estoria | I Still Need To Return My Movies!

Entry tags:

I Still Need To Return My Movies!

Who:

patroller & You!
When: IC: 1/22
Where: Entertainment District
What: Jaco comes to find that his "Galactic Patrolman" status doesn't exactly transfer over to Cerealia. And lands in the joint.
Rating/Warning: Cartoon-style soot covered criminal, thanks to Jaco. Nothing otherwise!

It wasn't that Jaco didn't understand the expectations of a Night Watchman, it was that he felt his skills as a super elite peacekeeper were being gravely underutilized behind a security camera all night. He hadn't considered that maybe CERES had given him the role based upon his... methods of handling lawbreakers. And that perhaps this relegation to security guard was in the best interest of the populace.

Point being that when dealing with galactic monsters, a certain level of force was required! Unfortunately his level of force remained constant from renegade space pirates to... purse thieves.

Hence the mild explosions echoing out over the usual commotion of the entertainment district. The victim? An unlucky native deemed "criminal" by the patrolman. As well as a nearby cleaning droid. And mailbox. And storefront window. No deaths (droid not withstanding) but a toasted miscreant twitched and groaned near the alien.

"That will teach you to try and hack into public property! You're lucky I've spared your life!"

Jaco stood as the distant sounds of security approached, twirling his gun on one finger. If anyone happened to be watching, he would fumble with holstering his weapon and fold his arms triumphantly.

"All in a day's work."

((Brackets/Prose are okay with me! I'll match you))

B. [ A little later... ][ Video ]

[ Most prisoner's didn't seem to get to hold onto their CereVice, but being a foreigner to Cerealia granted Jaco a little bit of leniency. At least enough to make a quick broadcast before having to process his bail.

Seriously though, a fine for disturbing the peace and destruction of public property? For a security guard? Those were basically space cops, right?! Jaco appeared over the feed. Or at least, the back of his head did.]

Such rudeness! What do you mean my jurisdiction does not extend-

[ Oh, the broadcast has begun. ]

Hello. Patrolman Jaco here. I am informed that... "vigilantism" is actually frowned upon. Even though I am a Night Watchman! Defender of peace! Anyway.

[ He seemed to glare at whatever was behind the CereVice for a moment. One of the android guards? ]

I would like to get in contact with whoever is in charge of the CERES police force! If they are listening, or if anyone knows who they are.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... Wait, you got arrested?

I only got fined for damages. It happens when you fight crime! I guess I didn't have clearance to use a gun to destroy my enemies.

For peace.

Not really illuminating yourself as a paragon of justice here for the Time Patrol, you know.

Omori said the same thing once, but sometimes you gotta get rough on bad guys! Lay the laws down!

I spared his life! This time.

Is that even within the laws here? We aren't exactly in our own universe, Jaco. We can't just rush in and enforce our own justice.

Look, I understand what you're going for. But are you sure this is the best way to go about this?

Probably!

[ He spun and turned his back to the camera. ]

This colony's corrupt and I'm going to clean it! But you're right. I don't have the credits to keep getting arrested...

Look, the Time Patrol subscribes to a philosophy. You don't interfere with natural order- you just fix things so they go the right way. Frying guys isn't the answer!

Justice is the answer.

[ He reached into his utility pouch to grab- wait- where was it? He could have sworn he had an extinction capsule in his belt! Did it not make it to the colony? ]

This wouldn't have happened if they knew who I was! But I guess we have to play by their rules.

[ We? ]

Of course you do. Justice is the rules! There's no justice without law.

[ ~~"He's right," Jaco thought. "I must become the law."~~ ]

What if the law is corrupt here?

[ Did he see that broadcast of their new CEO? It made Jaco uneasy. ]

Anyway, what matters right now is that I pay my fine and... not annihilate criminals. Maybe.

[Well, this is a surprise. One that Bulma meets with mixed feelings; on the one hand, Jaco is her sister's friend and one of the few people she knows here. On the other, he did try to turn the population against Vegeta.]

What, did you accuse one of the people in charge of breaking intergalactic law or something?

[ But on the other other hand, this guy was friends with your son! Doesn't that tip the scales? Come on Bulma! Forget that Jaco didn't know about any of that relationship just yet. ]

No! Even though they are. I will give them a pass if they fix our universe. This is different-

[ He waved a hand dismissively, as if his very reason for being here was silly. ]

I upheld the law. And destroyed a mailbox and some things. In the pursuit of stopping a criminal.

[It would tip the scales if she didn't know her son is keeping an eye on Jaco in case he causes any trouble.

Like this. This qualifies as trouble, Jaco.

Considering that buildings were frequently collateral damage in the events she's lived through, she doesn't even bat an eye at a mailbox... the vagueness of "some things" does make her lift an eyebrow, though.]

Well that's stupid. Shouldn't you be a hero? What kind of criminal do you get thrown in jail for arresting?

[She has a feeling he isn't telling the whole truth.]

I am, but the robotic security doesn't seem to have it in their records that I am an authority figure here. They mistake me as a regular foreigner despite my job as Night Watchman!

[ He huffed leaning his head into one hand as he drummed his fingers against the table with the other. ]

The population native to the colony is not very powerful. I may have overestimated how much force to use with my blaster.

[Well that doesn't make any sense. Why would CERES give him a job and then punish him for carrying it out--

Wait.

Wait.]

You shot him!?

[Now it's all falling into place.]

Edited 2015-06-23 03:21 (UTC)

He was too far away to punch and I did not want him to get away.

[ There was also the bit about it being middle of the day and nowhere near his designation for Night Watching but that wasn't of much importance really. ]

[Jaco pls]

You didn't kill someone, did you?

What? No! My temper is cool and collected! I should destroy the crime of this colony but the androids do not like that.

[ He didn't know why. If more people just destroyed their problems, things would be so much easier. But APPARENTLY killing bad guys is bad for a Night Watchman. ]

Once I become a recognized security figure I might. But only to maintain public safety.

Somehow I don't think even with recognition you'll be able to just run around killing people, Jaco.

[Y'know, for someone that's so quick to judge Vegeta they sure do have something in common.]

Maybe not. I guess.

[ He didn't really have to guess. He knew humans didn't react favorably to destroying their problems. It was one of the first things Tights and Omori had to make sure Jaco understood before heading out into the city.

That he shouldn't blow up the city. ]

Paying for damages will not help me bring back our universe. I need to get out of here!

Maybe it won't help bring back the universe, but it will get you out of jail, right? Suck it up and pay your fines!

[Too bad she isn't feeling very charitable.]

I am!

[ Believe him, he's tried to leave without paying anything. ]

They are taking a while to process my credits.

[ He huffed, blowing off some steam as he went back to leaning on his elbow. ]

At least playing that game of theirs helps pay for these necessary expenses.

Huh? You mean ViViD?

[She... hasn't even thought about the whole credits situation. Money is something you either have or you don't, right?]

I didn't know it paid to play... [Not really important.] Anyway, you should be more careful. You can't do anything to save Earth if you get yourself locked up for good!

"All in a day's work" his ass. He's been a vigilante for years, and though he's had his fair share of damage to public property, he's never seen such an excessive amount of force used purse snatcher. Just lariat, or a roundhouse kick would have sufficed.

Which leads him to where he is now. He's still pretty much in no shape for combat, but someone needs to put this "vigilante" in his place. Who else better than him? (The re-stitched hole on his side tells him otherwise).

Still, in a few minutes after Jaco's heroic pose, Richter will land just in front of the poor thief dressed in his heroes regalia. Dark coat and silver mask kneeling down at the victim-perp as he checks his vitals. After he's confirmed he's alive he turns to Jaco, a distorted voice leaving him.

"You should be ashamed of what you've done."

Jaco cocked his hip out and gave a pat to his laser. Yeah he did it! But who was this? The patroller wasn't about to let some colonist in fancy clothes come in and take his credit for the takedown. Maybe he was one of Cerealia's fellow security? Security or not, it was clear to Jaco that this person shared his sentiments about lawlessness.

"No need for that, I do not think he can hear you. I've taken care of this one!"

Because it wasn't like that scolding remark was directed at him or anything. Jaco just took the criminal population down by one! He broke into a galactic patroller's pose, pivoting his leg and striking his arm out valiantly.

"Jaco! Super Elite Security!"

And that just got his goat.

"I'm talking to YOU!"

He steadily reminds himself not to get too excited. It hasn't been long since he stitched himself up again and it doesn't help his recovery if he gets too excited.

"What kind of "security" renders a man, criminal or not, to this kind state? It's inhumane, cruel, and excessive."

"What? Me? Such rudeness!"

Jaco bristled up, losing the pose in exchange for setting his fists on his hips. This guy clearly didn't get how serious the law was! There were rules here, and without those rules things would get chaotic. Inhuman. Inhumane?

"Haven't you seen an alien before? Of course I'm not human! It isn't excessive, look he's moving."

Jaco pointed a gloved finger down at the faintly twitching heap. Compared to his usual means of fighting crime, Jaco's kept his temper perfectly calm. Omori would be proud! Probably... Come to think of it, this was the sort of thing Omori had asked him to avoid on Earth.

"He's lucky, normally villains must pay with their life! This one just has to pay a fine for tampering with a public machine."

"They MUST pay with their lives? NOT excessive??"

This guy is just really poking at his nerves. Richter can already feel his blood coursing though his veins and his temperature start to shoot up. A bright green glow starts shine through the mask where his eyes should be but, the glow on the right starts to slowly change into a burning orange light as he starts to take steps towards Jaco.

"So you think this punishment fit the crime? You think causing this much SUFFERING is justifiable? You think instilling the FEAR OF DEATH, not just in criminals but the civilians you're supposed to protect, is justice?!"

He emits a silver dusty from his body and tiny metal spikes protrude around his foot with each step. The dust, wrapping it self around him, started to form a distorted image of a large three headed dog. At the same time, droplets of blood started to fall to ground.

"If someone steals a wallet, should I chop their arm off? If a conman scams an innocent, should I burn their skin off? If this is how you maintain the law, then I speak for everyone when I say, no one wants that. That way of thinking is warped, dangerous, and you should be stopped before someone else falls victim to you."

This is not the way an injured person is supposed to spend time recovering.

Jaco's theatrical exuberance seemed to vanish along with the smirk at the corner of his mouth. Richter was not running, which meant that Jaco wouldn't need his blaster for this. The Patroller did not move an inch, bending his knees and bracing his feet against the smooth cement of the sidewalk. Anticipation filled his body, almost too eager to get into an actual fight with what was undoubtedly another troublemaker.

"Weakness is why this district is so heavily populated with unlawful p--" He stopped, looking at the blood... "Are. You bleeding?"

His temper subsided slightly. Jaco had to remember that this place was filled with planet-less refugees just like his friends. If he started picking fights, this could mess things up with Bulma by some sort of proxy. He wasn't sure how, but he could easily imagine her getting upset at him for fighting someone who was already half in the grave. The dog's image didn't seem to warrant his attention as much as the bleeding did. Enough that he made a point to gesture at the droplet splatters already on the ground.

He saw how Jaco lowered himself into a fighting stance. Not amused or impressed by his actions, in fact, he predicted him to do that. Now he knows for certain what this "security" really is. The comment on his bleeding does make him touch his side, immediately feeling the warm liquid life coming out of his side. Even through a gloved hand, he can tell he is bleeding out quite a lot, though he doesn't react save for a huff of annoyance.

"I'm sure whether I'm bleeding or not would matter to a thug like you. But I have my duties to attend to, and putting you in your place isn't one of them."

The three-headed dog, the aura of disgust and animosity that was clinging to Richter, vanished in almost an instant as he turned about and returned to the injured criminal. He gently picks up the injured man, trembling slightly as bolts of pain shot through his side. Just as he's about to leave, Richter turns slightly to address Jaco one more time.

"...That's their job."

The thing about Cerealia and vigilantism, it's still a crime. And the dozens of android guards hovering around Jaco will enforce that.

[ooc : Tell me if this is an okay way to end the thread.]

[What a scoop!

"Patrolman Jaco... self-described crime-fighter, arrested for vigilantism!" The headline wrote itself!

She'd reach out for an official quote though, with audio feed on for her only, as was her way.]

Mr. Jaco! Myriam Scuttlebutt here. --What a mess! Arrested for vigilantism? How did that happen? Got a quote for me? Sss, sss, sss!

[ Dammit not the press. Scuttlebutt NO. Jaco didn't have anywhere to run while his credits cleared the system. He pressed a small gloved hand to his forehead and held down his fidgeting temple.

Think, Jaco. ]

Yes. Greetings Myriam.

[ Don't worry, his video feed was still on and that body language of his screamed "painfully uncomfortable" ]

When dealing with intergalactic policies, sometimes things get tangled up. A quote? Okay. Okay. "Security thinks I am too tough on crime-"

[ He leaned back in his chair, yellow domes staring out at the CereVice. ]

"I think they are too soft!"

Please! Let's keep this professional. "Miss Scuttlebutt," if you don't mind. Sss, sss, sss!

[especially if he was a criminal, now...]

Was anyone hurt? "Collateral damage," I think is the phrase?

Do you feel you have any reflecting to do? Something like the concept of: "one cannot protect the peace without disturbing the peace," maybe?

Eh? Right. Miss Scuttlebutt.

[ Daaang, Jaco sat up and folded his arms. Well that was embarrassing. He flared his nostrils at the continued questions. ]

Only the lawbreaker! My laser was set a little powerfully.

[ It only had the one setting. ]

And it damaged some. Things. A droid. Store window. But like any good peacekeeper I am paying for these damages!

[ Yes. That was a good way to spin it. How charitable! Definitely not a fine! ]

My only reflection is to stop getting arrest-

...

To stop having to pay fines. I must read up on the rules here in this colony. And gain the proper clearance for enacting justice.

[ Jaco had to play this by the books. Legit style. ]

Ah... I see. Regretful mistakes, then. Which you're clearly making steps not to repeat... am I right?

[Drat... he sounded repentant. Oh well. It wasn't as juicy as a "fall from grace" story, but framing the story with him being a victim of a wrongful-headed CERES enforcer did fit the anti-CERES narrative she had been spinning so far]

Just to be sure... it wasn't the local police that picked you up, was it? Kahk kahk kahk... Got a name for your arresting officer, maybe?

Edited 2015-06-21 09:32 (UTC)

Oh I do not regret it, this is how the law must be! But I don't have the funds to keep paying for damages.

[ What was that about being repentant? ]

It was not one of the foreign inhabitants, no.

[ Jaco reached out and pushed the CereVice around to show a number of robotic looking androids positioned in the room. ]

This colony has a force of droids to maintain their image of peace. I guess that they do not see me as an "official" authority figure!

I see...

So, in lieu of the fines, you're just stewing in that cell for a while. Makes sense, I guess. Kaaaahk...

[Schrodinger had visited the entertainment district quite often. Tonight he sat atop the sign for Niteo and watched the secret exchanges happening in the valley below. They had asked for him to do something to help, but Schrodinger had simply vanished and appeared here, though it was strange that he seemed to be locked to the limitations of the colony for the time being. He was curious and wanted to see things for himself and see who else was here before he was given too much work again. After all the major had kept him rather busy running around so often while he simply sat back and stuffed his face.

The explosions had caught his attention though, and interested him so Schrodinger decided to check it out. Seeming to walk out from behind the droid as it hit the ground as a fiery heap of junk.

“Are you ok? You look awful?”

Schrodinger poked the man on the ground with his foot, leaning over him.

"If you lie around here you'll be late and the boss won't be happy."

Jaco was busy looking out in the direction of the distant sirens, so he failed to notice Schrodinger had appeared until he started speaking. When he turned back to his perp, he seemed surprised for a moment before stepping closer.

"I've stopped this criminal from potentially damaging public property. He should be thankful he is still alive!"

The alien was too caught up in the pride of halting a crime to realize that the aforementioned 'public property' was laying in a heap of scorched metal feet from them.

"Do you know him?"

His ears twitched a bit as the man groaned or tried to mumble something, turning to Jaco when it was apparent the guy wasn't really going to do anything. He seemed to smirk a bit at the comment that was made though,

"That seems little harsh don't you think."

Then again he had seen much harsher punishment and he supposed being blown to pieces was much better than torn to shreds.

"Who knows, I might have seen him a few times here and there."

"No."

Jaco spoke so matter-of-factually, it was if he had been insulted by the very idea that he could be too harsh. In reality there began to be a slight itch in the back of his conscious. A nub of past lectures from his friend Omori, buried in his mind. Humans were evil but they were also somewhat fragile.

Jaco was far from remorseful, but at least he'd begin to consider their fragility.

"Well his misdeeds have been rectified today. Once he recovers, he'll know to follow the right path."

He looked off, listening to the approaching sirens of security. Any moment now they'd be here to haul off his perp and maybe even give Jaco a medal!

Well that was certainly interesting, willing to cripple and harm for such a petty thing but then he was still going to leave the person alive? It was a little interesting and seemed a bit lazy or half hearted, the major would not have liked it at all. If you were going to punish someone, you should punish them to the fullest capacity that you could.

"or to simply not get caught by you."

Ignoring the sirens, Schrodinger walked up to the strange little man and looked over his uniform.

"What is your name?"

Jaco's views on justice, somehow both rigid and inconsistent, were why his esteem in the galactic patrol was... questionable, depending on who you spoke to. He would say he was held in pretty high regard! Super elite status! While many actual members of the patrol would question who Jaco even was. Much of this relied on emotion, which when coupled with the alien's fluctuating temper meant... this half-burnt criminal heap.

"Hoh! That is impossible I'm afraid, but that much is obvious when it comes to the galactic patrol! My name is Jaco!"

He bent his knee and entered the same heroic pose he's entered during all of his introductions.

"Super elite peacekeeper of the galaxy!"

Are you alright?

[ makoto appears on-screen a bit nervous, fiddling with the cerevice before he settles on a fairly abashed grimace. ]

You should be able to find able to find the police force in the Government Center, but it'd be a good idea not be so loud with your protests or you might land yourself in a bit of trouble.

I already am in trouble!

[ Jaco leered into the camera like a scolded teen. He huffed, moving the CereVice around the room. ]

That must be where I am, but all I've seen are androids. Maybe the humans work in another section. And I'm not trying to protest! ... Anymore. I want to officially enlist in this colony's security.

[ So he could beat up criminals without having to pay fines of course. ]

You wouldn't want to get in more trouble, right?

[ given the circumstances as of late, it's a little concerning, but makoto did technically end up in jail, so it's not like he's one to talk. ]

Well, I'm not really sure what to ... recommend, per se. I mean, I've heard of people even becoming police officers here, so I'd assume going to the CERES Government Center might help you with your problem.

I don't plan on it! My mind is set. I will contact the government center leader, or chief, or whatever it is and will become a galactic police officer.

[ Those were pretty much the same things as patrollers, right? Semantics. ]

I'll have no trouble. I mean I've protected the galaxy! Before, you know, the Flamines or whatever they are called destroyed it.

[ semantics. right, yeah, that makes sense. he doesn't understand a single word of this conversation, but that's more so attributed to makoto's ineptitude when it came to law. this kid's gonna' go places. ]

Oh! Good luck with that, then. I know they've been tightening the security on Tellus lately.

[ his face abruptly falls when jaco brings up the obliteration of their worlds. it's incredible, the tenacity of people who have a backbone, unlike makoto, who kind of just turns aside, making an affirmative noise in agreement. ]

That must've been a sight to see. By any chance, can you recall ever fighting or encountering the Flamines? I mean, they can't be real, right?

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I Still Need To Return My Movies!

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