‘I cannot believe my new partner had the stupidity to do this!’

It was this thought that first entered Officer Starknight’s mind as she drove into the parking lot of the Canterlot Precinct. Nearly a few hours had passed since she and Moonstone departed from the city’s high school and back to the station. Tense was the perfect word to describe their mood with Moonstone being the sole reason for it. It wasn’t like he didn’t know why, given what he had done when dealing with the investigation involving Sunset Shimmer. He didn’t feel any less scared about the reaction from the Duke when he would hear about it. Or of the consequences that would come from his forced, yet potentially deadly mistake.

“How long are going to stay quiet rookie?” Starknight finally asked, her voice shocked her partner out of his trance of fear. “It’s getting kind of unnerving seeing you constantly looking like you’re going to wet your pants.”

“Even if I did, I don’t think you can really blame me,” Moonstone replied, the softness in his voice doing nothing to hide the terror draped under it. “You do remember what happened back at that school, don’t you? What, Lightning Dust tried to do?”

“I remember. I was there along with you during it, even if I didn’t see it all.” Starknight rolled her eyes while giving her confirmation. “I could already guess that's why you’re acting as you are now. But I can tell there’s another reason concerning that.”

Moonstone nodded. “Yeah, and it has to do with Duke. I get the feeling he is not going to be happy with me about what I did. Even though I was just following protocol.”

“Maybe so, but with how you decided to follow it he’ll be less than impressed,” Starknight added as she secured their car in a parking spot. “No chance of taking it back now. He might charge you or he might not, it all depends on what he thinks is the best solution to this problem”.

“I think I’ll be lucky if that’s all I get when this is over”. Moonstone muttered.

Opening his side of the car, Moonstone let himself out and dragged himself inside the precinct. Silently preparing himself for the reprimanding he would get while Starknight stayed behind to get a few minutes of rest. Even as the entrance door shut behind him the woman did not exit the car. It was like her body and mind were refusing to let her move until it got the relaxation that it was consistently denied since her first day on this job.

“Breath Starknight just breath” She thought, taking in a few breaths. “He’s only a rookie, he'll learn all you have to do is stay calm and remember how it was when you first started”.

If one were to see her face now, they could see Starknight was trying to take what happened that afternoon. It wasn’t like she could be blamed for it. Never in her career as an officer had she been given a case so common yet so perplexing at the same time. Starknight was wondering if some of it was even real in spite of the evidence shown by Celestia. Evidence she still could not find herself able to believe in spite of it being on actual camera.

“There is no way any of that was real,” Starknight muttered.

A part of her wanted to believe it, especially since Celestia seemed so sincere in her explanation over it. Even one of her own students tried to back her up and strengthen her principal’s testimony while not seeming very confident in it herself. Said principal’s tape also seemed more legitimate than it seemed when she thought about it. With how real it looked, one would think it was actually a childish fantasy come to life. Which would also explain why the school looked so disarrayed.

“It had to be a gas mane, nothing else could have caused that creator” opening the door and stepping out she thought, ‘Yes that has to be the answer, so there’s no reason to dwell on it.’ headed towards the entrance she continued to think, ‘So why do I feel like it’s deeper than that when it clearly isn’t? I guess all of this deprivation of sleep is making my brain trick me.’ An internal sigh caused a pause in her train of thought before it was concluded. ‘Yeah… I seriously need to get a more suitable job.’

Grunting in unexcited preparation for the continuance of her shift, Starknight entered the police precinct. In her walk down the halls, silence blessed her ears before the sounds of conversing abolished it a few seconds. Its voices let her know who it was and gave her a clue as to where to go to find them.

Turning a corner, she looked around before she saw Duke Whiskers The Captain of Police Precinct one twelve standing at her desk, along with rookie officer Moonstone. From what she saw on their faces, Starknight could see it was not a pleasant conversation. Not that she was really expecting it to be given with all that had gone down earlier in the day.

“While I’m glad that nothing bad happened between you and Officer Tails, I have more pressing matters I need to ask you about.” Duke said gravely. “Care to explain to me why I got a call from Celestia and Luna claiming that you assaulted Lightning Dust and Luna herself mister?”

“Yeah, I was going to explain it sir.” Moonstone murmured nervously. “I was trying to keep Ms. Dust from escaping and resisting arrest. She also ran onto the road and I was afraid she was going to run over so I just… acted. And Vice principal Luna… she threw herself in the way of my taser, so I ended up hitting her instead.”

“I see…” Duke said, brows furrowing as if some supernatural force was pulling them to form a look of anger. “And what about Lightning Dust?”

“I was able to take her into custody but not until after she attempted to resist.” Moonstone concluded, doing his best to keep his fear down. “I know what I did was bad, and I agree it was more than likely unnecessary, but Lightning Dust was fleeing the scene of an assault sir. I pursued her and used my taser. I didn’t know that the vice principal was going to jump in like that sir. I am very sorry for what happened, but what else could I do?”

“HOW ABOUT NOT USING AN ELECTRICAL WEAPON ON AN UNARMED GIRL?!”

Moonstone and Starknight flinched at the explosion of anger that came out from Duke Whisker’s scream. Neither of them expected him to be happy about Moonstone’s reckless actions, but the new recruit was not expecting this level of anger. Thinking about it at that moment, he realized how stupid it was since he assaulted someone who, despite being a minor, was still a child. A part of him hoped it wouldn’t end too badly for him since he was trying to do his duty, but he doubted he’d be that lucky.

“Y…y-you’re right. Using my taser was taking it up a notch.” Moonstone admitted with a shameful hang of his head. “Perhaps I should’ve used another method that didn’t risk her life.”

“You’re damn right you should’ve, and now you’ll have plenty of time to think on that while I will think of your punishment.” Duke Whisker stated sternly before turning to his niece. “And where were you when this was going on?”

“Getting information from Celestia about last night's call.” Starknight replied, while looking down. “From what I gathered, it seemed that the school principal decided to play a prank on us.”

“Prank? What in the world do you mean by that?” Duke Whiskers asked with a raised eyebrow.

While she didn’t explain it, her sigh indicated it would be a long story. “It’s a long story that I can promise to tell you later on. Right now, can you tell us where Lightning Dust is now captain?”

“…She’s in Holding Cell A, put in there by Officer Tails.” He replied, watching as Starknight flinched at his mentioning of the corrupt officer. “But now that you two are here, I would like for you to transfer her to Holding Cell D so she will not have to deal with him anymore. While she is there, I want you to make sure her rights are adhered to at all times!”

“Would these happen to be the rights that I failed to read her?” Moonstone asked feebly, raising a hand timidly.

“What do you think, rookie?!” Starknight shouted, giving him a smack to the back of his head.

“I think I already made it apparent.” Duke huffed as he walked away from Starknight’s desk. “Now go, both of you! And make sure no more harm comes to Lightning Dust tonight. Should I find out this is not seen to by either of you, both of you will be on desk duty! Do I make myself clear?!”

“Yes sir!” His sergeant and rookie affirmed, the latter saying it a bit more nervously.

Getting out of his office Moonstone followed his partner towards the back of the precinct, soon finding himself standing in front of a large and grated gate. An officer that was behind the gate smiled pleasantly to both. Watching Starknight take her duty belt off and place it on a metal shelf in front his gated window.

“Alright.” Starknight began, turning her attention to Moonstone, “You need to take your duty belt off, leave your weapons here and follow me to holding cell A.” Turning her attention to the officer behind the locked gated window she added, “Colt Comet, I would like to sign myself in please.”

“What about the Ruger LC9 on your ankle sergeant?” Moonstone asked in confusion. “I thought you said we needed to leave all our weapons here?”

Grinning slightly, she reached down unstrapping the holster from her ankle, placing it onto the metal shelf in front of her. Turning to take a clipboard that Colt Comet produced for her to sign, Starknight signed herself in. “I was wondering how long it would take you to notice I was carrying that extra gun on my ankle Moonstone?”

“My brother is with C.I.B.” He replied, taking his own duty belt off and placing it on the metal shelf next to Starknight’s. “He trained me. I know almost all there is to know about weapons and what to look for, like when it comes to hiding a weapon on your person like you, sergeant.” He turned his attention to Colt Comet. “I’d like to thank you for letting us sign in, by the way Colt Comet.”

“It's not a problem.” He replied before turning his attention to Starknight. “Now if you have gotten all of your weapons off, I’ll buzz the two of you in sergeant.”

Buzzing the two of them in, Colt Comet returned to his desk, taking up his clipboard walking past his area, leading Starknight and Moon Stone down a long white hallway. Coming up to a large cell, he saw Lightning Dust sitting on a bench with her legs pulled up to her chest. She was rocking back and forth like she was in the middle of a mental breakdown even though she was not inside a mental asylum. Opening the cell door, Starknight went in, noticing several other people in the cell with her she turned her attention to Moonstone.

“You stay at the cell door. I don’t want anyone trying to get out while I get Lightning Dust.” She instructed as she reverted her attention back to the young school girl in front of her. “Lightning it's going to be alright okay? We’re going to have you moved to another cell so you can be a little bit more comfortable.”

Taking a pause, she noticed a damp spot between Lightning Dust’s legs. Letting her know she had soiled herself prior to their arrival to her cell. Gently laying her hand on Lightning’s shoulder, she helped her up, looking anywhere but at that spot.

“I know you’re probably feeling cold in your current attire, so we’ll get you some clean clothing to wear while you are here.” She continued while rubbing her back. “Have you made your phone call to your parents yet?”

“N-no not yet. I was told by that officer that you left me with that I don’t get a phone call.”

“… Is that so?” Bitterness laced the softness in Starknight’s voice as she spoke. “I’m not sure what Officer Tails said to you, Lightning Dust, but he was mistaken about that. You do get a phone call as part of your rights. Is there anyone you know you would like to call? Family? friends?”

“I…I-I do have one. Since I can’t call my father right now, I’ll go for my mother instead.” Lightning said while wiping her hand at her face. “W-where do I go?”

Leading her over to Moonstone and out of the cell, Starknight closed the cell door while the rookie officer led Lightning by her upper forearm towards another part of the precinct. Quickly following the pair, the sergeant immediately gave him directions. “Officer Moonstone, you need to take a left at the end of this hallway. You’ll find Cell C on your left after you get past the intake desk.”

Said intake desk was soon found right after this was said, and Moonstone gently cuffed Lightning Dust to it. While he stood guard over her, Starknight went up to the ice-haired, crystalline officer that sat behind the desk.

“Hello Officer Glacier Flow. It is good to see you this evening.” She greeted as politely as she was able to. “We have a transferee that needs fresh clothing and will need to remain in the cell until her mother gets here.”

“Very well.” Glacier Flow replied, giving Lightning Dust a stern look before typing on his keyboard. “What’s the prisoner's name?”

“First she isn’t a prisoner. I would appreciate it if you don’t treat her like one. As for your question, her name is Lightning Dust.” After swiftly reprimanding Glacier, Starknight gently addressed the girl behind her. “How old are you Lightning?”

“I’m fifteen,” She sniffled, her legs shaking from the increased coldness by the damp parts on her pants. “P-please, I just want to get cleaned up and not be in these pants anymore? Do I really have to go through with this?”

Looking her over Starknight sighed, turning her attention back to Glacier Flow who continued to type ignoring her looks. Seeing there was a phone next to Glacier, Moonstone stepped up to the desk picking it up, he turned his attention to Lightning Dust, receiving scornful looks from both Starknight and Glacier Flow.

“What is the telephone number you would like me to call Lightning Dust?” He asked, paying no attention to the looks he received. “I can only do this once so I’ll need a number that you are sure someone will be at to answer the phone.”

“Uh, can you call (785) - 986 - 4632. I’ll need you to explain why I am here to the person on the other end. May I speak to the person on that phone after you are done Mr. Stone?”

“Let me get the person with the number you gave me on the phone, and then I’ll decide.”

Dialing the number MoonStone waited for a few minutes looking back at Lightning Dust he gave her a nod before hearing someone answer the phone. His eyes widened in shock hearing over the other end of the phone.

“This is the Prance Embassy to whom are you looking for?” A feminine and refined voice asked out of nowhere.

Receiving a smirk from Lightning Dust, Moonstone tried to backpedal. “I, uh, think I might have called the wrong---”

“No, you didn’t. My mother works at that Embassy, so you don’t need to worry. Could you please hand me the phone now?” Dust interrupted, taking the phone from him she placed it to her ear as Starknight gave Moonstone a confused look. “My name is Lightning Dust. This is a Code Seventy-Six Alpha Four. I need to speak with my mother immediately.”

“I need your identification before I can transfer the call. What is the code number and serial number?”

“My code number is seven alpha tango Seven Six Zulu.” Frowning, Dust turned to face Starknight with a smile aimed at her. “My serial number is Tango One Seven Zulu Four Delta. Tell her that I am in jail and that I need her help asap!”

‘What the hell did we get ourselves into here?’ Starknight thought to herself out loud as she went over to the girl. “Ok that’s enough Mrs. Dust. This game has gone on long enough! Give me the phone!”

Trying to take the phone away from her, Lightning Dust pressed the speaker button causing all in the small cell room to freeze. It stayed like that for five seconds which felt like it went longer than it was supposed to. It was soon stopped when the same voice from before finally shouted over the enhanced speaker.

“This is ambassador Emerald Dust! I would like to speak with my daughter Lightning Dust, NOW!”

Taking the phone from Lightning, Starknight pressed the speaker button again so no one would be able to hear their conversation. Part of her wanted to give Lightning Dust a piece of her mind for what she just did but knew that the girls’ mother was her main problem right now. She did not know what position the other woman had at the embassy, but Starknight knew trying to push the issue would not be helpful. With a gulp, she put the phone to her ear, praying she could settle the matter as peacefully as possible.

“This is Canterlot Officer Starknight Justice of the Canterlot Police Department, Ms. Emerald Dust.” She began as calmly as possible. “Before we allow you to speak to your daughter, would you please tell me why she doesn’t have her embassy identification on her? I find it difficult for it to be possible given your occupation.”

“I see no reason to tell you anything, officer, but in the interest of keeping things civil she doesn’t have it with her because I lost custody of her two years ago.” Emerald Dust replied solemnly. “She has been living with her father ever since he and I divorced him due to his indiscretions. I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you what that means.”

‘Ah… the old infidelity card.’ Starknight thought, feeling a little bad for the embassy worker. “No Ma’am, I don’t. I’m… sorry you had to go through that.”

“I would like it if you did not show me any pity Officer Starknight, for I have had more than enough of that. Now I would like you to put my daughter on the phone now!”

Seeing she had little choice, and sensing things would get worse if she didn’t, Starknight handed the phone over to Lightning Dust. Inwardly seething at the grin the girl gave her, she watched as Lightning Dust began her conversation with her mother.

“Hi Mom, I am in jail… I was blamed for a fight I didn’t start, and the police have been rather… abusive towards me. Can you come here and get me out?”

“A fight?” Shock filled Emerald’s voice as she took in her daughter’s words. “What do you mean you got into a fight? And what is this about the police being abusive to you? What happened?!”

“It’s… a long story that I don’t want to get into right now, but let’s just say it was bad. A-and it was just a couple of police officers being mean to me, b-but… I’m feeling really scared right now.” Lightning replied, rubbing her arm. “I don’t wanna talk about it right now, ‘cause it’s too long of a story. Can you just come and get me out please?”

Hearing her mother's heavy breathing over the phone and papers shuffling followed by computer typing in the background, Lightning waited for her mother’s reply. She looked down and sniffed as a tear trickled down her cheek, watching Starknight scoff in disbelief out of the corner of her eye. Feeling she sensed her gaze, Lightning Dust looked away from her, trying to avoid the sheer piercing coldness in Starknight’s steel blue eyes.

“Honey if I get you out.” Her mother said at last “You must swear to me that you won’t say a word to your father about this until you are living with me in Prance. You must also completely leave your life behind. Including that city and school your father sent you too. You are no longer safe there. Do you understand me?”

“Yes mom.” She replied adding, “What should I do until you get here?”

“I’ll be there in about twenty or thirty minutes. For right now I want you to sit tight and not do anything until I come get you.”

With a happy sigh of relief Lightning pointed to her handcuffed hand, indicating she wanted it off. Moonstone got the message and went to set her free from it as Starknight took the phone back from the teen. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to give her final statement until she was interrupted by Emerald.

“I want my daughter ready to leave by the time I get there, am I understood officer?” She asked calmly with a threatening undertone. “I don’t know what you did to her or what you will do to her, but I expect her to be unharmed when I arrive.”

“I understand completely Ms. Dust. I can assure you; your daughter will not be hurt. Will there be anything else you need tonight? Or will this be all tonight?”

“Nothing will be needed from you Officer Starknight, except the continued protection of my daughter. Now, I must be leaving so I can be prepared for whatever I will come upon in that city.” Emerald replied curtly, sounding ready to hang up. “I will also be calling the state department about this, and believe me, I will make sure your life is ruined if my request is not heeded to!”

“I will take that into account Ms. Dust.” Starknight agreed, hiding the nervousness in her voice. “Rest assured, I will see you when you get here.”

“You’d better hope you’re not alone when I do…”

Hearing the phone being hung up, Starknight swallowed hard before looking into Lightning Dust eyes, seeing only a conceited look in her eyes. Hanging up the phone, she led Lightning Dust back to the cell opening the door for her receiving an angry look from her.

“Go inside Lightning Dust.” She instructed. “While you may be the daughter of a diplomat, that doesn’t matter so long as you are here in this precinct. You are just another kid like any who come here and thus the people being kept here won’t think twice about hurting you.”

“I know… I won’t cause them any trouble.” Lightning Dust sat obediently. “At least more of it than I did tonight.”

“For both our sakes, I hope you do.” Shaking her head, Starknight added something that caused Lightning’s heart to leap in her throat. “Since your mother won’t be here for some time, and your father has custody of you, I need to call him, and I must let him know what is going on.”

“But my mother asked me not to inform him of her involvement in this matter!” She cried with a look of pure fright etched on her face. “Please, I'll do whatever you want! I’ll even make sure my mother doesn’t cause any trouble for you! Just don’t call him about this.”

“And why don’t you want me to call your father?” Starknight pressed. “You make it sound like you have some sort of grudge against him or something.”

Lightning looked away. “T…that’s the thing. I sort of like you, and it’s for something that they’re both doing.”

“Care to elaborate?” Starknight asked.

Watching her look down, the girl sighed heavily, blinking away her tears as she took a seat on the cold cement floor. Staring coldly at Starknight for a few moments, Lightning looked back down staring coldly at her feet.

“My mother and father hate each other.” She finally stated. “It wasn’t as bad as it is now, but ever since my dad… betrayed my Mom, they’ve been fighting like crazy. I didn’t see a lot of it since they separated after what my Dad did, but it was really bad. It got a bit better since they aren’t together anymore, but it's still bad.

Starknight quirked a brow while still listening. “Bad how?”

“I… I’m a weapon.” Lightning continued, lifting her head up from behind her knees. “I’m a weapon my parents use to hurt each other. I didn’t really understand it at first but… I kind of figured it out on my own and… it’s really getting to me. I don’t know how long they’re going to go, but I’m tired of it! I want it to end already!” Holding her head in her hands, Dust began to rock back and forth again. “I want to go back to how it was! I just want my Mom and Dad to be cool with each other again!”

With each second that passed of Lightning Dust telling her story, Starknight felt her empathy for the girl grow bit by bit. It would not be the first time she would hear from a juvenile, delinquent to otherwise about being used as a means to hurt their guardians. Being one of the most common things known in her job as an officer, Starknight learned to tell when a tale like this would be told to her. It never stopped her from doing her job and making sure the minor criminals would face any punishment given for their crimes. But the woman still gave her sympathies for something no child should have to be forced to endure. Least of all by the ones expected to protect them the most.

“I swear to you officer if you don’t contact my father, I promise you won’t have to deal with my mother.” Pleas from the girl pulled Starknight’s attention back to her. “Let me make one more phone call. I'll call her cell phone. I’m sure I can convince her to let this all go.”

Looking her over for a few minutes, Starknight considered her options before letting out a quick breath and turning to Moonstone. Watching him walk out of the area turning her attention back to Lightning Dust, she paused for a few minutes collecting her thoughts. With a last look at the girl after having an internal debate, Starknight finally made up her mind.

“I’ll go get you some clean clothing. It won’t be much but at least you’ll have something fresh to wear.” Walking away from her she looked over her shoulder adding, “When I get back, I’ll take you to the showers where you can get cleaned up to make your second call. If you do anything other than that, I’ll send you back to this cell until your mother gets here. Am I understood?”

“Yes ma’am, I promise you won’t get any further trouble out of me.”

Giving her a nod, Starknight left down the hallway, turning to her left to find Moonstone filing paperwork along with Glacier. Setting down the clipboard and signing out, Moonstone looked between the two of them before walking past her towards the front of the precinct getting back up front a minute later.

‘We are getting busted for this.’ Starknight grimly thought, heading for Duke’s office knocking on his door a few seconds later.

“Come in.” Duke replied, watching as the woman opened the door and went inside. “Hello Officer Starknight, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Are you here to report to me about Ms. Dust?”

“I am.” She nodded, deciding to hold off telling him the bad news for a little bit. “We were able to move her to Cell C and we’re going to get her new clothing since she’s feeling… uncomfortable at the moment.”

“Given what your rookie partner did to her, I would be uncomfortable too if the roles were switched.” Duke bitterly stated with a scowl. “And Moonstone is on desk duty correct?”

“I haven't assigned him to that just yet, but I will before I leave the station.” Starknight assured, making a mental note to do just that so Moonstone could learn from his actions. “But… that’s not all I came to tell you about, sir. It concerns Lightning Dust and… you’re not going to like it.”

Duke’s eyes narrowed as he picked up his coffee mug. “Did Moonstone do something again?”

“No, it doesn’t concern Moonstone, but… Ms. Dust’s mother.” Starknight explained rubbing at her arm. “We had a talk with her a couple of minutes ago and… well, her mother just so happens to be a diplomat in a powerful part of the city.”

Liquid splashing onto the Duke’s desk cracked the silence of the office as the captain spat out his coffee. While he did his best to not choke on it, his skin grew lighter as his pupils minimized in size and sweat dripped down his forehead. Jaw trembling, he wiped a hand over his mouth and shakily asked, “She’s a what?”

“A diplomat, sir. And from how she sounded on the phone, she’s a high ranking one.” Starknight repeated wincing at the man’s fearful look. “And in case you’re wondering about what she said to us, it has to do with the assault on her daughter.”

Duke froze. “She knows what happened?!”

“Lightning Dust was the one who told her, but yes.” Starknight confirmed. “Her mother also stated to me that she would be calling the department about this matter. And judging from how she was on the phone, she’s out for blood. Our blood specifically.”

Letting out a forced sigh, Duke Whiskers glanced down collecting his thoughts, looking back up momentarily he looked into his niece’s blue eyes for any sign of false hood. It caused him to go even paler as the gravity of the situation truly began sinking in. Duke knew that Lightning Dust’s parents would not be happy about the attack on their daughter by their rookie, but he was not in any way expecting this. Not only was Lightning’s family on the high important people list, but one of them was one of the diplomats of the entire city.

He wasn’t aware of just how powerful of a diplomat that Lightning’s mother was, but he knew they were in hot water right now. Water that’s heat would only increase if things went further south. Not many options could be used by Duke to try to calm this problem, but he was intent on calming it as much as he could. For he now knew the wrath of an angry mother was the least of his worries.

“I want you to make absolutely sure that no one goes near her sergeant. You and you alone are to be held responsible for taking care of that child and no one else.” Duke firmly instructed, piercing Starknight’s eyes with his own steely gaze. “I can see this is worse than I thought, and we need to do everything we can to ensure this doesn’t blow up. For now, you need to get her cleaned up and ready to see her mother as soon as you can, and do not let Lightning out of your right. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir!” Starknight said obediently, giving a nod before heading out of the office back to Cell C. ‘I doubt that Lightning Dust will do as she said she would. She is after all a kid and kids can be vengeful if given half the chance. Still, with what her mother does for a living, I guess I have no choice but to hope she stands by her word. If she does at all.’

---

Getting to the police lost and found room, Starknight shifted through some pants, shirts and socks Starknight found some clothing that looked about Lightning’s size. An extra moment was spent to make sure the pants weren’t stained and weren’t damp in certain areas. Before returning to Lightning Dust, Starknight stopped by the precincts Womans and Childrens Care room finding an unopened pack of underwear that looked to be the right size. She took these and headed back to the cell checked herself back in with Glacier Flow she soon found Lightning staring off into the nothingness of the cell. Whipping out her flashlight, she tapped the bars getting Lightning Dust’s attention while surprising her in the process.

“I have some clean pants, underwear and a shirt for you Lightning. If you are tired of being in this cell, I’ll take you to the showers then to my desk where you can await your mother.”

“I’d like that Officer Starknight.” She replied watching her open the cell door gesturing to the open hallway beyond the cell. “Can I make that phone call now instead of needing to wait till I get to your desk?”

“How about we clean you up first, then you can make your phone call will that be alright?” she replied, ushering Lightning Dust down the hallway she added, “I’ll stay outside of the showers, and make sure you are not disturbed while you clean up.”

Leading her to a large shower room, she led Lightning over to the shower, turned the water on and tested it with her hand. Once she was sure the water was warm enough, she placed the clothing near a bench located at the front of the shower. Lightning waited for Starknight to leave before getting undressed and going into the shower to wash herself. Several minutes passed without incident before Lightning Dust came out clean and fully dressed, ready for her next task. Leading the girl back the way they came, Starknight let out a soft sigh catching Lightning’s attention.

“Is there something on your mind officer?” Lightning tentatively asked. “If you're worried about my mother, I won’t let her do anything to cost you your job. I know I brought all this upon myself and I’m sorry for that.”

A shake of the head was the first response the girl got before the verbal one came. “While your apology is appreciated it's not my job that I am worried about Lightning, it's Moonstone’s. He is a rookie officer and could be fired for this. I’ll agree not to contact your father about this, but you need to live up to your end of the deal, otherwise, diplomatic immunity or not I’ll show you what true fear really is and how I can apply it to this situation.”

“I understand… I won’t give you any trouble. I swear I just want to get out of here.” Lighting cast her eyes down to her feet with a gulp. “I-I didn’t know calling her would cost you your partner! I really am sorry and want to fix this!”

Ushering her towards the front of the precinct, Starknight didn’t reply, a solemn look etched over her face as she got back to her desk. Pulling up a nearby chair gesturing for Lightning Dust to take a seat, the woman sat down herself, and handed her phone over to the teenager.

“If you want to ‘fix’ this then you need to tell your mother the truth let her know that you started the fight at school today and that you brought this upon yourself. That is the only way to ‘fix’ this situation.” Starknight said sternly, adjusting herself inside her seat. “I know that your mother has diplomatic immunity and that she will more than likely use it to hide from the law. But that isn’t how you fix things by hiding from your problems.”

Lightning stayed quiet, clasping her hands in her lap.

“You need to face your problems head on and take care of them like an adult. Not like a spoiled child that gets whatever they want. Or else you’ll never learn and grow from them.” Giving her a stare with the intensity of a taser, Starknight concluded her parental lecture. “Do you understand what I’m saying Lightning?”

“I do.” She replied picking up the phone she dialed her mother’s cell phone number and held the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Honey it's me. I’m sorry the phone dropped the call the driver is a complete-” A familiar and unwanted voice spoke from the other end of the line.

“Mom, listen. I need to talk to you about something.” Lightning interrupted, both to keep Ms. Dust from cursing and to get the situation over with as soon as possible. “It’s about the officers again.”

Emerald’s next question came in a tone filled with a mixture of worry and anger. “Oh no, what is it sweetie? Did they do something to you again?”

“No, it’s nothing like that I promise.” Lightning quickly rejected, gripping the phone in both of her hands. “Look, I know that you’re planning to do something to the officers for what I told you about how they treated me, and I…” She took in a breath before pushing the next words out. “I want you to leave them be.”

A brief silence greeted her ear from the other end before Emerald Dust ended it.

“You want me to leave them alone? Honey am I hearing you right?” Incredulity was planted firm in her tone like a weed sprouting from the earth. “Why would you want me to do that?!”

“Because they were only doing their jobs!” Lightning protested, her shout causing Starknight to jump in surprise. “I know that sounds crazy but none of the officers did anything wrong! I brought it on myself by making things harder for them! It is my fault anyway since I started the fight back in school.”

“But they assaulted-”

“Only one did, but that was on me!” Lighting cut in again. “Listen Mom, if you want me to go with you then you’ll have to leave the state department out of this. And make sure the officers don’t get into any sort of trouble over this despite what happened to me.”

‘Except Moonstone.’ Starknight thought dryly, still intent on making sure her rookie partner was reigned in.

Emerald hesitated. “I… I…”

“That is the price you’ll have to pay if you want me to go with you Mom. Otherwise, I’ll let dad know I contacted you and you’ll never hear from me again.” Lightning stated firmly, sensing her mother was about to give in. “I don’t want to do this, but I don’t want to drag this out any longer, and you’re not really giving me any other choice. It’s up to you.”

“F-fine, fine! I won’t do anything to the officers… Nothing too bad. I want them to face some sort of penance for what they did, but it won’t be permanent.” Emerald replied, sounding somewhat defeated. “Just please be careful next time okay sweetie. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you when I’m not there. I already lost my time with your father because of his selfishness. I don’t want to lose you too. More than I have already.”

“I will Mom… thank you.” Lightning Dust nodded, relief filling her. “By the way… how long do you think you have left to get here?”

“A few more minutes.” Emerald assured her daughter. “I’m nearly at the police department. Please make sure you’re ready for me by the time I get there. If you’re in there longer than I can handle I think I’m gonna break something.”

“Only if you promise that you won’t go crazy.”

“…I’ll do my best.”

“Alright, I gotta go. I’ll be near the back towards all the desks and computers.” Lightning ended the discussion and hung up the phone after a few seconds. Giving it back to Starknight, she noticed a proud look on the policewoman’s face. Like she had done something that was worthy of her praise. “What’s that look for?”

Starknight smiled as she took the phone. “For showing how a real adult atones for their actions.”

---

While she stated she would only be about three minutes away, Emerald Dust managed to get to the precinct in less than a quarter of that time. It took even less time to get inside the station, with the clacking of high heels being the first sign to indicate she was there. Starknight and Dust only needed to wait nearly a half minute for the latter’s mother to arrive. She bore a bit of a resemblance to her daughter, save for some minor gray streaks in her hair. But when it came to her clothing, it was obvious she was someone of importance. From her black overcoat, blue silk shirt, black slacks and black high heel shoes.

“I take it you must be Lightning Dust’s mother?” Starknight asked, ending the awkward silence. “I am Sergeant Starknight.”

“What if I am?” She replied, adding “I don’t really care for your identity. What I do care about is getting my daughter out of here and home with me.”

“Mom! You promised me that you wouldn’t act like this! Please calm down! ” Quickly turning her attention to Starknight Lightning Dust gave her parting words. “I’m sorry for how my mother has acted, officer Starknight. She’s just worried about me and upset. I hope you can forgive her.”

“It’s fine. Not like I can blame her even if I wanted to. I’d be lying if I said I could keep a cool head in her shoes.” Starknight murmured, coughing in her fist. “Figuratively speaking.”

“Right, so… I would like to go and leave with my Mom now… if that is alright with you?”

“Yes, Lightning Dust, you may leave. Please follow me to the front of the precinct.” She instructed, watching Lightning’s mother take out her badge. “There is no need to show me your credentials, I’ll escort the both of you out. But I should advise you Lightning Dust that when and if you do come here again please have your Diplomatic Identification on you. You may be able to avoid what went down in the future if you do.”

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Narrowing her eyes Mrs. Dust took her daughter by her hand leading her towards her car parked out front of the precinct. Cold freshness bit at their skin as the rain came down as hard as it was when it first started. As Mrs. Dust and her daughter went to their car, Lightning turned her attention towards officer Starknight, feeling sadness creep within her. Letting go of her mother’s hand she looked down before approaching the officer.

“L-Lightning Dust?”

“Just a second Mom, I need to say something to the officer real quick.” Not looking at her mother, she approached Starknight with resolution in her eyes. “So, uh… I wanted to thank you for looking after me, especially from that Officer Tails guy. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to handle it if it wasn’t for you.”

“I’m just doing my job, kid. What any other officer would do.” Starknight dismissed the girl’s gratitude with a wave of her arms. ‘Unlike what Tails would.’

“And one more thing… It's about Sunset.” Lightning continued, scratching her cheek. “If you don’t want a repeat of what I did to Sunset Shimmer at school today, then spend some time with her. I won’t be the only person that wants to start fights with Sunset so if you want to avoid all that give her something positive in her life.”

“I’ll be sure to do that Lightning Dust, but I have more pressing matters at hand right now.” Starknight said while turning on her heels. “You should be lucky that you got let off as lightly as this. Had this been a normal situation I would have had to bring you to Juvenile Hall for what you did today. Consider this as a lesson to be mindful of your actions and contemplate whether they’ll be worth the consequences. ‘Cause you never know how dire they could be.”

“It's a good thing my mother got to me first then, isn’t it? I know my father would’ve let me rot in jail for this if she didn’t.” She replied before following her mother back to her car. “Alright Mom, I’m ready to go! Remember you can't get the state department involved in this!”

“I know, I know!” Mrs. Dust yelled in annoyance. “We’re ready now Ms. Maisy! Take us to the airport this instant!”

As the woman slammed the door to her expensive car, Starknight finally went back inside as the mother and daughter drove off. Going down the hall of the precinct, she went for her desk where she saw Moonstone going over some paperwork.

“Hello Sergeant, did Ms. Lightning leave with her mother?” He asked with some inquisitiveness.

“She did.” Starknight sighed, placing a hand on her hip. “But enough about that. I need to let you know of your punishment for your assault on Lightning Dust.”

“I suspected as much.” Moonstone murmured grimly, pausing in his paper sorting.

“For your use of excessive force on a minor and misuse of your weapons, as of this moment you are on desk duty. Until I say otherwise, you are not to do anything else regarding your other roles as an officer. Should this not work to help you learn, your penance will be more severe. Do you fully understand?”

“Yes ma’am…” Moonstone confirmed bitterly, giving a little tsk. “This is total-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence mister or your desk duty will be extended. Now get back to work.” She interrupted as she headed for the captain's office. “I really hate this job sometimes.”

---

“Come in Sargent.” Duke commanded, watching his niece come inside and shut the door behind them. “Are Miss Lightning Dust and her mother gone yet?”

“Yes, I had to let her go. I didn’t want to embarrass the precinct.” Starknight replied while sitting in front of her uncle’s desk. “I am sure there will be a news conference about this in the morning sir.”

“I doubt her mother will carry out her threat to call the state department. Doing so might just as easily embarrass her like her new husband.” Getting a confused look from his niece he added, “I was with her when she got the divorce two years ago. Both blamed the other, but Mr. Dust got temporary custody of their daughter. I know we shouldn’t have let Lightning Dust go with her mother, but I think it might be best to let the courts deal with this one. And for us to stay out of it as much as we can.”

“I agree with that part of it at least sir.” Starknight grumbled while crossing her arms. “Captain sir, I don’t like not being able to put someone into jail for causing a crime. Lightning Dust committed assault! We had everything we needed to press charges and she called her mother! Who swoops in flashes some diplomatic badge around and presto! They get to walk out of here Scott-free! It’s times like this I’m reminded just how screwed up this city is!”

“I don’t like it either, but we have little if any say in this matter. Now, please return to your duties, Officer Starknight.” Watching her head for the door, he stopped her in her tracks. “I also want you to know that Moonstone will be fully investigated by I.A. You’re to stay out of it and not do a thing to interfere. Is that clear?”

With a guttural growl in her throat, Starknight nodded. “Yes, sir!”

Not wanting to hear whatever else her uncle had to say, the policewoman stormed back out of his office. Returning to her desk, later she sat down and started her paperwork, where she stayed for the next several hours. Near the end, Moon Stone got up from his desk and checked the time, seeing it was four-forty-five in the morning.

“It's been a long night, sergeant.” He said in an effort to break the silence. “How about we call it and head home? I for one could use some sleep.”

“Sure thing. But before we go, I want to know why you were late today?” She replied, getting up and cracking her back and neck back into place. “And I fully and completely expect you to be on time for now. Do you fully understand?”

“Yes, but can this wait until after I have had some sleep sergeant? I’m feeling really drained right now.”

Seeing that Moonstone was quite tired and wasn’t in the mood for anything further she nodded picking up her phone. She dialed a number and waited for a minute. Looking around she saw the other officers going about their own business. With some of them filing paperwork while others were working on their computers, and a few just standing around talking among themselves.

“Dispatch.” The dispatcher said.

“This is Starknight Justice. I am calling in my ten - forty-two and the.” Glancing at her watch she added, “Time is zero four hundred hours and fifty-nine minutes. I’m turning the phone over to officer Moonstone to end his tour of duty.”

“Ten four - officer.” The dispatcher replied.

Taking the phone from her he held the receiver to her right ear and waited for a couple minutes in silence. Looking around he saw several other officers talking about other cases looking over to Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper’s desks he saw officers Scarlet Bee, Dusk Song, and Jewel Lilly talking with Mustang Tails and Breeze Sweeper.

“Has anyone heard anything about those missing kids, sergeant?” Moonstone asked curiously.

“Not that I know. I’ll check in with Mustang Tails and see how things are going. You stay here and clock yourself out, got it?”

“Yes ma’am.” He affirmed.

Watching her walking over to Mustangs desk he sighed hearing while he heard a voice over the phone. “This is Dispatch. Go ahead, officer.”

“What? Oh, yes this is Moonstone I am calling in my Ten - Forty-two.” Moonstone responded quickly. “The time is zero five hundred hours and three minutes.”

“Ten - Twelve officer.” His dispatcher replied a few seconds later. “Alright officer. You are clocked out now.”

Hanging up the phone, Moonstone stood up and walked over to Mustang’s desk getting many concerned looks from all that were over at his desk. Turning his attention to Starknight, Mustang growled out to her. “Like I said, you shouldn’t have an idiot like him as your rookie sergeant! He’s liable to get you hurt or even killed if he screws up like---”

“And how were you when you first started, you jerk?! You, according to your partner, were a complete idiot! Now quit it with that protective shit ‘because you are the last person who should be preaching about that!” Starknight snapped back, not any mood to deal with his ranting. “Now then… have you and the others heard anything about those missing kids yet or not?”

“No nothing yet sergeant. It seems like no one has anything we can use.” Mustang sighed as he calmed down. “It’s nothing you need to concern yourself over right now. Just go home… the rest of us can handle this.”

“Yeah, we don’t need your help sergeant. But we do appreciate it.” Scarlet Bee chimed in kindly.

“I am sure we’ll find them... We just have to.” Jewel Lilly murmured quietly. “We don’t want them to go through what you did, Sargent. When you were kid-”

“What happened to me is none of your damn business!” She yelled back, interrupting her, causing everyone other than Mustang and Breeze Sweeper to take a step back. Turning her attention to Moonstone she more calmly asked, “Are you clocked out yet rookie?”

“Y-yes I am.” He replied gulping, “Please don’t be too hard on them sergeant. All of them are just doing their jobs.”

“Good, you’re free to go. And make sure to come early next time like I said.” Starknight nodded, turning her attention back to the group. “All of you, go home now! And don’t bring up my past again unless it is called for by a warrant or summons! Is that clear?”

“Yes ma’am.” Everyone replied in unison.

“We’re sorry sergeant, we didn’t-'' Dusk Song injected only to be left standing to watch Starknight storm off. “I guess we’ll just get back to work then…”

Turning to leave, Moonstone took one last look at Sergeant Starknight before collecting his things and making his way to the officers changing room. Getting to his locker several moments later, he opened it, placing his duty belt inside. He was going to head for the exit when he heard a voice call out to him.

“Hey rookie, don't be too afraid of the sergeant.” Turning around he saw another officer who was putting on his vest. “She was only a kid when something horrible happened to her. Something that stayed with her for a pretty long time.”

Moonstone tilted his head. “Uh, who are you?”

“Oh, I am Lieutenant Starchaser.” Moonstone noticed the Lieutenant had snow white hair, glasses, slightly wrinkled skin and freckles. “I’m nearly fifty years old, close to retirement and I know what she is going through. Though I can’t go into details I can say this, the sergeant is a good person deep down. Try to take her rough attitude with anything other than a grain of salt. ”

“I see...” Moonstone replied, taking off his duty shirt he quickly put it into his locker, taking out a clean green t-shirt slipping it on. “And I take it that ‘something bad’ that happened to her turned her into who she is today?”

“Yeah, you could say that.” Starchaser said sadly. “It’s not something any of us can really help her with other than perhaps the captain. He knows it better than anyone else.”

“Captain Duke?”

“Our captain happens to be her uncle.” Walking towards the exit, not noticing the look of surprise on Moonstone’s face. “He has helped her deal with the ‘indecent’ and helped her get some peace back into her life, but as you saw, it still gets to her every now and again. He won’t like it if you or anyone else for that matter brings it up, and he prefers it if no one does. Just be careful what you say, and you bring up around her for your own sake, got it kid?”

Not knowing exactly what to say, Moonstone just nodded and finished his redressing, locking his equipment and heading out the precinct. Just seconds later Starknight joined him, holding a look of bitterness and anger as she went to her car. Without a single word in his direction, she opened up the driver’s door and started up her car.

Leaning back into her chair she closed her eyes, her thoughts dwelling on her childhood memories. Memories she would rather sooner forget than remember if given the chance to do so. Hearing a knock on the driver’s side window her eyes snapped open and saw Moonstone’s worried face looking at it from behind.

Groaning softly, Starknight rolled down “What is it rookie?”

“Just wanted to know if you were okay, sergeant.” He replied nervously, not really knowing how to begin. “I noticed you looking a little down there.”

“I’m fine. You don’t need to concern yourself with me.” She rebutted with a snort, her voice lacking the annoyance and irritation she had earlier. “Just been a really stressful day, nothing more.”

“Yeah… I can tell.” Moonstone murmured, pausing to let some awkward silence pass. “Look… I know you were upset by what happened back there. I honestly would be too if someone were to try and bring something up that I would rather forget. But I want you to know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer alone either. Everyone has things that they don’t want to remember, and while I have my own skeletons, I can see your closet is pretty packed.”

He stopped for a second when Starknight looked over at him. “I can’t say that I know what you’re going through, and I won’t pretend I do. But… if you need to talk, I’m a really good listener. It’s kind of a specialty of mine since I was a kid and it’s helped a lot of people so… don’t hesitate to vent to me if you’d like.”

Nothing was said from Starknight to follow up these words as she sat in her seat and let her and Moonstone’s eyes merge with each other. From her eyes of pain, sadness and bitterness came a small light brought out by the warmth, kindness and brightness of the younger officer’s. Part of her was tempted by the offer. To have someone other than her uncle know the pain of what she went through under means out of her control. However, a sadder part of her rejected it and not out of fear of how he would see her. No part of Starknight doubted Moonstone’s words and that he was willing to be her confidant… but she couldn’t do it. Not to someone with eyes like his.

“Go home rookie.” She softly commanded after a full minute, putting her car in driving mode. “Be here at 8 o’clock sharp. If you are even a minute late, I’ll give you a reprimand.”

With those parting words, Starknight drove off leaving Moonstone standing in the street a little bit dumbfounded at what was said. It soon turned into dismay as he went to his own car, silently beating himself over with what he tried, and failed to do. As he thought back on it, he remembered the look in Starknight’s eyes and felt his mood lighten. Moonstone didn’t know whether his sergeant was willing to trust his words, but he hoped she could trust him in the future.

Next Chapter: Chapter 5 - Dimming Suns Part 1 of 9 August 3rd, Wednesday 2 AM Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 23 Minutes