"Harry, how's the construction of the police stations coming along?" asked Aaron over the intercom.

  "The main station in the central zone is complete, the others are in various stages of completion," came Harry's voice over a cacophony of construction sounds.

  "Excellent, when can we have the central station operational?" asked Aaron.

  "Tomorrow. Natasha's already issued orders for all security personnel to report there for a briefing and deployment," replied Harry.

  "We're ahead of schedule. Nice. What about the Stormkreuzers?" asked Aaron.

  "Those beasts have just cleared customs. The delivery trucks are en route to the central station now," replied Harry.

  "Great. Keep me posted," said Aaron, ending the call. He switched to another intercom channel.

  "Margaret, how are the new uniforms and gear coming along?" he asked.

  "The uniforms are stocked in the armory along with the non-lethal gear, Master Zakhrov. We'll have the best dressed force in town," replied Margaret.

  "Have you confirmed the heel-height for optimal sprinting?" asked Aaron.

  "Yes, Master Zakhrov. Six centimeters is the optimal height," replied Margaret.

  "Hmm, not as big of an impact as 8 cm, but I suppose it's a good compromise," said Aaron.

  "I would say having heels for female police boots is already crazy enough, Master Zakhrov," chuckled Margaret.

  "Touché," chuckled Aaron, ending the call.

  "Perhaps it's time to branch out into weapons development and manufacturing," he mused aloud, frowning at the bills for the non-lethal gear.

  ---

  "All right everyone, listen up. Our roles and responsibilities have now expanded.

  Effective immediately, we have been deputized into a new police force, responsible for maintaining law and order in all the redevelopment zones of Sirius Software. Official designation is Sirius Zone Police Department, or SZPD.

  A skeleton crew of 20 personnel will remain at Sirius Software HQ to provide security. The rest of you will be deployed immediately to the redeveloped zones.

  I need 20 volunteers for the security detail here," said Natasha to the assembled security personnel in the newly opened central zone police station.

  Twenty hands shot up.

  "OK, the rest of you, proceed to the armory. You will be issued new uniforms and gear.

  As we are deputized and not full officers, only non-lethal gear will be issued. Your mission is to maintain order, and to call in Boston PD if you encounter anything beyond your capabilities. Dismissed," said Natasha, and the security personnel eagerly headed to the armory.

  ---

  "I should have known," chuckled Natasha, examining the SZPD uniform that she had just been issued.

  At first glance, it looked identical to her Sirius Software security uniform, but on closer inspection, there were some differences.

  There were new shoulder patches with the SZPD logo, a badge on the left lapel of the blazer, and a nameplate on the right lapel.

  The boots had shorter six-centimeter heels, and the knife sheaths were replaced with utility pouches.

  The gun belt was part of the uniform blazer instead of it being a concealed version in the uniform skirt like her Sirius Software security uniform, and the buttons were silver rather than leather-covered.

  Instead of the black leather over-bust armored corset of the security uniform, the SZPD uniform had a white shirt and a black clip-on tie, along with a black leather armored waist-clincher.

  To round out the uniform, there was a black police hat with a chrome badge on the front, and the same black leather taser gloves of the security uniform.

  She slipped on the uniform shirt, skirt, blazer, and boots, and admired herself in the mirror.

  "Not bad. Still sexy, but not as over the top as the security uniform," she mused, twirling in the mirror.

  She picked up the SZPD badge and nameplate, and pinned them on her blazer.

  With a satisfied nod, she equipped her non-lethal gear, including a pepper spray, a baton, handcuffs and zip-ties, and a radio, and headed out to the main station area.

  ---

  "All right Doc, we're going to head out on patrol," said Natasha to Kavitha who was manning the dispatch console.

  "Got it. Be safe out there," replied Kavitha, not looking up from her screen.

  Natasha and Olga joined the other officers, headed out of the police station.

  ---

  "These monsters are our squad cars?" asked Natasha, as she eyed the sleek black Stormkreuzer sedans, equipped with light bars and sirens.

  "I liked the FBI SUVs, but these are even better. Let's get in," said Olga, climbing into the front passenger seat.

  Natasha slid into the driver's seat, and took stock of the controls.

  "Manual transmission with paddle shifters. Aaron sure know how to pick 'em," she chuckled, starting the car.

  The engine sprang to life with a deep and satisfying rumble, accompanied by the high-pitched whistle of superchargers spinning up.

  Unable to resist, she revved the engine a few times, its menacing growl sending shivers down her spine.

  "Earth to Natasha. You ready to roll?" chuckled Olga.

  "Right. Let's go," said Natasha, pulling out of the police station parking lot.

  ---

  "Hey, Sylvia, over here," said Brandon, waving her over to his table at a small coffee shop.

  Sylvia slid into the seat across from him.

  "I've heard some rumblings that Sirius Software is starting its own damn police force," he said, sipping his coffee.

  "Rumblings? More like sure-fire confirmation! The entire police union is up in arms. They've been camped outside City Hall protesting," chuckled Sylvia.

  "I've been thinking of enlisting, but they haven't started recruiting yet," said Brandon.

  "Yeah well, they've been constructing what looks like police stations at breakneck speed. We should hear something soon," said Sylvia.

  Brandon's jaw dropped as he saw a sleek black sedan with a light bar and siren pull into the coffee shop parking lot.

  "I think they've opened for business," he said, as Natasha and Olga stepped out of the car, dressed in their new SZPD uniforms.

  "Holy shit. I heard Zakhrov had a harem of babes, I didn't know he dressed them like that," said Sylvia, staring at Natasha's sleek black leather SZPD uniform as she walked up to the barista.

  "Two espressos to go please," said Natasha to the barista behind the counter.

  "Coming right up," said the barista, glancing at Natasha's uniform with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

  "Excuse me, are you from Sirius Software?" asked Sylvia, walking up to Natasha.

  "Yes, I am," replied Natasha, turning to face Sylvia.

  "I'm Sylvia Crawford, and this is my partner Brandon Johnson. We got canned by Boston PD for stopping some idiots fry themselves on one of your cell tower fences. Are you recruiting? We'd love to join up," said Sylvia, with a slight blush.

  "We open recruitment next week. You can come to this location if you're interested," said Natasha, showing them the location of the SZPD central station on her phone map.

  "Thank you so much! Can you share it with us?" asked Sylvia.

  "Sure," said Natasha, sharing the location with them.

  "Great, we'll be there," said Sylvia, as Natasha picked up her coffees and headed back to the car.

  ---

  Kristen looked curiously at the house across the street.

  It was a modest two-story suburban cottage with a sloping and gabled roof, but it had been locked and boarded up ever since she and her mother had moved into the neighborhood five years ago.

  Today, however, a cleaning crew was busy at work, removing the boards and cleaning up the yard.

  Sirius Energy and Sirius Construction crews had arrived earlier, and installed their signature heavy power and fiber-optic cables.

  Indeed, over the past year, the entire neighborhood had been transformed:

  Upscale boutique stores, cafés, and restaurants had replaced the old strip malls and fast-food joints.

  Roads had been repaved, sidewalks widened, and drip irrigation systems had been installed along the tree-lined streets.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  More than that, power and internet bills had been slashed to a fraction of what they used to be, while their reliability had improved dramatically.

  However, just two blocks away, were neighborhoods with crumbling infrastructure and outdated technology, a stark contrast to the revitalized area.

  Tensions between the two areas had been slowly rising, with occasional acts of vandalism and theft.

  Her heart leaped with excitement as she saw a familiar BMW M5 pull up in front of the house.

  Giving herself a quick once-over in the mirror, she dashed out the door, and across the street.

  "Professor Zakhrov! Is this your new house?" she asked, as Ivan stepped out of the car.

  "Oh, hello Ms. Ford. Actually, this is my old house. Circumstances have changed, and I'm moving back here," replied Ivan.

  "That's wonderful! I live just across the street!" said Kristen, buzzing with excitement.

  "That's nice. I look forward to being neighbors," said Ivan, opening the trunk of his car and pulling out a set of suit bags.

  "Can I help you with your bags?" asked Kristen.

  "No, thank you. I don't have much stuff," replied Ivan, heading up to the front door.

  "Um, Professor Zakhrov? Is that all you've brought?" asked Kristen, eyeing the five suit bags.

  Ivan sighed wearily.

  "Yes, I've just come back from court. My divorce was finalized today," he said.

  Kristen slapped her cheeks in shock.

  "Oh no! I'm so sorry!" she said, realizing how uncomfortable her energy and questions must have seemed.

  "No, it's fine. It was a long time coming," replied Ivan, forcing a smile.

  "Well, if you need any help settling in, please let me know," said Kristen.

  "Thank you, I appreciate it," said Ivan, as he headed into the house, locking the door behind him.

  Kristen walked slowly back to her house, letting the news sink in.

  Once she was back in her room, she fell onto her bed, staring at the ceiling.

  "Why am I not as sorry as I should be?" she thought.

  A slow smile spread across her face.

  "He's single now. He's single now!" the thought sent shivers down her spine.

  "Just need to keep calm until I graduate. Wait for me, Professor Zakhrov," she sighed into her pillow.

  ---

  Elena Park took a deep breath as she stood outside Aaron's office.

  Her first meeting with him to organize the Sirius Zone Redevelopment Authority, and the Sirius Zone Police Department had gone well, but now came their first challenge, getting the entrenched Boston Police Union to play ball.

  "Are you ready?" asked Natasha, standing next to her in SZPD uniform.

  Elena adjusted her blazer and nodded.

  Natasha put her hand into the hand-print lock, and the door hissed open.

  They stepped inside.

  "What brings you here Ms. Park?" asked Aaron, looking up from his desk.

  "Two things Mr. Zakhrov. First, what exactly does me being president of the SZRA entail? Are we serfs in your fiefdom? Or do I have actual authority?" she asked, folding her arms.

  "I believe my enemies have a pretty good analogy for that. I'm the owner of the East India Company, and you're their governor-general," he said.

  Elena blinked, and then burst into a fit of giggles.

  "So I'm basically responsible for the administration of all the districts under the SZRA's jurisdiction. I just call you if I need something built, but otherwise, you stay out of my way," she said, still giggling.

  "That's it, pretty much," said Aaron smiling slightly.

  Elena recovered her composure.

  "Second, we have a problem with the police union. They're camped outside city hall, protesting the creation of the SZPD. The mayor is secretly on our side, but he can't endorse us publicly because the police department handles his security," she explained.

  "You can take Natasha to oversee his security detail. That should let him come out in our favor," said Aaron.

  Elena tapped her chin thoughtfully.

  "That could work. But you still need to move fast. Things can get very ugly if the police union decides to go to war," she said.

  "That won't be a problem. I've already got fortifications in place around the SZPD stations, and riot control gear on standby. We can evacuate the entire zone into the SZPD bunkers if we have to," said Aaron.

  "I think your colonizer analogy is inaccurate Master Zakhrov. Our relationship is more like that of Caesar and the Senate. I just hope I don't make the same mistake and piss you off," chuckled Elena, rising to leave.

  "Unlike Caesar, I just want to run my company, we're good as long as that continues. Other than that, you can administer the redevelopment zones however you like," said Aaron with a grin.

  Elena blushed slightly, and left the office with Natasha close behind her.

  ---

  "Mr. Mayor, this is an outrage! Sirius Software is a private company. You can't just let them roll in and organize their own damn police force!" shouted the Commissioner of Boston's police department, a big beefy man with a round face and a barrel shaped body.

  His heavy jowls quivered as he spoke, and his face turned a deep shade of red.

  Mayor Victor Callahan stared down at the Commissioner.

  Technically, the Commissioner served at his pleasure, but he had learned the hard way, that this particular Commissioner served at somebody else's pleasure, and took his orders from them.

  The end result was a steady decline in the quality of life in Boston, and a steady increase in the crime rate.

  That was until Congressman Michael DuPont and Sirius Software had stepped in, and cleared out a den of meth dealers operating out of the old St. Ignatius Academy school district with extreme prejudice.

  Even now, instead of actually performing their duties, the police union was holding a strike outside City Hall.

  Victor opened a folder on his desk, and slid it across to the Commissioner.

  "Pray tell me, Commissioner. Why were two of your officers terminated for stopping a bunch if idiotic kids from being fried on an electric fence?" he asked, his voice calm, but with an edge of steel.

  "Because they were insubordinate, and refused to follow orders!" barked the Commissioner.

  "I see. And remind me, what were those orders?" asked Victor.

  "To not interfere with vandalism of Sirius Software property, under their first amendment rights!" shouted the Commissioner.

  "Ah, yes. The first amendment. The one that guarantees freedom of speech, and the right to peacefully assemble.

  Please tell me, Commissioner, how does trespassing on private property, ignoring clear warning signs constitute peaceful assembly?" asked Victor.

  "Citizens have a right to protest, Mr. Mayor," ground out the Commissioner, turning an even deeper shade of red.

  "But not the brains or the responsibility to exercise that right, apparently," sighed Victor.

  "I'll make this simple for you Commissioner. Take your 'pigs' as the public calls them off the lawns of City Hall, and get back to work in the precincts that you still are supposed to serve. If you think for one second that you and your union thugs can turn Boston into a war zone, the entire police department will be disbanded, and replaced with one that actually serves and protects the citizens of Boston. Do I make myself clear?" asked Victor, glaring at the Commissioner.

  The Commissioner glared back at Victor.

  "You're making a big mistake Mr. Mayor. The police union has a lot of friends in high places. That super-villain wannabe brat will soon find out who's really in charge here," he snarled.

  Victor got to his feet.

  "Commissioner, I answer to the people of Boston. You'd be wise to remember that you do so as well. Now get out of my office, there's nothing left to discuss," he said, his voice icy cold.

  The Commissioner glared at Victor for a moment longer, then turned on his heel and stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

  Victor sat back down at his desk, and let out an explosive sigh.

  "That felt good," he chuckled wryly, as a hidden panel slid open to reveal Natasha in SZPD uniform, armed with a dart rifle.

  "That was impressive, Mr. Mayor. I didn't know you had it in you," she said, lowering the rifle.

  "Neither did I," he chuckled.

  "Thanks for the assist. I couldn't have done it without knowing that you could take him out if things got out of hand," he said, smiling at her.

  "Anytime, Mr. Mayor. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the precinct. We've got a lot of work to do," she said, turning to leave.

  "Natasha, wait. I wanted to ask you something," he said, stopping her.

  She turned back to him. "Yes, Mr. Mayor?"

  "I've known you since you were a PI for Senator Clarke, but it feels like you've finally found your calling with Sirius Software, so congratulations on that," he said, smiling at her.

  "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That means a lot coming from you," she said, smiling back, before leaving the office, her heels clicking smartly on the marble floor.

  ---

  "Oh, yeah. This thing is a beast," chuckled Brandon, as he and Sylvia patrolled the streets of Sirius Zone 1 in their SZPD Stormkreuzer.

  Sirius Zone 1 was a 4 km by 4 km area that encompassed a mix of redeveloped upscale residential sectors, and a small commercial district.

  The problem was, that their beat overlapped with the Boston PD's precinct that they had been fired from, thanks to the Pine Springs neighborhood bordering the zone, and where their old precinct was located.

  "Definitely better than our old squad car," said Sylvia, as she adjusted the blazer of her SZPD uniform.

  "Talk about déjà vu," chuckled Brandon, as they approached the Sirius Software cell tower that they had watched earlier, and the cause of their termination from Boston PD.

  Brandon tensed up as he saw a Boston PD SWAT team setting up a perimeter around the cell tower, with a couple of police cruisers parked nearby.

  "Looks like the union has sent in the big guns," he muttered.

  "So now instead of a wrecking ball, they're going to use explosives. They really don't like that cell tower," sighed Sylvia.

  Brandon chirped the siren, and approached closer to the SWAT team.

  The reaction from the SWAT team was immediate. Bullets slammed into the Stormkreuzer's reinforced windshield.

  Brandon gunned the engine, and sent the Stormkreuzer into a controlled 180 degree spin.

  He then drove away from the SWAT team in a cloud of smoke and rubber.

  "10-33,10-33, this is unit 7, we're under fire from a Boston PD SWAT team," said Sylvia into the radio, as Brandon accelerated away from the scene.

  "Copy that unit 7, can you evade and return to precinct?" came the reply.

  "Affirmative, returning to precinct," said Sylvia.

  "Why the hell are they shooting at us?" growled Brandon.

  "Central to all units! Be advised, Boston PD is hostile to SZPD units, exercise extreme caution," came the warning over the radio.

  "Great, just great," sighed Brandon.

  "On the bright side, they're not in pursuit," said Sylvia, looking through the rear windshield.

  "And we now know that the union can't stand us," chuckled Brandon grimly.

  ---

  Richard Hastings, the newly appointed SZPD Commissioner, stood in the command center of the SZPD headquarters, overlooking a bank of monitors showing live feeds from the various districts under the SZPD's jurisdiction.

  "Central to all units, return to your precincts for tactical gear changes. Riot control gear is now authorized," he announced over the radio.

  "Ten-four Commissioner, returning to precinct," came the replies from the various units.

  He watched in satisfaction as the cameras showed the SZPD Stormkreuzers activate their lights and sirens, and head back to their precincts.

  "President Park, any word from the Mayor's office?" he asked Elena over a secure video link.

  "Negotiations with the Commissioner of Boston PD have finished, they have been ordered to return to their precincts, and resume normal duties," she replied.

  "Yeah, that's not happening. I've just had a SWAT team open fire on one of our patrols," growled Richard.

  "If it's a war they want, then it's a war they'll get! Initiate Evacuation Protocol Alpha. Get all civilians into the SZPD bunkers, and lockdown all districts," ordered Elena.

  "Yes ma'am, my units are already en route to their precincts for riot gear changes," said Richard.

  "Good. Once the civilians are safe, we can start clearing out those union thugs. Lethal force is authorized," she said grimly.

  "Ma'am, that could get messy. We could be looking at a full-blown civil war," cautioned Richard.

  "They drew first blood, Commissioner. If you can get them to stand down without bloodshed, great. But no SZPD officer is getting killed because we're being polite," said Elena firmly.

  "Understood ma'am," said Richard grimly, as he activated the lockdown protocols.

  ---

  "Citizens of Boston, this is Mayor Victor Callahan," announced Victor over a special broadcast on all local TV, radio, and social media channels.

  "The Boston Police Union, has declared war on the newly formed Sirius Zone Police Department. They have opened fire on their officers without warning or provocation.

  As of this moment, all districts under the jurisdiction of the Sirius Zone Redevelopment Authority are under lockdown, by order of Elena Park, president of the Sirius Zone Redevelopment Authority.

  All civilians are requested to cooperate with SZPD officers, and proceed to the nearest SZPD station for their safety," he said, before his face turned grim.

  "By order of the city council, the Boston Police Department is disbanded, effective immediately, and martial law is in effect. The SZPD and US armed forces have been authorized to take any and all means to restore law and order.

  To the members of the Boston Police Union, I implore you, stay at home, and unarmed, for the sake of your families.

  Do not be so foolish as to try to go out in a blaze of glory, for there will only be death that awaits you," he said, before cutting off the broadcast.

  ---

  Aaron watched as Boston PD police cruisers and SWAT vehicles surrounded his Sirius Software compound.

  "Natasha, do we have a count?" he asked her.

  "Yes sir, about 150 vehicles, and 300 officers," she replied, looking at the camera feeds.

  "Time to test our new defense systems. Exterminate them," he ordered.

  "With pleasure, sir," she replied, as she activated the defense systems.

  The air lit up as radar guided interceptor ballistic missiles blasted out of silos and arced over the compound walls, hitting the oncoming police vehicles with deadly accuracy.

  Their tungsten warheads smashed through the SWAT vehicles and cruisers tearing through the steel and composites as if they were tissue paper.

  The Hydrazine and Hydrogen Peroxide rocket propellants ignited on impact, engulfing the vehicles in white-hot flames.

  Within seconds, the entire police force was wiped out, leaving only smoking and twisted wrecks.

  A thrill ran through Aaron's body as he surveyed the destruction on the monitors.

  "Come here," he ordered Natasha, his voice husky.

  Natasha walked over to him, her uniform creaking slightly as she moved.

  Aaron pulled her into his arms, and kissed her deeply.

  She responded eagerly, her hands roaming over his body.

  "Exterminating vermin gives me such a thrill," he murmured into her ear.

  "Me too, Master Zakhrov," she whispered back.

  With a dark chuckle, Aaron picked her up and carried her into his private quarters.