starknight?” Filthy Rich bitterly growled.

“Oh, no not at all Mr. Rich” grinning she added, “you see I like it when fat, rich pilgarlic people such as yourselves think they are above the law.” signing the release papers herself she finished, “now if you three will please leave I am tired and I want to go home to a nice book and soft comfy couch”.

Watching the three of them head to the front Starknight shut off her computer heading for the front herself stopping by the captain's office on her way out. Knocking on the door jam she entered her uncles office taking a seat at his desk watching him light a cigar she gave him a concerned questionable look receiving a mild smirk in return.

“I take it your dealings with Mr. Rich and those two brats are over with” Duke Whisker asked, “I overheard some of it are you going to stay long enough to find out why those three lads in holding didn’t make a phone call and why they seem to not want a lawyer even though it is by state law their fundamental right to have one.”

“Darn-it I knew I forgot to do something” Starknight grumbled under her breath getting up she quickly added, “yes sir I’ll take care of that right now”. Heading back to her desk she picked up her phone dialed up Cloudy Skies and waited for to answer “Come on pick up already” she grumbled irritatedly tapping her foot “will you pick---”

“Hello this is Solar Toes how may I help you”

“This is sergeant Starknight, Solar Toes I need to know why Gust Comet and his two friends have refused their phone call and a lawyer”

“Ah, yes those idiots” He replied “well when I heard about that from Cloudy Skies I had to ask those three idiots myself that same question”

“And what did they tell you Solar?” Starknight asked clearly confused by Gust Chaser and his two friends decision.

“They told me its because they don’t want to embarrass their folks by asking them to help them out of this”. Solar Toes replied adding, “is there anything else I can help you with sergeant? Oh, you should know that Cloudy Skies and her partner Fancy Wish-star have signed out for the night. So if you want to talk to them, they'll be in at five tomorrow night.”

Hanging up the phone without a ‘thank you’ to officer Solar Toes sergeant Starknight headed back to the captain's office watching him pack his briefcase she knocked on the door jam. Looking up from his work he motioned for her to enter his office shaking her head she pulled out a chair taking a seat placing the last of his things into his briefcase Duke Whiskers sighed.

“What's wrong? You look like the cat that got caught eating the canary”.

“Oh, it’s nothing really it’s just that I can’t figure out why those idiots who Moonstone and I busted earlier today at the Sweet Snacks Cafe’ would want to sit in jail rather than try to get out”.

“I see” he replied locking his briefcase “listen don’t waste your time worrying about those idiots try to help the ones that you can and let the law and courts deal with people like those fools” gesturing towards the lobby and the rest of the precinct he and Starknight walked out of the office with Duke closing the door behind him. “Now hon-er-I mean sergeant Starknight if you don’t mind I have a pitcher of lemonade and orange juice waiting for me at home I would suggest to you that you also head home and stay off your feet for the next four days”.

“Yes uncle I’ll do that” she sullenly replied. Heading back to her computer Starknight pressed the button on her shoulder radio adding, “Dispatch this sergeant Starknight I am calling in my ten-seven O.D. the time is seventy fourty five hours”.

“Roger that sergeant, ten - twelve officer stand by” a few seconds went by before Starknight heard, “Alright officer you are ten - four on that you may end your shift have a good night sergeant”.

Starknight made sure everything was in proper order before making her way to the women's locker room entering the locker room a few minutes later. With a very tired sigh she headed to her locker opened it and took off her duty belt. Taking her Gloc twenty-two forty caliber handgun out of its holster she set it on a bench next to her. Taking her Ruger LC9 handgun out from her holster on her left leg she set that on the bench next to her Gloc. Taking her uniform shirt off and paints off she stood in her bra and panties letting her thoughts drift back to her time in Manehatten. Opening her eyes he gaze fell to a slightly worn out photo tucked just behind the door of her locker.

“Why” Starknight thought. "Why did it have to happen"?

The photo showed a young girl in her mid twenties with shoulder-length purple, green and blue hair sparkling cozy sapphire eyes and soft lush lavender skin. The girl was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater over a white button down blouse and peach colored mini skirt.

“God I miss you” picking up her Gloc twenty-two while still in just her underwear she took out the magazine placing it onto the bench next to her continuing to think “It should have---” her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of another gun’s slide being slid back and forth and the sound of another magazine being equipped to it. “No don’t you dare think like that Starknight” she said to herself catching another female officer's attention.

“Hey kiddo, you OK honey” a soft voice shook Starknight out of her current state of mind and back to reality.

“Huh? What”? Starknight replied looking into the soft warm eyes of another officer.

“Hey kiddo’ it’s me Berry Chiming you know Lieutenant Shinning's cousin the ass-hat that you decked two years ago for being a pig”. Seeing how upset Starknight was Berry Chiming gently pulled her into a warm hug whispering into her ear, “I know honey, you miss her, I too miss her as well, but you do have family here and colleges that care about you”.

Ending the much needed hug Starknight wiped a hand over her eyes scoffing at herself taking up her Ruger LC9 she took out the magazine placing both the gun into her locker and the magazine next to her on the bench. Giving Berry Chiming a smile Starknight sighed, “Thanks for that I ...needed that any how I need to get dressed and head home.”

“Ok, well you call me if you need anything dear alright?” Berry Chiming said with a sincere smile. “Oh, before I head out I thought you might want to know there is a poker game at Nickels tomorrow night and I-er-umm”.

realizing Berry Chimming was checking her out Starknight blushed replying, "go a head and say it Berry I won't say anything I promise".

"Well I um, th-think you look very beautiful standing there in your undergarments" she replied her face turned beat red clearing her throat she added, "Anyways about that poker game I am sure there will be a extra chair for you that is if you want to join us, the game will be at six".

"Thanks Berry" looking herself over as she stood in her bra and panties Starknight blushed, "I guess I needed someone to tell me that I was still beautiful considering all the scars I have as for that game I might take you up on that offer".

Watching her leave the women's restroom Starknight returned to putting her things away putting her Ruger LC9 into her locker and picking up her gloc she slid the slide back taking out the bullet inside of it. Picking up the magazine for it she placed the single bullet into it placing both the gun and magazine separately back into her locker doing the same to her Ruger LC9.

"There now that is done I just have to get dressed and be on my way" Starknight muttered to herself.

Once she was satisfied that she had completed her gun safety inspection she sighed giving herself one last look over before taking out her civilian clothing. Taking a blue t-shirt out of her locker and putting it on she quickly took out a pair of blue jeans and sneakers she slipped them on and proceeded to place her uniform pants and shoes into her locker. Closing her locker Starknight headed back to the front of the precinct heading outside to her car parked across the street seeing Filthy Rich was still at the precinct she approached him.

“Why are you still here Mr. Rich” she asked.

“Huh, oh, the car won’t start so I am waiting for my tow truck operator to show he’ll tow it then we can leave”.

“We I in any case I am glad that I caught you before you left I wanted to say I think it’s despicable with how you are treating this situation.” receiving only a harsh scoff in return she turned to leave stopping in her tracks turning around she added, “you know maybe if your daughter and Silver Spoon had a mentor someone they can look up to for guidance and support things might have turned out quite differently for them”.

“Bah!” he snarled in reply “What do you know about raising a child? Nothing! How I raise my daughter and conduct my affairs are none of your damn business” Seeing a tow truck pulling up to the curb he finished, “now unless you are going to take the job of parenting these two I need to get them home so goodbye!”

Shaking her head Starknight left crossing the street getting to her car a few minutes later opening the front door to her vehicle she thought, “Maybe Moonstone is right maybe I should become a mentor to someone that needs my help” getting in she started up her car continuing to think, “perhaps if I do that then the person that I help might not turn out to be like those brats Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon” pulling out into the street she said to herself, “I know just who to mentor”.

A half hour passed before Starknight pulled into her driveway parked her car and headed into her home for some much needed rest. Taking off her shoes she placed them next to the front door and headed into the kitchen making herself a cup of tea. Taking the tea into the living room she sat down on her couch picking up a book reading several chapters and sipping her tea before heading to bed.

Next Chapter: August 3rd, Wednesday 5:36 pm part eighteen Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 58 Minutes