Clean Criminals

The truth is, Breakpoint is a secret, unsanctioned division of the Police force. Before the Great War, our city, Crux city, maintained its peace by leveraging advanced technology. People’s lives improved with every new invention, and the Police were the pinnacle of it, being the most respected authority figure in the public’s eyes. 

The Police did not rule with fear, but rather, was allowed to rule through garnering the respect of the people. You could say they were the “knights” of the modern era. They were the ones to commission and share innovative technology with the public and use advanced weaponry to deter attacks from within and afar. Crime was negligible.

I continue to stare at the screen, shocked and dumbfounded. Secretary Sahara stands up to formally brief us on our next target…

“Guile Hallmark. The CEO of Paladin Enterprises. We believe he and his corporation to be a front for a greater criminal organization. An organization known as the Syndicate.”

I nearly vomited upon hearing the name of my former boss again. It’s that bald man with the steely gaze… A man who presents himself as a down-to-earth college professor on the surface to deceive you from his true identity as a ruthless executive deeper down.

Though I am looking at a static image of the man, I can envision his lips form the words, “We no longer have the need for your position in our company anymore,” accompanied by the man’s smug grin. No, I won’t let him have his way with me. That’s why I’m here! I joined this cause to fight this very evil that ruined my dream… no, the evil that made me realize that my dream was never real in the first place!

“Agent Dreadnought…? Are you still following us?” Sahara asks with an unempathetic, yet concerned look on her face. “You haven’t been taking drugs, are you?”

“O-Of course not!” I stammer, recoiling from the secretary’s baseless accusation. “Let’s get back to the topic at hand. You mentioned something about a syndicate?”

“Sahara continues with the briefing, “Indeed. Following Paladin’s switch to electromagnetic weapons, Guile has garnered much favor from the public, believing that Paladin’s weapons will protect them, allowing the Syndicate to expand their reach across the city.”

The War of Information—a conflict once believed to be fought between the Police and the corporations who rebelled against them. Unbeknownst to the public, the Police and the Syndicate are two sides of the same coin. Both employ armies to fight in secret to protect the reputation of their parent organization, while toppling the individuals backing their adversaries.

“That’s why we are lucky to have you, Agent Dreadnought!” Harbinger comments, doting on me like a proud father. “We could always use more boots on the ground, especially since we are missing Trace…”

Eavesdropping, scandals, accusations. Both factions did whatever it took to procure evidence against the other party to ruin their image in the eyes of the public. However, our methods have evolved from using cameras and recording devices, to wielding pistols and machine guns.

Chief Nalix looks at me with acknowledgement, “I’m glad this new recruit has been a good asset to your team, Harbinger. I hand picked him myself from Division 1. The skills he demonstrated during the school operation were not too shabby, eh?”

The Police can only arrest those they have incriminating evidence against. However, they are often unable to obtain evidence through legitimate means. The Syndicate are full of powerful individuals who force members of large corporations on the promise of power or being bequeathed a larger portion of the city. These ‘clean criminals’ orchestrate crimes without incriminating themselves, making them practically untouchable in the eyes of the Police.

That’s where Breakpoint comes in.

Breakpoint can commit crimes to obtain evidence while disposing of these “clean criminals” ourselves. Though we have no official ties to the Police, we are backed by the chief, who graciously sends us funding and equipment in secret.

However, we are not officially protected by an organization, meaning, we have no lifeline to a larger team… should we get caught. The only Police units to know of Breakpoint’s existence are Chief Nalix and Secretary Sahara.

“I’ve collected enough data from those Syndicate members I’ve eavesdropped on at that school.” Val chimes in. “For three days straight, I’ve pored over the footage from every room and every hall!

The screen displaying Sahara’s briefing wobbles and flickers as Val remotely hijacks the screen, replacing the briefing with a picture of an old, run-down factory.

“Val, was that really necessary?” Sinclair playfully interjects, amused by Val’s antics.

“It’s faster this way!” Val assures. “And listen up! I’ve seen them move captives through the school. And after running an analysis of the conversations of all the goons at the school, I determined that the captives were secretly being transported to this factory!” Val looks at everyone with determination, “I’m positive that Trace must’ve made his way here, and we can collect incriminating evidence on Paladin Enterprises while we’re there!”

“First, we’ll have to determine Paladin’s connection to the Syndicate,” Harbinger insists, hiding his concern for Trace with a matter-of-fact tone. “However, with Dreadnought on our side, we might just have the firepower to pull this off. Not bad investigative work for someone who doesn’t work for the police anymore, Val.” Val receives her compliment with a huge grin, her expression akin to a cat being petted.

“Dreadnought! Jen! Form up and gear up! This factory is likely a place of no return for many captives, and we’re going to find out why. Our goal—rescue Trace and put the Paladin Enterprise in their place!”

At Harbinger’s last remark, I remember Guile’s smug face, tightening my fist in determination.

I’m used to putting myself in harm’s way for the people.

But this time I’m doing it for myself.

This time… I’m doing it for revenge!