Liberty City, a city with high crime rates, the Police working hard to maintain order. A NOOSE officer is tested a keep a lost foal save from all this.
Liberty cIty, a major city located in the State of Liberty, a city gripped by fear and suspicion. The LCPD does everything it it's might to maintain order and safety. But can a NOOSE officer offer protection to a lost filly named Silver Spoon in those Dark times?
It was a rainy day in Liberty City. Carl Wagner was talking with his friend Aiden Brown in front the police station in Broker, Mohawk Avenue Hove Beach.
“… So he says to me: ‘Body? What body? I don’t care if they surrender, I’m killin’ me some bad guys.’ Sometimes, I have the feeling that I am the only cop in Liberty City, who gives criminals a chance to surrender, instead shooting on sight.” Aiden told him.
“Same here in the N.O.O.S.E. Tactical Response Unit of Liberty City, Aiden. How are your children?”
“Good as always. Did you have luck with your wife yet?”
Carl sighed. “No.” Both men were very fond of children. Aiden had a son and a daughter, but Carl and his wife tried for years to have a child.
"Then why don’t you adopt a child then?”
“We already thought of that. But can you imagine how an American child would get along with a father of German origin?” That was one of Carl’s doubts.
“No doubt my friend. I mean everyone in the LCPD gets along with you.” His friend countered.
“You're right. Does that rain ever stop?” He shuddered.
“That’s Liberty City. We better get inside.”
A loud thunder came. “Wait, do you hear that?” There was a sound of a crying child. It came out of an alley near the station.
“Poor kid. Must be scared to death.”
“Right.” Aiden turned his flashlight on and walked into the alley. “Hello? LCPD.” The two cops got only more crying as response.
They saw a newspaper. Grey hair was peeking out of it. Aiden slowly and carefully removed the newspaper. They were shocked. The child was not human but a filly with a grey fur coat, and mane, and violet eyes. The filly was wearing glasses that was steamed up from the heat of the tears. It also had a Spoon adorned with a heart on its flank.
Both cops blinked, shaking their heads, trying to get out their heads what they saw but it didn’t vanish. As they pulled themselves together, they knew they had to help it, it was their duty as law enforcers after all.
“Don’t worry little one, we’ll help you.” Aiden spoke to the foal. It looked up. Then in panic, it crawled backwards against the wall, trembling.
Both men tried to approach her until she asked scared, “Wh-who-who are you? Wh-where am I? I...I...I wanna' go home...” She trembled harder.
Aiden kneeled down to her. “Shh, we won’t hurt you. We are police officers, your friends and helpers.”
“Alright.” The foal replied with a weak smile but winced as thunder came again.
“Shh, we are here for you. Come with us. You are freezing in this rain and could get a cold.”
But Sir, I don’t want to get your uniform wet.“ The foal replied, shivering from the cold.
“Don’t worry, it’s only water.” Carl gently picked her up. “We can’t take her inside, the other officers would freak out.”
Aiden brought his hand to his chin. “You know what? Pack up. I’ll do the paper work for you.”
“Ok, thanks.” Carl carried her to his car, a blue Rancher with a bedcap. The SUV was no longer recent but still a reliable vehicle. The foal was confused as he put the seat belt on. “Safety first. It will be a long ride. I suggest you take a nap until we arrive.” She nodded and closed her eyes. Carl turned the Radio on. He liked to listen to Radio Broker.
Carl lived with his wife in Middle Park East, Algonquin. Their house was in the Albany Avenue, against the Union Drive East. Actually, it was a penthouse. His wife was working as bank employee, so she earned enough money to afford it.
Carl and Aiden were good friends, yet different. Carl was more a man for the rough things, than Aiden. Also he liked to listening to Jazz Nation Radio 108.5 and loved classic music, while Carl loved Radio Broker and modern music. The cars they were driving showed their differences too. The Rancher, a SUV, for off-road, while Aiden was driving a Stanier, a Sedan.
The rain stopped as he reached his home. He parked his car on the yellow parking lot, next to his wife’s red Merit. He gently shook the filly’s shoulder. “We’re here.”
She let out a cute yawn. “Really?” She stepped out. Her eyes went wide. “You live in a Penthouse? I bet that was not cheap.”
Carl chuckled. “My wife works as a bank employee, so it was not expensive for us. Don’t worry my wife is kind and likes children.”
They took the elevator up. “Sofia, I am home! And we have visit!”
Sofia came out of the kitchen. “Welcome back, Carl.”
She was a young woman with brown hair and green eyes.
“Do I see that right?” She asked with confusion upon seeing Silver Spoon.
“It’s a child in costume, my dear.” It was the only logical explanation he could come up with.
“And who are you, my dear?” She asked the filly, smiling.
“Silver Spoon, Mrs. Sofia.”
“Sofia is just fine. Let me get a towel for you.” Sofia walked into the bathroom and came out with a towel.
“Thanks Sofia.” Sofia dried her.
“Are you cold?”
“A little bit.”
“Let me make a Hot chocolate for you.”
“I love Hot chocolate!” Silver Spoon exclaimed.
Carl switched from his black N.O.O.S.E. uniform to Jeans and a Gray Flight Jacket as the uniform was bulky and only allowed him to walk crouched. He liked the post-soviet clothes. He even had a Fatigues-Camo pants and an Army Hat but that wasn’t something he wantzed to wear right now. For sunny Days, he bought sunglasses.
Sofia didn’t mind his clothes at all. She loved it like him. In fact, that was what he was wearing when they first met. Sometimes, Carl used even an AK-47 instead of the Carbine Rifle on duty. But also the MP10, a copy of the German MP5 was a weapon for him. For close-combat the Pump-Shotgun was his weapon of choice.
Sofia helped the girl on the chair. Silver Spoon was drinking the Hot Chocolate with great pleasure. Then she saw Carl without his helmet and goggles. He was also young, had green eyes and brown hair.
“Thanks, I needed that. Where am I?”
“You’re in Liberty City in the United States of America, USA for short. We have the year 2008.” Carl explained.
After a few minutes of silence, realizing she was far away from home, the filly’s eyes began to water. “S-sister…” She cried.
Sofia hugged her and spoke in a calming tone, “Shh, we’re here for you.”
Silver calmed down. “Thanks. My sister and her friend are the only part of my family that is left.”
“It’s okay sweetie. You can stay with us until they find you. Do you want to tell us more about them?”
“My sister Octavia is a Cellist and an earth pony. She has a dark gray fur mane and tail, a light gray coat and light purple eyes, and she wears a pink bow-tie with a white collar. Her Cutie Mark is a violet treble clef. Her friend is a Unicorn. Her name is Vinyl Scratch but most ponies use her stage name DJ Pon-3. She has a white coat, a blue mane and tail, and magenta eyes. She has a backwards double quaver as Cutie Mark. She loves parties and modern music. Despite this difference in taste, they understand each other well. I like both music tastes, despite being born in a rich family. A Cutie Mark represents the special talent of a pony. I was born in Ponyville. I have a friend named Diamond Tiara. We were the school bullies but we changed. My parents died in a terrible accident after I earned my Cutie Mark.
Our Country is called Equestria where Earth ponies, Unicorns and Pegasus ponies love together in harmony. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna control the Sun and Moon. They are Alicorns. You are humans, right?” She got nods as answer.
“In Equestria, humans are only a myth. But I never thought that they were real. Also the magic allows me to understand your language and me to you.” She sniffed. “But now, getting home is impossible.” She was about to cry again. Carl picked her up and patted her back.
“Don’t worry, you can stay with us. We always wanted to have a child. But every time we try, we fail.” He chuckled. “My friend and I are like your sister and her friend. I like modern music and he likes classical music. But we are best friends. How did you get here?”
“Well, a Unicorn foal named Ruby Pinch lost control of her magic as she practiced and accidentally zapped me. That’s how I got here.” She explained sad before smiling weakly. “How did you meet each other?”
The man replied, “It’s kind of a long story. I am the son of a German immigrant that tried to escape the Soviets in the 1970s. I was born 1978. I met Sofia in 2001 at the Bank of Liberty in the Columbus Avenue…”
Carl was wearing sunglasses, an Army Cap, Fatigues-Camo pants and a Gray Flight Jacket. He entered the bank to open an account.
A young woman was the receptionist. “Hello. How can I help you?”
“Hello Ma’am, I want to-“
An armed and masked man busted in. “Nobody move! This is a robbery!” He fired his pistol into the air. “You there! Give me the money or I will kill you!”
“I can’t! It has a time lock!”
He aimed at her. “Open the door or I’ll kill you!”
“No! Please!” The woman cried out in fear.
He had his back turned. Carl patted his shoulder. “What?!” the bank robber turned around only to get hit into the face by Carl.
“Amateur. Is the police en route?”
Police sirens could be heard. “LCPD! You’re trapped. Lay your weapon down and surrender.”
Several civilians were running out. Agents of the Tactical Response Unit and police officers stormed the building.
A police officer saw the knocked out robber. “You did this by yourself?” He asked Carl.
“Yes, my father was in the Army and taught me self-defense and to stay calm in situations like this.”
“Impressive. We could use someone like you in the Tactical Response Unit. Name’s Aiden Brown.”
“Name’s Carl Wagner. Are you alright, Ma’am?
The woman hugged him then kissed him. “You’re saved my life!”
“… After this, we fell in love, dated and married. That’s also how I became a member of N.O.O.S.E.”
“What’s that?” The foal wanted to know.
“That is short for National Office of Security Enforcement. The Tactical Response Unit responds to hostage situations and wear heavy equipment and use heavy weaponry as needed. We are wearing body armor to protect ourselves in a fire fight. “
“Interesting.” The filly let out a yawn.
“Looks like someone is tired. We have a guest bed. Let’s tuck you in.” Carl’s wife said to the young filly.
The Penthouse was very modern and lavishly furnished, including a bedroom with a king-sized bed and a cow-skin carpet, a wine cellar in the back, a kitchen with a small armchairs and a leather sofa in front of a flat-screen TV, a radio, a laptop and a large dining table. It also had a guest room and a roof terrace. Sofia and Carl lived on the top floor.
Silver Spoon was too tired to resist. She had to smile at a Teddy Bear laying on the bed. Then she sighed.
“You’re missing your family, right?”
“Yes, Sofia.”
“Don’t worry; I’m sure they will find you.”
“You’re right, Sofia. As long as I have faith, I know that they will find me.” With these words she, fell asleep, teddy bear in her arms.
“She looks like an Angel.”
“Indeed, Sofia.”
There was a knock on the door. “Come in.” Aiden walked in, still in uniform.
“How is she?”
“Fine and asleep, Aiden. You won’t believe this…” Carl told him how her name was and how she got here.
“Poor kid. But I promise she’s safe with me. Hey, what about showing her Liberty City? You could just say that she’s your daughter in her costume.”
“Good idea. I ask her tomorrow. Goodnight, buddy.”
Carl walked on the terrace and saw how Aiden was driving home in his Police-Cruiser.
Then they went to bed. “I love you, Sofia.”
“I love you, too. She’s not our real daughter but we can be finally parents as we always wished.” She kissed him and they fell asleep.
Carl and his wife woke up as they heard whimpering. Silver Spoon was standing in the doorway with the Teddy Bear. “I had a nightmare.” The filly said sniffing.
Sofia took her into their bed. Silver Spoon calmed down. “You can sleep with us.” The young woman whispered as the foal was fell asleep.
Around nine in the morning Carl woke up and smiled. Silver Spoon was hugging the Teddy Bear tightly with a smile, while Sofia did the same with the foal.
Deciding to make breakfast, Carl made Oatmeal and a glass of juice for his young guest and some toast and coffee for his wife.
“Good morning, Silver Spoon, Sofia. I made you both breakfast.” He greeted as they walked in with a yawn.
“Good morning, Carl.”
Silver said as she enjoyed her breakfast along with Sofia.
“It was very good. What have you planned for today?”
Cal smiled as he ruffled the filly’s mane. “Well, we both are on vacation today. Aiden, my friend suggested that we should show you Liberty City. What do you think?”
She smiled. “Yes, I would love to see it. But I can’t go in the public like this.”
The married couple chuckled at her comment. “Since you are a child, we could just say that you are our daughter in her costume. Sounds good?” Sofia explained, it was the best she could think of at the moment.
Silver Spoon thought for a moment and nodded. “It sounds like it could work.”
The young woman was wearing clothes from Modo for the day. After leaving the penthouse they decided took Sofia’s Merit. Carl was driving and turned the Radio on. The station was JNR Jazz Nation Radio 108.5. It played Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers – Moanin.
They showed her around Algonquin, but only slowly because there was a lot of Traffic. Sofia could see the sparkles in Silver’s eyes as they drove around the city.
“Wow… this is like Manehattan.” She said as they drove through Star Junction.
“You have a city like Algonquin back home?” Sofia was surprised.
“Yes, Sofia. I was only there once on vacation with my sister and Vinyl. Manehattan has a street that looks exactly like this.”
“The more you know.”
They showed her the Randolf Art Center, the Panoramic Towers, the Hearst Tower, the Cleethorpes Tower, Africa Tower and may other sights of Liberty City. Last stop was the Rotterdam Tower.
“I hope you aren’t afraid of heights.” The Carl warned Silver.
“Why should I, Carl?” Silver asked as they entered the elevator.
“Because we’re going to the 82nd floor observatory. The Tower is 381 meters high, the highest building in Liberty City.”
Silver let out a whistle as they watched the numbers climb. Soon they reached the top and walked out onto the observation deck on top of the skyscraper.
The view was impressive, almost all of Liberty City could be seen from there. “Good thing I brought my binoculars with me.” He said as he cleaned them.
“I think I can see our house!” Silver Spoon said excited.
“Glad to hear that you enjoy the view.” Sofia’s heart melted from Silver Spoon’s happiness.
“Hey, is that the Statue of Liberty I see in the distance?” The filly asked curious.
Sure enough in the distance the group could see a statue of a woman holding a large coffee cup.
“That’s the Statue of Happiness on Happiness Island. But I think we should go eat something.” Carl looked on his watch, seeing it was noon.
Silver’s stomach growled. “Yeah, maybe another time.”
At the Burger Shot in Topaz Street, Varsity Heights, Carl ordered a Moo Kids Meal for Silver Spoon, a Beef Tower for himself and a Salad Meal for his wife. “Please enjoy your meal little one.” The woman that worked here said to Silver Spoon with a smile.
“I hope you don’t mind if I eat meat.” Carl was blushing as he had forgotten that ponies were vegetarians.
Silver Spoon shrugged. “Not at all. Back home, my parents sometimes had business meetings with Griffons and they eat meat, so it is not surprising for me.” The grey Earth pony explained, calm about it.
Silver enjoyed her meal with every bite. “That is delicious!” She exclaimed happy.
“Same for us.” Sofia said as she took her hoof andgave Silver a hug. Soon the trio finished their meals and started to leave.
“In Equestria, we eat also burgers. They are called Hayburgers as they have hay instead of meat. We also have horseshoe-shaped fries and onion rings, along with milkshakes.” The filly told them.
Both adults listened with intrigue and curiosity. “Looks like our cultures aren’t so different from each other.” Carl said as he drove back home.
“Apart from Algonquin, there is Broker, Dukes, Bohan and the Alderney State where Alderney is, the neighboring state of Liberty City State. The Alderney State Police has its own uniforms. They wear a sky blue shirt with or without a navy blue jacket on top and navy blue trousers with a yellow stripe on the side of each leg. As you have seen, officers of the LCPD wear navy blue uniforms with black buttons and navy blue shoes. As the Alderney State police cannot afford its own cars and weapons, they use our cars and weapons. I would love to show you the rest of Liberty City, but the others districts are closed due to the threat of terrorism.” He told her, with a bit of disappointment.
“That’s okay. I think if have seen enough for today.” Silver Spoon said.
The next stop on the tour was Middle Park. Aiden in his uniform along with his wife was sitting on a bench watching their children playing tag. “Hey buddy! How’s it going?”
Carl smiled and gave Aiden a handshake while Sofia hugged his wife. “Good. We showed Silver Spoon around Algonquin.”
Carl then turned towards Silver.
“You know already Aiden. That’s his wife Emily and their children Mason and Emma.” Aiden was a fit officer with Black hair and blue eyes, while his wife had also black hair and green eyes. Their children had the same hair as Carl and Sofia, but their eye colors were swapped around. They looked confused at the filly but then smiled.
“Hello there. Do you want to play with us? “Mason asked politely.
“Sure why not.”
Emily smiled as she watched the children play with their new friend. “She just as cute as you described. I just hope that her sister isn’t too worried.”
“I know your feeling. But now she has some friends of her age.” Sofia also smiled.
They played until the sun was starting to set. “That was fun!” Silver Spoon said as they left the park. She was very happy that she enjoyed her first day in Liberty City. “Yes it was. We want to do a picnic here tomorrow; do you want to come too?” The young girl asked her new friend.
“Yes, Emma. Can we, Carl?” She gave him puppy eyes.
“Of course.”
“Okay, see you tomorrow!” Mason called out as they headed home.
Once home, Sofia made a salad and noodles for Dinner. “Carl, Sofia, is it okay if I call you my parents?” Silver Spoon said with some blush to her face. Both Carl and Sofia looked at each other and smiled.
“We would love it sweetheart, we always wanted to be parents. Leave the cleaning to us.” Carl replied, not minding it at all.
“Okay Daddy, I’ll go draw before I go to bed.” She walked into the living room.
Once the cleaning was finished, they looked after their “daughter as their hearts melted at the scene. She was fallen asleep on the floor with a drawn picture in her hooves.
On it were Octavia with the word “sister” and Vinyl with the word “friend”. Also there was Diamond Tiara also with the word “friend”. Under them was written “I miss you.”
Carl hung the picture up on the fridge while Sofia brought her to bed and laid the glasses on the nightstand.
“Goodnight, my little Silver.” She gave her a kiss on the forehead.
“It breaks my heart. She misses them so much.” Carl looked sad upon seeing the picture.
“But still, we are here for her and we should enjoy every second with her.” His wife countered with a smile.
“That’s right, Sofia.”
Soon the couple gave a goodnight kiss to each other and went to sleep.
Hours passed as the sun started to rise over the city.
Sofia yawned and stretched herself. It’s going to be a wonderful day. She thought as she looked out of the window.
Silver Spoon trotted in with a tray in her mouth. “Good morning. I made you breakfast.”
She said setting the tray on the night stand. She had made toast and juice for Sofia and Carl to eat.
The two adults ate their breakfast with smiles while Silver watched happily. “Thanks, Silver. It tasted very good.” Carl looked at her happy.
She blushed. “Thanks. Just because I was born in a rich family, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to make a good breakfast.”
Carl prepared everything for the picnic.
In the Middle Park, meanwhile Aiden expected them alreadyand was happy to see them. “Good morning you’re three. How are you doing, Silver Spoon?” he kneeled down to her.
“I’m doing great!”
“Glad to hear it. Well, let’s begin, shall we?”
Emily had brought some chocolate for the children. They enjoyed the picnic. After that, they played cops and robbers in the grass.
The adults watched them with smiles as Mason caught Silver Spoon “Got you!” Mason tackled the filly to the ground and tickled her.
She laughed. “Stop! Please!” Catching her breath, Silver listened to the Saxophone players in the park. She loved that music and it made her remember back home listening to her sister.
The moment was interrupted by two men who brawled but after Aiden said, “Hey you two, stop right now!” they got along.
Before they went home, Carl bought some nuts for his daughter which she enjoyed with a big smile.
Once they arrived home they watched on TV which got Silver Spoon interested in A History of Liberty City, I’m Rich and Weazel News.
They watched TV until Spoon started holding her neck. “My neck hurts.”
“Don’t worry; I have just the right against it.” Sofia warmed a clean sock full of white rice in the microwave and gave it Silver Spoon.
“That’s better.” She lay down in the bed and soon fell asleep.
“Goodnight. Sweet dreams.” Sofia gave her a kiss on the forehead as she went to bed with Carl as well. They all slept peaceful that night, unaware that tomorrow, things would change.
Carl woke up in the morning. Just like yesterday it was sunny outside.
His wife was still asleep. He got quietly up and looked after Silver. She was also still asleep, her chest slowly rising and falling. His heart melted.
“Silver, my dear, time to wake up.”
The young girl blinked her eyes open, yawned and putted her glasses on. “Good morning, daddy!” She hugged him.
“Morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed happy.
They breakfasted. “I thought that I show you Broker today. What do you think?”
“I would like that.”
“Okay then. My vacation is over today but showing you the police station should be no problem.” He put on his uniform and holstered his weapons, a Carbine Rifle, a MP10 and his pistol, a Glock 22 out of his safe hidden in the bed room.
He was glad that Liberty City had one of the least restrictive gun laws of the United States and how Liberty City strongly enforced the second amendment. Carl respected the laws for weapons of the USA but he was very protective of children and stored the ammo separate from his guns. But to be completely safe, he always had the safety on.
“Safety first.” His daughter putted the seat belt on.
On the way to the station Carl asked, “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything you like, daddy!”
He took a deep breath. “How did you get your Cutie Mark?”
“Well, my parents wanted to use special cutlery for Celebrations. I had an idea for a Spoon and then my Cutie Mark appeared.”
“Interesting.”
The Algonquin Bridge was the best way to Broker as there wasn’t many traffic jams that would be on Broker Bridge or the Northwood Heights Bridge.
At the police station, Aiden was chatting with another officer.
“I tell you, the Glock 22 is the best sidearm a police officer could ask for.”
The other officer chuckled. “Yeah! But when those N.O.O.S.E agents move in with Carbine Rifles, criminals wish they hadn’t push it that far. Did I ever tell you of this girl?”
“What girl?” Aiden asked confused.
“I met this girl on a 459 call... she's the victim's roommate. HOT AS HELL. I told her I may have to question her again.”
Aiden waved his hand in disagree. “Better watch it, not that she will sue you.”
The officer shrugged as he grabbed his nightstick “I got this. And if anything I'll just go to the Triangle tonight.”
“Hey, Aiden.” Carl greeted him.
“Hey. How’s it going?” Aiden asked with a smile.
“Good. I thought I’d show my daughter the station.”
“No problem. But Deputy Police Commissioner McReary is inspecting the station, so you better be careful.”
“Thanks.“
“Just thought I’d give you a heads up.”
The two cops went side with the filly. “I already thought of something.”
“And that is, Aiden?” The NOOSE officer wondered.
“You’ll see.”
A cop led a handcuffed man away. “Have a nice Day.” Another man, having brown hair and eyes walked in. “Hey Carl, how you doing?”
“Good, Sir. And you?”
“Good as always. I was told that your niece is visiting you. How are you little one?” The officer knelt down to her. “Great, Mister… McReary!” she replied, having read his nametag. Carl looked at Aiden who gave him a wink.
“You can be proud of your Uncle, as he is proudly serving in the LCPD against criminals and terrorists.” McReary smiled at the happy child.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of him!”
“Glad to hear it. If you excuse me, I must now go back to Westminster. Goodbye.”
He left. “Good acting.” Carl complimented her.
“Thanks, daddy.”
Three men in N.O.O.S.E uniforms joined them. The first one was Caucasian like Aiden and Carl but had a beard and his googles were on his helmet. He also had a Carbine Rifle. The second agent was African-American and also had his goggles on his helmet. He had a Pump-Shotgun. The last one was wearing a gasmask and had a MP10.
“John, Jack, Ethan, looking good?” Carl asked them.
“You bet! Want to practice on the shooting range?”
“Sure why not John. Do you want to come too, Aiden?”
He patted his holster. “You bet!”
“Can I look after you uncle?” Silver asked.
“Of course.”
Silver Spoon was never a fan of weapons but it was quite impressive how accurate Carl’s team was. Carl and John took care of the targets in the distance while Aiden, Jack and Ethan shot all targets at close range.
“Impressive and good shooting.” She commented.
“Thanks. As you could see, officers guarding the Rotterdam Tower used the Carbine rifle as we tactical teams do, in 5.56 NATO caliber, which is a good deterrent of both terrorist activity and everyday crime. It has a 30-round magazine and the accuracy and fire rate are both high, along with damage, making it a deadly weapon. The Pump-Shotgun, an Ithaca Model 37 Stakeout, is deadly in close combat and secondary weapon for the LCPD when things get very dangerous. It is loaded with 8 shells. The MP10 is the standard SMG for the N.O.O.S.E. teams. Good for ranges where the Shotgun isn’t effective anymore and also useful to stop fleeing cars. It has 30 rounds in its magazine.
For a sidearm we have the Glock 22 with 17 rounds. A very effective sidearm.”
“Good to know.” Silver corrected her glasses.
“I’m on duty but what about showing you Broker?” Aiden suggested, finding it a good opportunity.
“I would like it, Aiden.” The foal smiled.
“Then follow me. Don’t worry Carl, she’s safe with me.”
“I know. Have Fun!”
“I will!” The grey pony called out.
Aiden helped her into the Police Cruiser. He put his hat on her head causing her to giggle. “Let’s go partner, shall we?”
“Yes, sir!”
And so, officer Silver Spoon and Sergeant Aiden patrolled Broker. Aiden had to chuckle as the radio let out a funny conversation. “A 10-91 in Chinatown.”
“Which Chinatown?”
“Chinatown in Algonquin, chunk!”
Everything was quiet. “What brought you to join the police force, Aiden?” Silver Spoon wanted to know.
“There isn’t much to tell. My father was in the LCPD and I wanted to make him proud, plus to protect my family, as Liberty city suffers from high crime rates.”
“Makes sense. Your father was proud, right?”
“Of course. It may be a dangerous job but it pays well.”
“Yeah, being in the Royal Guard in Equestria is seen of one of the most well paid jobs. I’m pretty sure you and Carl would make good Royal Guards.”
The cop chuckled. “If you say so. The military was never my thing but-“
In a flash, a strong force hit the car from behind. Aiden passed out, he fell on the horn causing it to go off and the Cruiser crashed uncontrollable against a wall.
“Ohh that hurt.” Thanks to the seat belt and the airbag Silver was unharmed. “Aiden, wake up! Please!” She shook him but it didn’t work.
I must get help! She took his hat off and got out.
The Cruiser crashed near a theater named Perestroika. She saw a man with brown hair and hazel eyes, wearing the same Russian clothes as Carl, looking around as he was searching something.
Keeping her distance, the pony could hear what he was saying. “Where are you, Roman?
A man peeked out of a dumpster. “Psst, Niko!”
Niko laughed. “Roman! What are you doing in the dumpster, man?” He asked amused.
Are they here?” Roman had a scared expression and tone.
“What are you talking about...? get out of there, man.” Niko was confused.
“I'm freaking out, man. I'm being followed... I saw them...”
“Don't be ridiculous. You're being paranoid.”
“I'm being…” A car Alarm drowned Romans words. “Everything was fine, and then you showed up... and now we're dead... because Faustin is a psychopath... he's going to kill us... because we killed Vlad. Vlad was his man... that's how it works... you kill their guy, they kill you!” Niko laughed as Roman retreated back into the dumpster.
Niko punched the dumpster and opened it. “Roman, get out of there, man. Listen to me, Vlad was a piece of trash. They don't care about him. All they care about is making money. So, we say we work for them. Now get out of there, you smell like cabbage.” He was calm.
I don't want to, man. I’m…” Roman screamed and pointed to a man with a rifle behind Niko.
In the moment Niko turned around, he got knocked out by him. “Get out of the dumpster, Mr. fat man. Come on, fatty, the boss wants a little chat.” Roman surrendered.
In fear, Silver Spoon wanted to run but tripped. The armed man spotted her. “You there, stop!”
“Al-alright, just d-don’t shoot.” He knocked her out.
She didn’t know when she regained consciousness, but it felt like infinity.
Her glasses were broken and she was short-sighted so she couldn’t see anything. Screaming was not working either as someone had gagged her.
Then there was a conversation. “Wake up. We had to gag him, to stop the screaming. You shouldn't have brought them here, Andrei.” The voice sounded disappointed.
“Why not? You've been a bad boy, Mr. Balkan... and the boss is not happy.” This one sounded angry.
“Oh no! I shit my pants!” Another voice taunted not impressed.
“Not yet, but you will. Who are you working for?” The second voice demanded to know.
“Errr, my cousin, Roman. Don't be an idiot.”
“That's not good enough. I'm going to saw off your damn arm. Speak!” The second voice yelled.
A loud TV drowned one of the voices. “Very funny... Do you think you're so smart?”
“No. I'm tied up in a basement a long way from home, while some ape threatens me with a hacksaw, so no, I'm not that smart.”
“Shut up. My damn wife is watching television. Good lord... what are you doing?” a new voice asked.
“Nothing... I mean... I was finding out who he is...”
“And? Who is he? And who is she?”
“He is... his cousin. About her, I don’t know.”
“You were about to cut up some guy in my house, making all that noise, to find out he is his cousin? Where did you find this idiot?”
“He was a friend of your sergeant, when we were in Vladivostok.” The first voice explained.
“He's an imbecile. So, Niko Bellic. You think it's okay to kill my employees?” The fourth voice asked calm
“If he has bad manners, yes.”
Then she heard a gunshot. “I agree.” The new voice replied.
She started to panic. I don’t wanna die!
“Can you untie Roman? And her?” The voice who belonged to Niko asked.
“What is she’s doing here anyway?”
“Andrei said that he brought her here to avoid witnesses.” The first voice explained again.
“Dear lord… What was he thinking?! That’s still a child!”
Then Roman screamed for help. Then another shot. A man untied her. “Please don’t kill me!” Silver Spoon panicked.
A third shot and she felt great pain in her stomach, causing her to cry.
“Listen, we'll take care of your cousin and her, but you better get a police car, and then you call me. Go, go, go. I... I'll take care of them. Damn! Don’t cry child, you’re gonna be okay.” She heard the first voice in a calming tone. But she passed out from the pain.
After Niko did his work he called his customer. “I've left the van where you say. How are Roman and the child?” “
They’re okay. A little scarred, but ok. You did well. Mikhail needs someone like you. Stop by and see him sometime.” Then Niko called Roman.
“Niko, hello.”
“Roman, are you alright?”
“I was just shot in the stomach and then stitched up in a doctor's office that was dirtier than the basement we were nearly tortured in. I'm great. And the child is safe with Mallorie.”
“You sound calm, actually.”
“That Dimitri guy gave me some painkillers; I'm kind of out of it. If you're near a shop can you pick up some adult diapers for me? See you later, Niko.”
Good that she’s also safe. She reminded me of the war when… No, stay focused.
With a headache the filly awoke. Looking around she was in a Low-end apartment. Not her style but okay. She was on a futon. The furniture included a table, with an ash tray on top, fold-out chairs, an armchair, a TV, a DVD player and coffee machine, a wall clock, a radio and a wardrobe. The apartment had seen better days but was still comfortable.
A young woman with brown hair walked in. “I see you’re awake. My name is Mallorie Bardas. I took care of you after…” She couldn’t finish it as Silver Spoon hugged her tight.
“I was so scared!” Mallorie patted her back.
“Shh my dear child, you’re safe now.”
Silver then noticed something. “My glasses.” I can barely see without them!”
“Don’t worry about that, I fixed them for you.” She handled the child her glasses. “That’s the leas oft what I can do since I am wearing glasses myself.”
“Thank you!” Silver smiled cheerfully.
“You’re welcome.”
Then Silver Spoon, slowly realizing her situation, started to cry. Mallorie hadn’t to ask why she was crying. Silver missed her family and friends. The young woman scooped the filly in her arms. “Shh, I am here for you.”
It was heartbreaking. “Do you want to tell me about your family? With more information’s I can help you to get home.”
“Well,” Silver took a deep breath, “It’s kind of a long story.”
Then she told her host where she really came from, how Carl found her, and how they took care of her. She even told her how the car accident happened and how she got in this situation.
The woman smiled in an attempt to cheer her up. “I get you home right away. Let me call your friends.” She dialed 911.
“Hello. You're through the Liberty City Emergency Services. Please use your touch-tone keypad to select which specific service you require. Press 1 for police, press 2 for paramedics, press 3 for the fire department.” The drowsy Computer voice said.
The caller selected 1. “Hello this is the LCPD. Where would you like us to send an officer?” A woman asked.
“South Bohan. I found a lost child.”
“An LCPD peacekeeper will be there as soon as possible ma’am.”
Once the call was made, a siren of a Police Cruiser could be heard. Both looked out of the window as a Police Cruiser stopped at the house and a single officer stepped out.
He walked to the door and knocked on it. “LCPD, open the door.”
Silver Spoon knew that voice. It was Aiden.
Mallorie opened it. “Did you call the police Ma’am? What’s the problem?”
“Someone missed you.” She stepped aside to reveal Silver Spoon.
“Aiden!” The filly hugged him with glee.
“Silver Spoon! You’re alright!” He exclaimed relieved.
“Yes, thanks to her!” She pointed to Mallorie.
“Thank you, Ma’am. I owe you one.” He was grateful.
“You owe me nothing officer; I only did my civil liability. Name’s Mallorie Bardas.”
“Thank you, Ms. Bardas. I and my friend were really worried about her. But now, let’s go home.”
They said goodbye to Mallorie and got into the Cruiser.
“What happened?”
Remembering what happened, not knowing how they would react, Silver just lied, “I can’t remember. After the crash, I got out and everything went black. I came to in her apartment. How long was I missed?”
“A few hours maybe a day, I lost time. If I get my hands on the one who rammed me…”
At the Wagner’s Apartment, Sofia was glad to see her. “Silver Spoon!”
“Mommy! Daddy!” They hugged each other.
“We were so worried!”
“And so were we!” Mason and Emma hugged her too.
“What happened?” As Emily asked this, Silver began to cry as the pressure became too much. Sofia and Carl never liked seeing kids cry, especially around them.
“Silver, sweetie, please tell me, what’s wrong?”
“I-I was scared to death! I thought I would die!” She was about to break down but Mason and his sister embraced her.
“Don’t worry, we’re here for you.” The young boy calmed her down.
“Thanks, Mason.” With a smile, the filly looked at him.
“That’s what’s friends are for.” He returned it.
After Emma said this, Silver took a deep breath and told them what happened.
“Oh my god. But don’t worry. You’re safe now.” Emily patted her.
“We will protect you from the bad guys.” Aiden added.
“Daddy told us you like classical music, is this true?”
“Well, yes, Emma.” For the rest of the day, the 3 kids had a happy conversation about what they had in common. All liked modern music along with classic music. Silver told them when she was trapped in a foxhole with a unicorn named Sweetie Belle and how they became good friends as they had also a lot in common.
In the evening, they fell asleep on the floor. “Well, time to go home. See you tomorrow.” Aiden carried his son, his wife their daughter.
Carl brought Silver Spoon to bed. “Goodnight.”
They went to bed. “I love you. We are good parents.”
“That’s right, Sofia.”
They loved every minute with her. But this was just the beginning.
The next few days were quiet. Silver Spoon helped Sofia around the house. Mason and Emma came regularly to visit. Silver Spoon was happy every time.
Right now she was watching TV. LC kids club. She watched a cartoon about a talking cat and a dog that are always getting into crazy situations. She watched and laughed along with it. Sofia sat down next to her. When she was a kid, she was like the filly. Smiling warmly, she checked her e-mails on a laptop. SPAM but nothing else.
She gasped as she read the Weazel News.
"Again, Liberty City shakes with the sound of a large explosion. In response, our liberal Mayor, Julio Ochoa, has raised the terror threat level to Black 8. Residents of South Bohan would have been better off with a warning yesterday, Mr. Mayor. A Russian immigrant, Kenny Petrovic, owns the garage. Mr. Petrovic was unable to comment as we went to press. Why terrorists chose to target this business, we know not. But this does illustrate the point that no one is safe. The enemy can just as easily attack a privately-owned business as a national institution."
"All Americans citizens and residents are terrorist’s targets and they will stop at nothing before our livelihoods, our freedoms and our very lives are stripped from us. Something like this only serves to remind us of how valuable the sacrifices being made by our sons and daughters in conflict zones around the world really are."
“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Silver Spoon asked. Her eyes went wide as she saw the news. “Oh m…y At least no one got hurt.”
“Yes. Damn terrorists. Their only goal is death and destruction. They spare no one. But the Tactical Response Unit of N.O.O.S.E. and the police are working hard to protect us. Carl will do anything to protect children like you from terrorists.” Silver opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by a strange sound.
It sounded like a pager. “That’s my cellphone.” She answered the call. “Yes, boss?”
“Sofia, one of our receptionists went sick and we need you as replacement. Can you come over?” Her boss asked.
“Yes, but I am alone at home and my niece is visiting me.”
“No problem! You can take her to work. Show her how bank business goes.”
“Thanks, sir.”
“No need to thank me, you’re one of my best employees. See you.” Her boss hung up.
“Bad news. One of my colleagues went sick and I have to replace him.”
Her child looked at her scared. “But I don’t want to be alone.”
“My boss said that you can come with me. To ‘Show how bank business goes’ as he said.” Sofia explained.
Silver smiled. “I like to help you wherever I can.”
While not showing it, Sofia was scared. She had read about shootouts in Hove Beach and Firefly Island, and two burned building in Broker. There were also two operations of N.O.O.S.E. that failed but Carl was unharmed in both operations.
At the bank, her boss, an African-American with black hair and green eyes, greeted her. “Punctual as always. And you must be her niece.”
Silver smiled. “That’s right. My name is Cindy.” That was the name of Sofia’s mother.
“A nice name and costume. I am Carl Johnson the director of this bank.” He smiled and went inside.
Silver Spoon took great pleasure in the bank business. Every customer smiled at her when she and Sofia asked how she could help.
It was a normal day just like any other day until it was afternoon.
Suddenly, as they did some paperwork, Silver Spoon and Sofia heard a terrifying scream from one of the customers.
Looking slowly up, they became shocked and terrified as one of the woman’s worst fears became true.
Four masked and heavily armed men stormed in. Two had Carbine Rifles, one a pistol and one a Pump-Shotgun.
“None of you move. Get on the floor.” Everyone got on the floor. Sofia clenched Silver protectively as she trembled in fear.
“None of yours is gonna get a medal for playing hero. All you gonna get is a bullet to the heart.” The robber with the pistol spoke up, rising is hands.
“Don’t any of you worry about nothing. We’re here for the bank’s money. It’s going to a greater cause.”
“Shut up and handle the safe.”
The robber with the pistol and one with a Rifle aimed at Sofia while standing at the door leading of the safe. “Open the door.” The Rifleman had an East European accent. For a second, he seemed to have pity for her as he saw the scared child.
“Open the door!” the other screamed.
Then the East-European screamed at Mr. Johnson, “Open the damn door.”
“Okay…okay… wait a minute. I got it.” He buzzed them through.
They two robbers stormed in and the Carbine armed robber jumped on a table. “Get on the floor…now!”
“But sir…”
“You too.”
“Okay, okay.”
“M-mommy, I am s-scared.” Silver trembled, close to crying.
“Shh, everything is gonna be ok. I am here for you.” Sofia stroked her mane to comfort and calm her down. She knew just like back in 2001, Carl would save her.
The robber with the pistol walked with his partner out of the room.
“Come on. The PE4 has been moulded and is set to explode in 60 seconds.” He looked on his watch.
“Now listen people, we’re your friends. Me and my brother here we…”
“Why’re you tellin’ them we’re brothers, you idiot? That’s going to make it hard for them to find us, isn’t it?” The Shotgunner scolded him.
“I’m trying to be honest with these people. We’ve put them through a lot today.”
“Screw those people, screw your cause. That junk’s over. Ireland’s not the only thing that’s green, dollars are too.”
“Now you’ve said bloody Ireland, that’s gonna narrow the search ain’t it?”
“Screw you, take the needle out your arm then tell me what to do.”
“I’ll let you tell me what to do, when you stop shoving half of Bolivia up your nose every Saturday night!”
Distracted by their arguing one of the custo,mers shot one of the robbers, who fell with a groan to the ground, bleeding from the chest.
“We told you not to mess with us!” The costumer got perforated by bullets from the other robbers. “Damn, Michael! Saint damn Michael!” One of them yelled in anger, Silver Spoon started to cry.
The vault exploded and the alarm sounded.
“Damn! Get the money. Me and my brother will watch the kids.” The robbers switched their weapons for AK-47s.
After the alarm sounded, the LCPD moved with everything in they got. Most of the Enforcers were in the garages for maintenance, so the officers of the Tactical Response Unit used Police Stockades, who were Prison transports but identical to the Enforcers. Aiden blocked the road as Carl arrived with his team.
“Go! Go! Go! Go! Move in! Move in! Come on, let’s do this people.” He got in position at a Cruiser next to Aiden.
“You’re trapped. Lay your weapons down and surrender.” An officer ordered with a megaphone.
But the robbers had other plans. They would shoot their way through.
The shootout began. Carl had an AK-47 as his Carbine Rifle jammed shortly before they were called.
He disengaged from cover to fire at one of the robbers armed with an AK-47 but was hit in the chest by the Carbine armed robber.
“Aaaarghghhh! God damn it, that hurt!” He fell to the ground, incapacitated.
“Carl! Cover me!”
“10-4!” Another officer confirmed as Aiden rushed to him and dragged him to safety behind a Cruiser.
“You’re gonna be ok, you’re gonna be ok!” Aiden calmed him down before he was hit in the leg.
The robber aimed at Carl. “No, please! I have a family!” He pleaded.
The gunman aimed at him for what seemed like minutes, the NOOSE officer just closed his eyes, waiting for the shot that would end his life. It was an occupational hazard but he cared for his wife above all else, just wanting her to be safe. He hoped she would understand.
Then the sound of running greeted his ears, Carl slowly opened his eyes.
The robber left him, probably not worth losing time by killing him.
If Carl had not body armor, he would be already dead. But he was only wounded. “Tell my wife I love her, okay?” Aiden was always an optimist regardless of the situation.
The bank robbers fled into an alley. Cark and Aiden hoped that they would get caught.
Later, the police freed the hostages and Carl and Aiden were loaded into an ambulance. Sofia comforted Silver Spoon as she was still shocked.
Sofia couldn’t believe it. Many Police Cruisers were burning wracks now. Even her own car was destroyed. But that didn’t upset her as she was insured. She and her husband had all insured that they would have by standards in Germany.
“Mrs. Wagner?” A police commissioner asked her
“Yes?”
“Your husband was brought into the Lancet Hospital Center. I can you bring there if you want.” He offered her.
“Thank you.”
On the way to the hospital, Weazel News reported about the robbery.
“The daring heist took place at a Bank of Liberty branch in Downtown Algonquin earlier. One of the robbers was killed in the raid. He was identified as Michael Keane, a felon from Dukes. A bank customer, computer engineer Eugene Reaper attempted to stop the robbery and was murdered. Authorities are on the lookout for three suspects.”
They got into his Cruiser. At the Hospital, a doctor informed them about Carl’s condition.
“It seemed that the robbers only hurt them to make a quick escape as killing them had would take too long. We got many wounded but only few dead. He got shot into the chest but thanks to his Body Armor it wasn’t fatal. He will make it but he needs to stay in the hospital for a few days. I’ll lead you to his room.”
“Thank you, Dr. Logan.” Dr. Logan was a former vet before he got this job and a good friend of Carl and Sofia.
Carl was in a hospital bed, his chest bandaged, while Aiden had his leg bandaged.
“Hey, Silver Spoon.” He smiled at her.
“Daddy!” She hugged him but let go as he grunted in pain.
“Sorry.”
“None taken. I am just glad that you’re alright.” Mason and Emma joined them to see their father. They were also glad that he survived, being very relieved, they never could have taken it if he had died.
At first, they were shocked to hear what had happened, worried for their new friend, everyone was very relieved that the robbery ended mildly with only a few killed and not a bloodbath.
They stayed until they had to leave. Sofia’s Merit was replaced and an employee was so nice to park it outside the hospital, so they could drive home.
After dinner, Silver went to bed while Sofia checked the news. Alderney was now accessible. There was an article about the Bank robbery.
“A daring raid on a downtown branch of the Bank of Liberty has left one robber dead along with multiple police and civilian casualties. The suspect has been identified as Michael Keane, a convicted felon from Dukes. Four men wearing suits and balaclavas entered the branch and held the customers hostage while blowing the door to the vault with explosives. In the confusion, brave customer Eugene Reaper attempted to stop the robbery and was murdered in cold blood. Three robbers left the bank on foot and fought their way through police before escaping on the subway. Authorities are questioning all known associates of Mr. Keane in an attempt to discover the identities of his accomplices. The Bank of Liberty estimates that in excess of half a million dollars was stolen."
“My god. But at least they spared us.” She spoke to herself before she went to bed.
To counter this, the N.O.O.S.E teams were now equipped with AA-12 shotguns, FN P90s SMGs and M249s MGs. Also an APC was now in their arsenal. Carl’s team still used the old weapons.
“I don’t want to die.” Silver snuggled herself in Carl’s arms.
“You’re safe with us. Dr. Logan said to me before I was released, that he will take care of you should you get hurt.”
“That’s nice from him.” She smiled lightly.
Then Carl’s cellphone ringed. He had “Take the pain” as ringtone. The display showed that the caller was unknown.
“Hello?”
I am speaking with Carl Wagner?” An unknown voice asked.
“Who wants to know?” Carl was suspicious
“That doesn’t matter. Come to the United Liberty Paper building at once.” The caller hung up.
“Who was it, dear?” His wife asked.
“I don’t know but he wants me to go to the United Liberty Paper building at once. See you and love you.” He said goodbye. Silver Spoon smiled and waved before he left.
He loved her like a daughter. She loves me like a father. Could we go to Equestria with her?
Outside, Aiden waited for Carl. “Hey buddy, someone called me to pick you up. And I see you’re wearing your N.O.O.S.E. uniform.”
“To get used to it after I was released. Let’s go.” They got into Aiden’s Police Cruiser.
At the building, a woman received them. “You must be Carl and Aiden. Follow me.”
They followed her inside. “We’re going to meet someone. In here. Office three-nine-six.” A man walked out, having brown hair and hazel eyes, wearing the same Russian clothes as Carl did once.
“Hi there.” A middle-aged man with glasses greeted them.
“Here they are.”
“I can see that. Thanks, Karen. Gentleman, sit down please.” Two chairs were prepared for them. “Carl Wagner and Aiden Brown, the only cops in Liberty City who try not to shoot bad guys on sight.”
“Who are you? FIB?” Carl asked.
“FIB? Do I look homosexual? Do you think I care about the size of your Johnson? I‘m not a good guy. But I’m fighting them, like you.”
“Hooray.” Both cops deadpanned.
“That’s the spirit. Nothing like a bit of sarcasm when someone’s got you by the balls. Now, I need you two to assist someone in finding something for me. Find out everything you can about a man called Oleg Minkov. He lives on Iroquois back in Hove Beach.” He took a draft from his cigar.
“And what if we refuse?” Aiden was suspicious.
“We know that your little friend named Silver Spoon isn’t a Citizen of the United States. We also know that she isn’t from any other country. It was interesting that she hasn’t had any past before arriving in Liberty City. If you say no, a police officer goes home and finds that his wife and kids have been murdered, while the other finds his wife also murdered but his ‘daughter’ in a lab.”
“Do not threaten us!” Carl roared.
“Mr. Wagner, I believe that you should calm down. I will make sure that the FIB won’t show up at your apartment. Also, one call and they’re dead. So, shall we try this again?”
“Okay, we got it.” Aiden gave up.
“Good. Join the man that you saw exiting my office. Any problems, call this number.” He gave them both his number.
“What’s your name?” Aiden asked raising an eyebrow.
“Not relevant. Call me. Very soon. Go.”
Outside the man asked, “You’re my backup?”
“Yes. I’m Aiden and this is Carl.”
“Niko.”
“We’ll take my Cruiser.” Aiden took the driver seat.
None of them said a word on the way to Oleg’s apartment.
Aiden knocked on the door. “Guess nobody’s home.” Carl kicked it open.
“Mr. Minkov? Anybody here?” Niko asked. He found a Laptop in the living room.
He called his contact and pressed the speaker button.
“What have you got for me?” the contact asked.
“Not much. He keeps a clean house, he got a computer.” Niko reported.
“Check his emails. Call back with any information that would indicate his currents whereabouts. Carl and Aiden, watch for intruders.”
Niko checked the emails while Carl and Aiden watched the door.
Then he called the contact again.
“There’s an email that says he’s meeting someone at Tulsa Street, in Hove Beach.”
“Perfect, I’ll send someone to pick up the hard drive. You go to Tulsa Street, eliminate Minkov.”
“Whoa, killing is very different from gathering information.” Niko replied a bit shocked.
“You’re acting in the interests of your new countryman, and keeping yourself out of prison, while your backup keeps their families safe. For once this is a murder you don’t have to feel confused about. Dispose of Minkov then call me.”
As Aiden was driving to the place he asked Niko, “What brings you in here?”
“Let’s just say, my cousin got me a girlfriend who was an undercover agent for them. They blackmail me to work for them.”
“Looks like we’re in the same boat. Let’s get this over with.” Carl said.
At the location, a Sentinel stopped to talk with a man. The Sentinel drove away.
Aiden turned the siren on and pursued him. “Hey! Where you're going? Hello?” he said via megaphone.
The Chase didn’t last long. Niko fired with an MP10 on the tires then Carl fired a shot from his pistol, killing Minkov as blood splattered from the windshield and the horn went off. The car went out of control and crashed against a wall and exploded.
Niko then called their contact. “Minkov is dead, the country is safe.”
“Not by a long shot, smart ass. Nothing is safe, no one is safe. Maybe something has been averted, maybe delayed. I’ll be in touch. Goodbye.”
“This is where I get off. Thanks for your help.” Niko got out of the car.
“Now what?” Wagner wondered.
“Lunch break. 69th Street Diner?” His friend suggested.
“Why not? I love the 50s flair.” Carl replied.
In the noon Sofia went shopping on Northwood with Silver Spoon. Sure, she was born in a rich family, but she understood her situation pretty well for a kid of her age.
They were driving home. “That was fun!” The young foal grinned.
“Glad to hear that, my dear. I’m sure Carl will be pleased to have pizza for dinner.” It warmed Sofia’s heart to see Silver Spoon happy.
“I hope so too! Vinyl always loves to have pizza for dinner, me and Octavia made one once for her and she was overjoyed.”
“I think my husband will be too. What about-“
A strong force hit the car from behind, the woman barely managed to keep control and to from passing out, stopping the car on the side of the road, turning the warning lights on and stepped out to inspect the damage and to see if the driver of the other car, a Presidente was injured.
A man, having black hair and brown eyes got out of the backseat and ran away. “You’ll never take me alive!” He crashed into the foal.
“Get back into the car!” The driver of the Presidente threatened him, wearing a black jacket, having green eyes, a dark blond buzzed hair and a horseshoe mustache.
The co-driver got out, he was African-American with black hair and brown eyes. “Damn! We have witnesses!” he drew his pistol.
“Don’t shoot!” Sofia raised her hands in surrender.
“Let her go, man. You have seen nothing, got it?” The driver asked calm.
“Y-yes.” Sofia stuttered in fear. She was about to help Silver Spoon up as the co-driver pointed at the foal.
“As Insurance that you won’t talk!” He pushed the woman away and grabbed Silver.
“Mommy!” Before Sofia could do anything, the man shot her into her right leg and she fell to the ground with a cry of pain. Then he got Silver into the trunk and slammed it shut. The woman looked at her leg, it was bleeding badly and the pain was great but she could tell it wasn’t as bad as it looked.
As the car drove away, she dialed 911. “Hello. You're through the Liberty City Emergency Services.”
She pressed 2. “Hello? You're through to the MS Paramedics. In which area is your medical emergency?”
“N-Northwood.” Sofia managed to overcome the pain before grunting.
“We'll send a basically-trained paramedic as soon as we can Ma’am. Don't move, and please have your insurance documentation or credit card ready.”
“Please let me out! I can’t breathe!” Silver shouted in panic trying to open the trunk.
“Dammit Malc, was this really necessary? She’s an innocent child!” The driver of the Presidente scolded his friend.
“What was I supposed to do Johnny? They would call the police if we let them go.”
“Nice idea. Really. Kidnapping a child and hurting her mother. The LCPD will be on our tail in no time.” Johnny deadpanned.
“I regret everything! Everything I ever have done!” The filly cried.
Then, the car stopped. Malc opened the trunk. “Get out!”
She slowly got out crying. Running was no option. They would still get her.
Oh Celestia, please help me. She thought scared.
“Somebody looking for a fat Slav with a bladder problem?” Johnny asked.
“So this is Roman Bellic?” Johnny’s customer laughed. “Not such a tough guy, eh? What is all this fuss about his cousin?”
Listen, buddy. Ashley is square with you now. So do me a favor, go easy on the fat man.” Johnny replied.
“What about her? She witnessed the kidnapping.” Malc asked, the customer looked at the trembling foal.
“Leave her to me. Dimitri looked for her too, and this saves us some time. What happens to them is none of your concern. You, come with me.” He took them away.
Silver was tied up on a chair and gagged. “It’s my lucky day. Two for the price of one. Dimitri will be pleased.”
Silver cried, just wanting that this nightmare would end.
Carl, Aiden and Niko reported to their contact again. The contact talked with Niko, while Carl and Aiden listened.
“So… you fought in the war…”
“You know a lot.” Bellic figured out.
“Yes. You’re looking for some people.”
“We’re all looking for that special someone.” Niko sat down.
“But most of us don’t want to kill them when we find them.” He took a draft from his cigar.
“Most murders are committed by people you know. Most wives are killed by their husbands.”
Yes. And my wife had better stop sleeping with that tennis coach, or… I’m joking.”
I am sure your wife doesn’t need to sleep around. Oh, I’m joking… I’m sure she does.” Niko had a smile.
“Funny. I’m divorced. My wife can sleep with whoever she wants.” The contact stayed calm.
“Interesting…”
“I’m not divorced. I was never married. No details. I need you to go find someone for me. I’ll be getting a picture through shortly. This is important.”
“So why use us?” Niko wanted to know.
“We always use people like you. Karen - Michelle... She was the same. Someone with something to lose, but not much to live for.”
“What’s in for us?”
“Two things. One, you don’t get a hundred murders pinned on you, while your buddies’ families will be protected by the FIB. Two… maybe I will help you too. Maybe I won’t. You need a police computer, that’s why you two cops are here. Wait for my message. Go!”
Outside, Niko got a picture on his phone. Aiden sent it through the computer.
“Adam Dimayev. Wanted for financing terrorist activity. Hangout: Kamayshev Import/Export. Hunting down terrorists. Best job in Liberty City.” Carl said sarcastically.
With a turned on siren, the Police Cruiser rushed to the location of the terrorist.
At the location, Niko called their contact for instructions. “We found his place, there are a bunch of guys hanging around.”
“He must be in there. Dispose of them all. We’re doing a favor for our comrades in the east.”
“You better start doing us some favors soon.” The Serbian replied as he hung up.
Aiden took Body Armor and a Pump-Shotgun from the trunk of his car, Niko a MP10, and Carl an AK-47. The NOOSE member circled his head. “Let’s make this quick.”
“LCPD! Freeze!” Aiden shouted but Adam’s men opened fire.
They got behind the Cruiser as cover. Carl took care of the men on the second floor, Niko and Aiden shot the men on the ground with well-placed shots, taking them out one by one. As criminals on the second floor were dead, they moved into the hideout, from cover to cover.
“I don’t want, but I will shoot you!” Aiden killed a criminal that tried to charge at him. Blood splattered as the men fell to the ground.
The last one dropped his weapon. “I surrender! Please don’t shoot! I will tell you everything I know.”
“Get out of here. This is Liberty City not Los Santos.” Aiden said to him, knowing that the LSPD wasn’t that kindly when it came to criminals
“Thanks!” he leaved.
Niko reported. “Did you serve your purpose?” The contact asked on the phone.
“Yes.”
“Then you are that much closer to finding the man you are after. That strange feeling deep inside – that’s the feeling of satisfaction after you did something good. Congratulations. We need you later but we don’t need your police friends anymore. They are dismissed. Goodbye.”
“See you later!” Niko got in a Fortune and drove away.
Carl got a Call. “Yes, Dr. Logan?”
“Carl, your wife got shot. She’s in the same hospital I treated you. Please come as soon as possible.” The doctor sounded worried.
Wagner was shocked to hear this, hoping she was okay but replied calmly, “I am on way.”
At the hospital, Dr. Logan leaded them to her room. Sofia was bandaged around her leg.
“A biker shot her in her right leg but I already took care of that.”
“Sofia, what happened?” Carl asked worried.
“Carl, we were shopping in Northwood as a car rammed us. A man who got kidnapped tried to flee. He crashed into Silver Spoon. To make sure that I wouldn’t tell anything, they kidnapped her too.” She explained with a hint of guilt
“WHAT?! If they harm her then…” He got a MMS from someone unknown.
I thought I send you this picture, looks like your daughter is in trouble. A friend. The picture showed Silver Spoon crying, scared on a chair, tied up.
“Whoever did this, will pay. He’ll definitely pay!” Carl said in a dark tone.
Niko was driving through Bohan as he got a call from Mallorie.
“Niko, I think Roman has been kidnapped. I heard he owes some Russians money. A friend of mine saw him at that card club on Hunt Point.” She sounded very worried.
“He owed them money?”
“He never tells me anything. I heard they took him to a warehouse off Lompoc in Bohan industrial.”
I’ll check it out.” Right after her call, he got a MMS from Dimitri.
Niko – I thought I would send you this picture, looks like your cousin is in a bit of a fix. Your friend, Dimitri. The picture showed that Roman was tied up on a chair, bloody.
“You’ve crossed the line, Dimitri.” He said in a dark tone and stopped the car to call him.
“I got your message Dimitri, you piece of shit. You’re a dead man. A dead man. Before you die I’m going to cut your face off. Then I’m going to hang it on my wall to remind me what a lying, cheating, treacherous scumbag is like. Goodbye, friend.”
Then he called his friend Dwayne for help. “Dwayne, it’s me, can you get that backup you offered?”
“For sure, I’ll get the crew over to you.”
It took only a minute for the backup to arrive in a red Patriot SUV.
“You called us?” One of the goons asked.
“Yes, I need your firepower. Listen carefully.”
Silver Spoon was scared to death. They didn’t harm her but threatened her.
“If you want to walk out of here, Slav, you are going to have to think about how you will pay your debt.” The kidnapper spoke to Roman.
“A friend of mine Dimitri Rascalov, he would pay a lot of money for your cousin.”
“I’ll get you the money, just not that way. Please don’t hurt her, she’s innocent!” He begged.
Then shots came from downstairs. “This is it for you!” Niko fired in anger.
Niko and his backup fought their way up. He shot an explosive barrel with his AK-47, killing three goons. His backup killed two other goons with headshots, blood splattered from their heads as they hit the ground.
“Come on, test me! Test me!” Niko taunted in a fit of rage. “You will pay for what you’ve done!”
He killed a hostile that was upstairs. “No one messes with my family. You will not harm my cousin!”
“Yeah, that’s right! Nobody harms a friend of Dwayne and gets away with it!” a goon of Dwayne killed a mobster with his Micro SMG.
Moving up the stairs, the other goon covered Niko with his pistol.
“I'm leaving here with Roman!” Niko screamed in anger as he killed a Russian that was wounded by his pistol backup by perforating him with bullets. “Take my cousin, will you?”
They fought their way up. “Cousin, I knew you’d come for me!” Roman yelled relieved.
Silver Spoon on the other hand was just terrified, not able to process what was going on, just wanting it to end as the screams were too much for her.
“Think you a big hero. This was a trap, punk.” The kidnapper taunted.
“Get up there, Niko! Quickly!” Roman yelled in fear.
A mobster took cover in the room where Roman was, but Niko rolled a grenade in to kill him.
“Make them suffer, cousin!” Roman shouted before his kidnapper took him as shield. “Please, no!”
“You are Niko Bellic. Turn around and walk away or your cousin is dead.” The kidnapper demanded
But Roman’s relative was too much in rage to do that, he aimed at the hostage taker’s head and fired a shot from his AK, blood splatted and the Russian fell backwards to the ground, letting go of Roman.
They embraced. “Thank you, cousin. You saved my life.”
“We should get out of here.” He turned to his backup. “Thanks for your help. Give Dwayne my thanks.”
“Will do, Niko.” They left.
“Wait, Niko! I wasn’t the only one who got kidnapped.” Roman pointed to Silver Spoon. She was shaking, and terribly afraid. Tears fell from her eyes.
As Niko approached her to untie her, she pleaded, “Please don’t hurt me! To take their lives was enough! I don’t want to die!” Her fear reminded him when he saw the 50 children in the village. They had the same fear back then.
“I will not harm you. I am here to save you.” He untied her. She hugged him tightly and cried herself to sleep.
“This is the girl who was with us in the basement, right?” The war veteran asked.
“Yes, Cousin. Mallorie and I told you her story.”
“That’s right. Poor kid. She’d seen more out here than she should have.”
“There’s a car. Take me home cousin.” They walked outside and got in a Bobcat. Roman gently laid the sleeping filly on his leap.
“We have reports of shots fired at the warehouse off Lompoc, Bohan, Industrial.” The Police scanner reported.
“What happened, Roman? You have been gambling. I’ll give you some money. How are you in debt?” The Serbian wondered.
“There are cycles, cousin. You must lose a little to win a lot. Come on. My cards were not good.”
“Roman…” Niko couldn’t believe it.
“That man knew Dimitri. He was trying to make me give you up to him. I would never…”
“Of course you would not. Dimitri has taken this too far. But how did she get into this?”
“She witnessed my kidnapping. He wants you dead. Bohan is not safe. I’m going to get us a place in Algonquin.“
“Are you okay?” Niko asked concerned.
“I’m used to taking these beatings, Niko. I almost expect it now. Wherever I go there are people who want to kill me. Men, who will kidnap me. I’ll never marry Mallorie. I won’t be able to sleep with another college girl. There is a knife hanging over me. A clock is ticking.”
At Mallorie’s house, they talked about their next move outside the Bobcat, as Silver Spoon was still asleep.
“Man, this is out of control.” Roman was helpless.
“I know.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know.” Niko tried to think.
“We are going to die. I don’t want to die, man. Not like this.”
They argued so loud the young pony woke up. “Ugh, can you guys please stop arguing? You woke me and I had such a nice dream.” She complained.
“Sorry. I’m going to clean up. I have a nasty feeling I had a bit of an accident back there. And, Niko…”
“What?” he deadpanned.
“Thanks.” Roman walked in his home.
“Can you get me back home?” Silver asked with hope.
Niko looked on his phone. It was 6PM now. “Yes but it’s getting late. I suggest you stay with me this night and tomorrow I’ll bring you home. Is that ok…? Silver Spoon?”
She yawned. “Yes.”
He got into the Bobcat and drove to his Penthouse in Northwood. “What kind of music do you like?”
On the Northwood Heights Bridge he was in a traffic jam as he got an SMS from his cousin. Hey Cuz, thanks for saving me and her back there. I thought I’d played my last hand when that biker guy kidnapped me for the Russians. You’re a hero. Rom.
At his Penthouse, Silver was amazed. “Wow! How did you afford this?”
Niko scratched his back. “Well, the two men that helped me were sent by Dwayne, a friend of mine and the owner of this Penthouse. After its former Occupant died, he gave me the Penthouse.” He explained not wanting to tell what really happened.
“Hello there.” The security guard in the lobby greeted. The filly’s eyes went wide as they left the elevator.
The penthouse was lavish. It had a wide screen television, Jacuzzi, pool table and a punching bag. From the bedroom there was an open double-door which led out onto a wood and stone-floored patio. There were deck chairs and a sunshade, a hot tub and a gas barbecue outside with a gas canister.
The Serbian man wasn’t much of a cook but still he managed to make some good scrambled eggs for the child.
The filly smiled warmly. “Thanks, mister…”
“Niko Bellic but Niko is just fine.”
“Thank you, Niko. You saved my life in that warehouse.”
“It was nothing. No one messes with my family and gets away with it. But it’s late and you should get some sleep.”
“Yes Niko, I should. Goodnight.”
She drifted off to sleep with a smile after climbing into the bed.. Niko had to smile himself. A cute and polite kid. Dimitri, you will pay! She was just an innocent bystander and you pulled her with in.
Even Niko enjoyed her company. He walked on the patio and watched the beautiful sunset.
Then his phone ringed. He had the flat line ring tone. It was Dimitri.
“Niko, its Dimitri.”
“I have nothing to say to you.” Bellic replied emotionless.
“I nearly ran into your cousin and little friend the other day. My friends were hanging out with them. The party got busted up though before I got here.”
“I wish you had been there. We could have had some fun.” Niko countered.
“Not as much fun as I would have had with Roman and Silver Spoon, believe me.” Dimitri hung up.
“Damn you, Dimitri!” Despite his rage, he also went to bed.
Niko wrapped his arm around the kid. I promise I will bring you back to your parents and I will you protect from all harm.
Sofia, lying on the couch, head lowered, sobbing about what had happened to Silver Spoon.
“Honey, please, it wasn’t your fault.” Carl tried to comfort her.
“It is my fault! I should have protected her!” His wife yelled, blaming herself.
“If you tried to free her they would have killed you. And then what? Except that you would have lost your life, it hadn’t changed anything.” Carl countered.
“Still, she must be scared to death, hungry and thirsty or dead.” Sofia feared for the worst.
“Don’t say that. Aiden investigated reports of shots fired at a warehouse. There were many dead Russian mobsters. Someone must have saved her.”
“You sure?” She asked with a small hint of hope.
“Yes. Somethings tells me that she’s safe and sound.” It was strange but for safe reason, he felt that Silver Spoon was safe and sound.
Sofia slowly started to smile. “You’re right. We must have faith. But for now, let’s have some sleep.” They both went to bed, not knowing that they would soon see her again.
Niko was entering a village with his comrades. He will never forget what he saw back then. Filthy children, all sitting neatly in a row against the church wall, begging crying for mercy before their throats were cut and their hands chopped off.
“What sick man could do something terrible?” a soldier asked horrified.
“The enemy. This is their revenge for what we did to them,” said Janko, one of the only survivors of the squad after the war was over.
Niko looked at his hands. They were covered in blood. He would never forget this, the screams of the civilians and innocent or the blood.
“No, please! Mercy, I beg you!” a female child pleaded.
“Silver Spoon! No! Spare her; she has nothing to do with this!”
“You’re wrong, Niko! She’s as guilty as they are. The only way to avenge our people is to make an example.” Janko held his knife close to her throat.
Then, Niko woke up in cold sweat, panting from this nightmare. He looked at Silver Spoon. She trembled in fear. “I-I had a terrible nightmare!”
“Shh, nothing bad will happen to you, it was just a dream.” He pulled her close for comfort.
Her trembling stopped and she fell asleep again. The war veteran couldn’t help himself but to kiss her on the forehead and stroking her mane. With a sad smile, he fell asleep again.
The beautiful sunrise was gently waking them. Niko gently got out of the bed and put his clothes on. He looked at his phone. It was 8 A.M. in the morning.
Silver Spoon yawned and stretched herself. “Good morning, Niko.”
“Good morning, sweetheart. I suggest we have breakfast and then we go to your parents. I know a nice place in Hove Beach in Broker. What do you think?” He suggested.
The child smiled. “Good idea.”
He drove with her to the 69th Street Diner. It had its best days behind it but was still a nice and cozy place.
Silver Spoon enjoyed her pancakes with syrup while Niko was eating toast with a coffee. “I like the 50s flair Niko.”
“Me too. Excuse me.” His phone ringed. It was Roman.
“Cousin, I have bought us a present.” Roman sounded happy and proud.
“You bought it, or I did?” Niko asked in return.
“Niko, I’m offended. I’ve got us an apartment in Algonquin. What did I say to you when you got there? Penthouse, model on each arm. And guess what? It’s right next to the penthouse where Silver Spoon lives. So you’re can be her neighbor.”
“And you have paid for this place? It wasn’t so long ago that your debts got you kidnapped by the Russian mob.” His cousin reminded him.
“That was a cold streak. Now I’m hot, cousin. Hotter than the models we’ll be bedding. I can’t lose.”
“Roman, we have spoken about your gambling.”
“Wait until you see the new place, NB. You will change your song. So what, I took a little debt?” the call ended.
“Let’s go to your parents. My cousin bought me a penthouse right next to the place where your parents live.” He explained, still a bit unsure about his new home.
”That’s nice. I am sure they would like to visit you.” The filly smiled,
“Right.” Niko turned the radio of the Bobcat on. Radio Broker played Whitney - Wrap it up.
At the Wagner’s house, Niko knocked on the door.
Sofia opened it. “Hello.”
“Hello. I believe you missed your daughter?” Niko stepped aside to reveal a very happy foal.
“Mommy!”
“Silver Spoon!” They embraced with happy smiles. “I can’t thank you enough, mister…”
“Bellic. Niko Bellic.”
“Mister Bellic, do you want to come in?”
“Sure why not.”
“Who is it, honey?” Carl asked but recognized Niko instantly.
“Niko? What are you doing here?”
“Bringing you your daughter back.” He replied.
Mason and his sister were very happy to see her. “Silver Spoon! We’re worried about you!” They hugged each other, then played in the living room.
Aiden and his wife were also here. “Where did you find her?” Carl asked.
Niko took a deep breath. “It’s a long story.”
He told them about his past and why he was in Liberty City and how he saved his cousin and her.
“Sounds you have been through a lot. But you have my word, I won't get anyone involved that we can't trust.” The NOOSE officer had sympathy with him.
“Thanks, Carl. In the war… I did some bad things and bad things happened to me. War is where the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other. I was very young, and very angry.” He told with a cold voice as Sofia brought some tea.
Niko let out a little laugh at the playing children. “I thought that things would be different here. Life is complicated. I… I never thought I’d live like this.” He took a sip. “When the war came, I did bad things. And after the war, I thought nothing of doing bad things. I killed people, smuggled people, sold people.” He took another sip.
“And you don’t worry about your soul?” Emily asked.
Niko took a deep breath. “When I saw the fear in Silver Spoon’s eyes, it reminded me of something terrible. After you walk into a village, and you see fifty children, all sitting neatly in a row against the church wall, each with their throats cut and their hands chopped off, you realize that the creature that could do this doesn’t have a soul. When I saw her tied up on the chair, I could swear she was one of them, as she had the same fear.” Niko spoke with disgust and regret in his voice.
Emily gasped at the detail. The children were so busy with playing that they heard nothing of the conversation of the adults.
Nikos phone ringed. “Yes?” he asked annoyed.
“Niko, I need you in my office at once. And this conversation doesn’t leave this room.” It was the agent.
“If your friends know about me, I must eliminate them. Consider this a friendly warning.”
“Do not threaten me!” Niko roared. That alone was enough for Carl and Aiden to know to who he was talking to
“Calm down. I know everything. You are currently in Mr. and Mrs. Wagner Penthouse, drinking a tea with them and Mr. and Mrs. Brown, watching how the children playing together in the living room. Aiden is to your left, his wife to your right, while Carl and Sofia are sitting opposite to you in the kitchen. I could kill all of them within 5 seconds, but you’re no use to me dead.”
Niko sighed. “On my way. Sorry, my cousin needs me. Goodbye.”
“See you soon!” the kids called out.
The next days, Carl and Aiden became good friends with Niko and hanged out together. They even became friends with his cousin Roman, Little Jacob, Brucie Kibbutz, Dwayne Forge and Patrick McReary. All offered their support to defend Silver Spoon from the bad guys. Roman offered his cabs should they need a ride, Jacob offered weapons if they should need them or ammo and Dwayne offered his crew as bodyguards.
Although they were policemen, they got along with Patrick and Dwayne as they had records in the database of the LCPD. The helicopter and boat tours with Brucie were always fun, especially for Silver Spoon.
Manson and Emma watched cartoons with her, played together and even had a sleepover. Sometimes, they visited Niko in his Penthouse right next to them or in Northwood to play pool.
John, Jack, and Ethan also hung out with them.
Right now, Sofia was reading the Newspaper on Liberty Tree.
Today, the LCPD is hungry for blood. They're out to find a killer who took one of their own, Deputy Police Commissioner Francis McReary. McReary was gunned down in a small courtyard park in Algonquin. He was apparently killed with a high-caliber rifle shot from some distance. McReary's recent career has been mired in controversy. Some news outlets claim they have evidence of bribe-taking and corruption by Mr. McReary claims he strongly denied until his death. In an unrelated incident his brother, Gerald McReary, a convicted felon, was recently arrested again on racketeering charges.
Carl was reading the Newspaper of Weazel News.
Liberty City's Deputy Police Commissioner, Francis McReary, was ruthlessly gunned down earlier. To most of us he is a hero, a man dedicated to serving the city who was taken before his time. Liberal "Blame America First" news outlets have been sullying the man's reputation. Rather than celebrate this patriot's great career, they dig up some unsubstantiated accusations of corruption. Francis McReary valiantly served Liberty City until he was murdered. We should remember him as an American Hero.
The radio also had breaking news.
“A policeman is dead and the city mourns. Deputy Police Commissioner Francis McReary was shot dead in Algonquin. Although there were rumors of corruption surrounding Mr. McReary, many believed he was a fine officer who served the city well through difficult times. In an unrelated incident, Mr. McReary's brother Gerald McReary has been arrested on an outstanding warrant.”
Aiden learned about it from the news of Public Liberty Online.
“The Deputy Police Commissioner for Liberty City, Francis McReary, was gunned down in Algonquin earlier. Some were shocked that a member of the LCPD would be the victim of a gangland execution, but not those that knew what he was really like. McReary's own brother, a known associate of the Alderney mob, was recently arrested on racketeering charges. This news organization was approached by two independent sources wishing to expose photographic evidence of Francis McReary's taking bribes. Soon after they made contact, however, both men were mysteriously murdered. One of these men was lawyer Tom Goldberg.”
Aiden called Carl. “You heard about Francis?” He asked with shock and sadness
“Yes, one less cop on the streets of Liberty City. But I couldn’t stand him anyway.” Carl replied as Francis was known to be disrespectful at times,
“Neither do I. Anyway, it’d mean a lot to the family if we’d come to Francis’s funeral. It’s at the church in Suffolk today.”
“We’ll see you there. We married there.”
“Me too. Just don’t forget to wear a suit.”
“Francis funeral is today. It’d mean a lot to his family if we come too.” Carl explained to his wife.
“Sure, he was a co-worker of you. Too bad we have nothing for Silver Spoon.” Sofia tried to get up with a solution as her daughter spoke up.
“It does not matter, mommy. My grey coat should be enough.” Silver said with a sad tone as it reminded her of her parents’ death.
Carl had still the suit he wore at his wedding.
At the church, they were sitting next to Niko, the Browns and Carl’s team was sitting behind them.
“And while no one is suggesting he was an angel, none of us are, that is why God put us on earth and not in heaven. The trials of humanity were sometimes too much for him to bear, but he was a committed family man, and a man of beliefs. God asks us to show faith and that is what he did, in his way. Francis gave so much of himself and will be sorely missed by us all. Amen.”
“Amen.” The crowd said.
“Now, if you all please will join me in the procession to the cemetery.”
Outside, Silver talked with Packie. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. I lost my real parents long ago. My sister is the only one I have left.”
“I’m not. I miss him, yes, but I never got along with him. Sooner or later, it would end like that. I always told him that, but he didn’t listen.” Packie had no sadness or regret in his voice, his expression neutral.
“You have a strange family.”
“Who doesn’t?”
Suddenly a car raced past the church and the passengers opened fire.
“Oh my god, get out of the way!” Aiden, Carl, his team, Niko and Packie returned fire.
“Let’s go inside, it’s gonna be alright.” Sofia comforted Silver Spoon who trembled, not able to bear the screams and gunfire.
“Please everybody, remain calm!” Ethan ordered.
“Niko, will you help me to protect my family?” Packie asked
“Of course, Packie.”
“You can count on us.” Carl managed to hit the gas tank of an incoming car, blowing it up.
“We got more of those bastards coming. Hold them off. You damn disrespectful bastards.” Packie fired at another car coming from the right, but Niko hit the driver causing the car to stop, making the rest of the hostiles easy targets for the cops.
“They’re coming through the alleyway. Watch the alleyway.” Packie shouted.
Taking cover behind the Enforcer, the Tactical officers took them all out.
“There can’t be a lot more where they came from, right? I think we got ‘em! Make a run for the cars!” Packie said to the others. They got into their cars and to safety.
“We will escort you.” Carl got with Aiden in his Police Cruiser, the rest of his team went into the Enforcer.
Aiden drove ahead; the Enforcer covered the rear of the Romero.
“The grave is at the graveyard on Colony Island, Aiden,” Carl told him.
“Let’s roll.” Both police vehicles escorted them with turned on sirens.
Just as they started, another car chased them. It rammed the Romero causing the backdoors to fall off. “We’re screwed if the casket falls out.” Carl leaned out of the window to fire at the chasing car. He hit the gunner in the back, as blood splattered from the window.
John, who was driving the Enforcer rammed the car hard, causing it to spin out of control. It was regaining control behind the Enforcer. Jack and Ethan opened the back doors, firing at the driver and his co-driver until blood splattered on the glass.
With the horn going off, it crashed against the wall. John noticed that the casket was about to fall out.
He rammed it lightly to push it back into the Romero.
“Glad that’s over. Why would Albanians try to destroy a funeral?” The NOOSE member wondered.
“Guess that Francis had something to do with that. He was corrupt all the time. I knew it.” Aiden replied cold.
“Now isn’t the time to talk bad about a dead.” Carl scolded Aiden.
“You know, I’m still not fond of that guy, even in his death. Guess this what happens if you wanna be a cop in a criminal family.”
“At least that is one less corrupt cop in the world.”
“And more room for more honest cops like us,” Aiden added.
At the graveyard, Niko talked with Kate.
“Thanks, Niko.” The woman was glad.
“What for?”
“Guys like you don’t like cops. Being here, helping us out… I appreciate it.”
“It’s not that I don’t like cops, you do what you do to get by. Cops are just regular guys trying to survive. Anyway, I’m not here for Francis. I am here for you and Packie. And Silver Spoon as well.”
“Like I said, thanks.”
Carl was driving home with his family. At home, Sofia made vegetarian lasagna for Silver Spoon.
She smiled then sighed. “Back home, it is one of my favorite’s food and my sister’s food as well.”
She took each bite slowly as it was still hot. But every bite was pleasure for her.
“It’s been a few days, maybe a week, since you found me and I appreciate it that you took care of me, but I miss my sister and friends so much!” She was about to break down, sobbing.
Sofia hugged her tightly and patted her. “Sweetheart, we love every minute with you and we know how much you miss them. But we’re here for you. And Mason and Emma are your friends too. If your sister finds you, we would love it to be your parents.” The young woman smiled at her.
“R-really?” The filly sniffed.
“Yes.”
“Actually, I like that you’re my parents and you are like parents to me.” Silver now smiled.
“We know. I and my wife will clean the kitchen. You can watch TV if you want.” Sophia suggested.
“Why not, I love LC kids club!” She exclaimed very happily.
After Carl and Sofia cleaned the kitchen, they looked at the clock. 3 P.M.
“Silver Spoon, what about a walk in the park? It’s a sunny day.” Carl suggested, causing her to grin
“You don’t have to ask me twice!”
In Middle Park, they sat down on a bench. Carl bought ice cream cones. Chocolate for his foal, strawberry, and chocolate for himself and stracciatella for his wife.
Then they went home again. They danced and sang to Hall & Oates – Maneater through the night.
Silver Spoon let out a yawn and fell asleep on the floor. Sofia tucked her in.
“Despite the incident at the funeral, it was fun today.”
“Indeed, Sofia. I’m just wondering if when Silver Spoon returns home, we can go with her. I mean, can we really give up our life here to start a new life in Equestria?” Carl yawned.
“I would have no problem with that. Liberty City is a nice place to live, but some vacation outside the USA would be nice sometimes.”
“I get your point. “ His phone rang. ”Yes, Aiden?”
“We need you at the station. We have reports about a deal at the Libertonian.”
“I’m on my way. Sorry my dear, duty calls.” He gave her a kiss.
“I’ll be waiting for you.”
Carl drove to the station. His team waited at an Annihilator on the helipad. “We don’t know how much resistance there will be. But to be prepared, we got heat-seeking rockets.”
“Good, John. You will be the one who uses it. Get in!”
They got in, unaware, that that mission would have a surprise for them.
Silver Spoon whimpered quietly while tossing, and turning in the big, soft guest bed.
The dream started normally. She was in the guest bed, the sun was shining. She got out of the bed. Then she heard screaming. Taking a look, she was shocked at what she saw. Sofia was on her knees begging for mercy. Carl was motionless on the ground, blood came out of his head and chest.
“No, no please…”
The man with glasses that untied her in the basement pointed a pistol at her. “You caused us problems. Now you pay the price. Goodbye Mrs. Wagner.” He executed her.
“MAMA! PAPA!” Silver cried in terror. Then he pointed his gun at the child. She crawbackwardards against the wall. “No, please! What did we ever do to you? Who are you?!”
“Ruin an important business for me. Goodbye.” He was emotionless and cold.
“NO! PLEASE LET ME GO!”
Suddenly she shot up in the big soft guest bed panting heavily.
This can’t be good. I better go on my own. She walked to the bed room of Sofia.
“I am so sorry but you’re better without me.” She let her tears fall and left.
The streets were empty and she trotted aimlessly through the streets of Algonquin.
A Thunderstorm came. The filly walked into an alley and used an old Newspaper as cover from the rain.
“I should have stayed at home.” She said to herself.
“How right you are.” A voice said in a cold, cruel tone.
In fear, she looked up. An African-American man escorted by two men wearing jackets with the inscription “Angels of Death” looked at her with an evil smile.
“I am sure my buddy in Alderney will pay a lot of money for you. Get her!”
Carl was en route to the Libertonian. He was the pilot and two other Annihilators were with him. They also had rocket launchers.
In the distance, he saw what looked like a helicopter out of gold.
“I don’t know what that thing is, but you need to land it.” He commanded via megaphone.
However as he saw that the helicopter was a Buzzard, he knew that he had no other choice. “John! I hate to say this, but do it!”
John took aim. “I have you now!” He fired but the Buzzard evaded it.
Then the military helicopter destroyed one of the Annihilators with its rockets and miniguns, sending the police chopper burning to the ground. ”This does not look good,” Wagner commented in shock and fear.
“We have a problem here.” The pilot of the second Annihilators said to Carl as he was under heavy fire by the golden Buzzard, trying to evade the incoming fire.
“You cannot win this dogfight! We are well trained. Please do not force us.” Carl tried to bring the pilot of the Buzzard to sanity but it was too late.
The Buzzard destroyed the other Annihilator, leaving only a burning wreck, falling out of the sky. Before a rocket destroyed the Annihilator he was flying, he bailed out. His team died as the Annihilator was exploded and crashed into the water.
Carl had no Parachute but as the Buzzard was under him, he grabbed one of the legs out of instinct as it was near to him
“Please, I have a family! Can you land somewhere before I lost my grip?” He pleaded, despite knowing that the pilot couldn’t hear him due the engine noise.
Surprisingly, the pilot landed on a helipad at the West River, more likely to escape by land rather out of pity with the NOOSE officer but it didn’t mattered for Carl.
“Thank you! You won’t regret this!” Wagner entered a Sentinel and drove away.
At the station, he talked with Aiden. “The operation was a complete failure!” The patrolman shouted in anger at the loss of a lot of good men.
“See it from the bright side, we’re still in one piece, Aiden.” Carl tried to calm him down.
“That’s right.” Aiden smiled weakly before his expression became one of worry. “But I got a call from your wife. Silver Spoon’s missing!”
“What?! Oh no…” Carl’s face went white.
“Don’t worry, dispatch has already organized a search. We will find her, I promise.” His friend replied with hope.
“I just hope that she didn’t run into anyone from the wrong part of town.” That was Carl’s worst fear. Those guys in Liberty City spared no one. As Silver Spoon was a child, she would have no chance against them.
Silver Spoon came to. She had a headache.
“…That’s two hundred dollars for you. That’s a good one, Barry. I’m sure other people will pay much for her.”
“Always a pleasure to make business with you, Glenn.”
Trembling in fear she asked, “Wh-who are you? What do you want with me?”
“Don’t worry about that, I have plans for you. Get her into my car.” The man named Barry said emotionless to his buddy who nodded.
He gagged and restrained her. “Next stop: Alderney.”
Carl comforted his wife. “Why would she run away? We would never harm her.” Sofia wondered worried sick.
“I don’t know. But we will find her, I promise.” Carl rubbed her back.
“I hope she found shelter in this rain.”
“I’m sure she has.”
He then read the news on Liberty Tree.
The serial killer who has been beheading joggers and other people foolish enough to go out late at night on their own has struck again. This time, it's the same old story. A young victim found in a sports bag. No head. And cops left rubbing theirs, as they wonder what to call him. Detective Jon Atkinson, who has been on the case since the beginning, made the following statement: "It's a great tragedy. People are focusing on the wrong things. Until the general public starts to focus on what matters, we don't have a chance of catching this guy. People are going to have to tell me: do they want the movie to be serious, or have a comic twist? Should I have a love interest? What about my partner? Will he be older and wiser, but close to retirement, a man who dies in the penultimate scene? Or a young punk, who needs a wisecracking older guy to show him the ropes? I'm really struggling with my first draft of this screenplay, and people are just going to have to be patient.
“You don’t think…” Sofia was close to despair.
It was night and it rained. Silver Spoon was crying so much that her eyes were red. “Shut up!” Glenn’s buddy punched her into the chest. She winced in pain.
“We should sell her to some organ traders. Cut her open, harvest the organs and let her die.”
Silver trembled harder. Oh no… Please, no!
Out of nowhere, the siren of a NOOSE Cruiser could be heard. “The cops! Get her into the t,runk!”
“Yes boss!”
His friend got her into the trunk and slammed it shut. “Careful Boss, not that you break her neck!”
“I got this.” He took the driver seat and fled while his ally used grenades against the cop. The cop was however a very good driver and evaded them.
“This is control, an officer needs assistance at err, AutoEroticar in Alderney City.” The control informed nearby units.
Soon, a Police Cruiser and a Police Patrol of the Alderney State police joined the chase.
“I'm that bad ass DK that your momma' warned you about!” the driver of the Cruiser said via megaphone.
“If I have to chase you, you're dead!” the driver of the Patrol added.
The officer in the NOOSE Cruiser performed a PIT maneuver and pinned the Merit against a wall without damaging it.
“You’ll never get us alive!” Glenn shouted. As he fired at his pursuers, his threat was returned with a shower of lead. Glenn's body jolted wildly and flung itself across the road.
Evidently, taking him alive had never been their intention.
“Attention all units, suspect’s taken down.”
The officers seemed to leave as everything became quiet.
Slowly, yet steady, the filly felt tired, gasping for air, sweating. “Help! I can’t breathe, I’m suffocating in here!” She hammered to get attention, hoping that someone would hear her cries of help.
It appeared to be in vain as her breath was running short, becoming tired.
Was this the end?
Out of nowhere, light started to shine in her eyes, causing her to cover them and a blurry voice ringed in her eyes as she coughed to catch as much oxygen as she could.
Her vision slowly became clear, before her was a man, he was familiar to her. “Are you hurt?” He asked, making the filly realize who he was.
“Niko!” She wrapped her arms around him. Niko could feel that she was freezing and ice cold. “T-they kidnapped me and w-wanted to take my organs!”
“Shh, it’s over. You’re safe now. I have an apartment in Mahesh Avenue in Alderney City. It isn’t as luxury as my Penthouses but still cozy.” He gently sat her into the NOOSE Cruiser.
“How did you get that Police Cruiser?” She wondered.
“Let’s just say, I work undercover with the police sometimes.” He replied a bit nervous.
“Okay.” She took a nap.
Niko was driving home as a man waved at him.
“Hey there, pal! Hey!”
“Hey.”
“Niko, the Balkan sociopath!”
Silver Spoon awoke as she heard screaming. “But you know what, handsome, I’ve got hunger tonight that can’t be sated. Come here!” a man attacked Niko with a knife.
She wanted to help him. She spotted the police computer. That’s it! She pressed the button for backup.
The man pulled her out of the car. “Scream for me!” She raised her arms to protect her face.
Niko got up from the ground as a Police Cruiser with turned on lights arrived on the scene.
“You're dead, and you don't even know it yet!” the officers fired their weapons the attacker, he stumbled from the hits, then collapsed in his own blood and the officers leaved without noticing her at all.
“You alright?” Niko checked her.
“No. I think the bad guys broke my ribs as every breath hurts.”
“Don’t worry, I know someone who can help with that.” They drove home.
Back home, Niko made tomato soup for his young guest and called Carmen to treat her injuries.
Carl was getting worried. He feared that Silver Spoon would be the victim of the serial killer. He got an SMS from Aiden.
Check the Liberty Tree. Very important. Aiden.
He and Sofia checked it out.
The serial killer they couldn't name has been found. Dead. The killer is believed to have killed up to 10 people over the last few months, usually joggers or nighttime strollers. Police believe he attacked the wrong person, and was himself killed in a fight. Detective Jon Atkinson told this newspaper, "It's very disappointing. I was just about to make an arrest. I'd solved the case. His name was Eddie Low. He lived in Dukes - I was literally heading over to his house when the news came in another body had turned up. Obviously, the screenplay I am writing about the case will now have a slightly different ending, in which I make the arrest, and it will carry the subtitle 'based on true events', because that will make a better story." The mayor commented, "This is not the LCPD's finest hour. We have a killer on the loose for months, and no leads; then they give him this stupid nickname - 'Eddie Low'.
What kind of a nickname is that? Heads will roll for this. Oh, bad joke. I mean, people will suffer. Eddie Low was the killer's actual nickname. He was a loner Dukes, who apparently kept an account of his actions online here and on the popular networking site MyRoom.
“That’s one less serial killer in Liberty City. But I’m still worried about Silver Spoon.”
“Sofia, we must hold out hope. The hope dies last.” She took a deep breath.
“You’re right. Let’s get some sleep.”
They went to bed but prayed that she would be still alive.
Carl and Sofia woke up as someone knocked on the door. “Just a moment!”
Carl got dressed and opened the door. “Hey, Niko. What do you want so early in the morning?” He greeted friendly.
“To say that Silver Spoon is safe.” She was behind him, smiling.
“Papa!” She rammed him.
He returned a smile and patted her. “Thanks, Niko. We were worried sick.”
“It’s nothing. A guy named Glenn Lushbaugh wanted to sell her to organ traders but I took care of him.”
“Good thing that you were there. Silver Spoon, why did you run away?”
She trembled. “I-I had a nightmare where you were killed because of me. I don’t want to make you trouble.” She explained with tears.
Sofia gasped and scooped the filly in her arms.
“Silver, you’re won’t cause us trouble because you’re the best what happened in our lives.”
“Really?” The grey pony asked with a sob.
“Yes. We always wanted to be parents but every attempt failed. With you, our wish came true.” Sofia explained which caused Silver to smile.
“Hey, do you want to go Bowling?” the Serbian asked his friend.
“Sure, why not,” Carl replied.
They all went to Memory Lanes. Carl and Niko played while Sofia and Silver Spoon watched.
Carl got a strike, Niko a turkey. It was fun for all of them.
“That was fun.” Carl had enjoyed it to the fullest.
“Indeed. We should do this again. Goodbye.” Niko left.
“I got an idea. What about showing you the Statue of Happiness?” the young woman suggested.
“That’s a good idea, Mama.” Silver Spoon liked it.
Shortly before they reached Middle Park, a black car pulled up behind them, two sets of red/blue small sirens on both the front and the rear lightened up, causing Carl to pull over.
Four men, wearing vests stepped out, the filly could see that they had badges around their neck reading “FIB”. Silver feared for the worst as they were all armed with Carbine Rifles, looking not too friendly.
“FIB, you’re under arrest!”
“This must be a misunderstanding…” Sofia couldn’t finish her sentence as one agent yelled,
“Do not move! On the ground!”
They obeyed. “What’s the meaning of this?” Carl asked.
“Remain on the ground!” Then, the agents knocked them out.
Aiden was on patrol. At the Caste tunnel, he saw a speeding Super GT. “This guy’s in a hurry.” He tried to turn the siren on but nothing happened. “Great. Just great.”
He gave chase in the tunnel. “L.C.P.D! Let's slow it down!” he ordered via megaphone.
He lost control in the tunnel and crashed. “Darn it.”
“I thought the police might do our job for us for a second. No such luck.” Niko commented as he also chased the Super GT in a Turismo with his friend Bernie.
“This is exciting.” Bernie was full of adrenaline.
The GT crashed at Castle Garden City. Niko got out and finished the goons with clean shots of his MP10. As he wanted to go back into the Turismo, the phone of one of the goons got an SMS.
Alright, we got the kid. Tell the boss that the disguise as FIB agents worked.
Niko knew at once who they meant. Dimitri you…
Silver’s vision was blurry as she woke up. She was in a small room, tied up on a chair and gagged.
“About time you woke up! Now, smile for the camera.” The man with glasses took a picture of her with his phone. She just cried. M-mama, P-papa… please… save me.
Carl and Sofia awoke in Aiden’s and Emily’s house. “I found you knocked out on the streets, are you alright?” Emily asked worriedly.
“Yes. Some fake FIB agents surprised us.” Sofia explained as he held her head in pain.
Carl got an MMS from the same unknown number.
Again, Silver was tied up and crying. “I don’t know what this guy’s problem is, but he will pay when I find him!” He exclaimed in anger.
Mason and Emma were worried. “I hope they don’t hurt her or worse… k-kill her.” The young boy feared they would not.
Emily hugged their children. “Don’t worry, the police will find her.”
Aiden was patrolling again. He knew about the kidnapping and was worried.
He stopped when he saw some smoke in the distance. “Available firefighters respond to, err... a burning building, in Northwood.”
“Dispatch, I,m on my way.” Aiden responded to it.
At the location, two Russians fled the scene. Another police Cruiser that arrived chased them.
Aiden secured the crime scene. “I heard that a child is still in there!” the caller said to him.
“By the time the Fire department arrives, it will be too late!” It was a risky idea, but Aiden couldn’t live with a child dying in a fire.
Crouching and putting a cloth over his mouth, he entered the building.
It was a two-story house. The first floor was empty except for a burned Russian.
In a small and dirty room on the second floor, Aiden couldn’t believe his eyes.
Silver Spoon was on the ground, passed out from the smoke. He gently picked her up and carried her out.
Then, he began to revive her. “No, no! Don't you die on me! Come on, breathe, breathe!” The officer yelled in despair as there was no response from her or a pulse.
A Fire truck and ambulance with paramedics arrived.
“Alright men, let’s do this! Let the water flow!” the fire chief ordered.
“Let me through! I’m a doctor!” Dr. Logan was also an emergency doctor.
He checked Silver Spoon’s condition. “Smoke inhalation. I’ll take her to the hospital.”
“But doc, she’s not breathing!” Aiden replied with a small hint of panic.
As response, Logan used a defibrillator.
The revival was successful as Silver twitched, then gasped for air. “I saw a white light and gates.”
“That was close. Let’s get you to the hospital.” Dr. Logan helped her into the Ambulance.
After the medical treatment, Silver had to stay for a few days for monitoring if she got any worse injuries.
Every day that Mason and Emma visited her, they wished her a quick recovery, talked and played. She was pleased every time. Niko and his friends visited her too. It turned out, that the burned Russian was careless with a cigarette as his friends told the police.
Now, she was released from hospital. She had lunch with her friends and parents at Burger Shot.
“We have a surprise for you.” Sofia smiled at her.
They showed her the Statue of Happiness on Happiness Island. They came with a boat, a police Predator.
Silver looked in awe at the Statue. “Why is she holding a cup of coffee instead of a torch?” Silver wondered.
“It was a mistake by the architect. Rumors say, the Statue even has a beating heart.”
“That sounds weird, daddy.”
“I know. It’s getting late. Let’s go home.”
At they entered the boat, Silver saw another boat in the distance. “Ahoy, sailor!” She called out with a grin.
The sailors drove close and one of them fired with a MP10 as they drove by.
“Do not be messing with Dimitri Rascalov!” Sofia ducked with Silver and Carl.
“That was close! Carl, get them out of here! I will chase them!” Aiden yelled in a fit of rage.
“Okay, Aiden.”
They got on land and drove home. “Why did they do that?” Silver was scared.
“I don’t know. How about a pizza?” Sofia changed the subject make her child feel better.
“Good idea, mommy.” The filly liked it.
Sofia made a margarita pizza for the foal. While Silver was eating, she checked her mails.
One was from Roman.
Great news! Mallorie agreed to marry me! I am so happy. I am going to be a family man. I cannot wait to marry her. And you’re invited.
How’s Silver Spoon?
Roman
Sofia replied.
Silver Spoon’s doing well. She misses her family but we enjoy every minute with her. Congratulations for being married. I hope you have more luck in becoming parents then we.
Sofia
Silver Spoon had fished her pizza. “Yummy in my tummy.” Carl got the plate into the dishwasher, then telephoned with someone.
“Time for bed, sweetie.” The young mother said to her child, who grinned.
“You got to catch me first!”
“Oh yeah?” Sofia laughed.
She chased Silver Spoon through her home. Carl still talking on the phone, smiled at them. Silver was clever and hid herself but her laugher gave her away. Sofia knew where she was and had never so much fun before.
Silver was under their bed but Sofia acted like she didn’t know. “Where could she be? Maybe in her room?” Tricking her, Sofia waited at the door until Silver Spoon came out of hiding.
“Got you!” She tickled her.
“Stop! Please!” After a while, they all were on the ground laughing.
“That was Aiden. The Russians blew up his boat but he survived. Niko took care of them.”
“Can I sleep with you this night?” The filly asked, looking at them with a puppy face.
“Of course, sweetie.” Sofia nuzzled her nose, causing her to giggle.
The grey filly snuggled herself between her parents and fell asleep with a big smile.
“I love you, mommy and daddy.” She said in her sleep.
In the middle of the night, she woke up. She went to the bath room. After leaving, someone putted a cloth on her mouth and she felt very sleepy, not having even a chance to call out for help or to scream.
Sofia and Carl woke up in the morning. Instead of the filly they loved with all their heart, there was a note on their bed.
We have your daughter, and we’ll kill her if you don’t do what we want. Dimitri.
“Oh god! My poor daughter!” Sophia panicked.
Don’t worry Sofia, I’ll make a call and then, Dimitri will wish he hadn’t kidnapped her.” Carl was burning in anger.
“Dimitri has one thing to say: ‘Get out of Liberty now and the kid lives’. And to make sure you obey.” He shot their tires before they fled in a car.
“Oh god! We can’t let her in the hands of the Russians!” Sofia was worried.
An Enforcer and a police Cruiser stopped next to them after only a few minutes had passed. “I heard what happened! Get in! We will get her back!” Aiden said as Carl entered the Enforcer and Sofia the Cruiser.
“We found out that she’s being held at Charge Island. We go in by chopper.” The driver of the Enforcer explained.
“Good. Death from above.” Carl liked the plan.
Carl piloted the Annihilator to Charge Island. His co-pilot had an AA-12 shotgun, the support gunner an M249 and the submachine gunner an FN90.
Silver Spoon was gagged and tied up. “What do you want from me?” she asked through her restrains.
“Don’t worry, as long as your parents obey, you will not be harmed. What in the?” Her captor looked up when he heard a helicopter.
“LCPD. Freeze!” An Annihilator landed and NOOSE agents got out. “Damn! Get her out of here!”
Another Russian grabbed her and carried her to a catwalk. The NOOSE team was fighting their way through the Russians easily. Carl was filled with anger, having enough.
Carl spotted a man that tried to run away. He chased him until he stopped and turned around. “Where is she?!” Wagner screamed.
“She’s upstairs, resting...in peace. Would you like to join her?” the Russian asked cold.
“If you hurt her…!”
“Comrade, I assure you she didn’t feel a thing. Unfortunately, the same will not be said of you.” He was about to fire an AA-12 shotgun with explosive ammo but the support gunner had the faster trigger finger, shooting the goon in the head.
“He’s down.”
“Upstairs, now!” Carl made a sign to move up. At a catwalk, a goon used Silver as shield. “Let her go, you’re trapped. We’ll let you go if you let her go.”
“I’m screwed either way. If I don’t give you the child, you kill me here. I do give you the child, Mr. Bulgarin kills me later. Screw you all!” He was about to execute her but Carl reacted fast and killed him with a clean headshot.
“Silver, you alright?” Carl asked with worry.
“Papa!” Silver hugged him crying.
“They didn’t hurt you, did they?” She cried just more. He patted her. “I’m here for you, sweetie.”
Hey, look!” the shotgunner pointed something out.
Niko and Packie were talking with a man, while three armed men sneaked up.
“That’s the man who ordered my kidnapping!” Silver identified him.
“…And you have been trying to rob the thieves to rob me. Kill them all!" the man screamed and drove away as Niko and Packie went to cover.
“You!” Another goon yelled but Carl killed him with his sidearm with a shot to the chest.
“Go! Go! To the chopper!”
They fought their way through reinforcements. Silver stayed in cover but trembled. It pained Carl to see her like this.
Most of the goons were focused on Niko and Packie, however.
They crossed their ways. “Cops ahead!” Packie was about to fire but recognized Carl and Silver. “What are you doing here?”
“Silver got kidnapped by Dimitri and another guy, we freed her. And you?” Wagner asked in return.
“Getting something that belongs to us.” Niko reloaded his AK.
“Incoming!” the support gunner fired at three cars that were stopping on the ground. He took out the driver of the first car, the shotgunner blew up the second and Niko killed the driver of the third car. Carl, Packie and the submachine gunner took out the rest.
“See you later.” Carl entered the chopper with Silver and his men.
He flew to the helipad at Meadows Park. Aiden and Sofia were already here.
“Mama!” Silver ran into her mother’s arms.
“Shh, you’re safe now.”
“Everything went well.” Aiden was glad that it went so well.
“No.” Some guy called Bulgarin busted up the rescue. We had to fight our way through goons of him.” Carl replied exhausted.
“Bulgarin? Ray Bulgarin? I thought he’s dead. Back from the dead, I guess.” Aiden was surprised.
Carl’s phone ringed. “Wagner, I want to introduce you and your buddy to Jon Gravelli, head of the Gambetti family, He needs help.” It was the contact form, Liberty Paper, again.
“I don’t want to do get problems with the mob.” The officer knew who this man was, not wanting to get into more trouble than he already was.
“Don’t worry, this job is a bodyguard job, not a contract killer. He’s in Schottler Medical Center. Tell him you were sent by a mutual friend. He’s expecting you.”
“That was that agent, Aiden. He has another job for us.”
“Great.” Aiden deadpanned, rolling his eyes.
“You three, watch my wife, okay?” Carl asked his squad members.
“Of course.” The shotgunner said.
“What about the 69th Street Diner, sweetheart? Mason and Emma love it too.” Sophia suggested.
“Yes, Mama.” Silver Spoon smiled.
The American woman called her friend, who agreed and they met at the Street Diner, enjoying some French fries, the children chatted together.
“That was really a nice idea from you. I always loved to come here as a kid.” Emily said with a smile.
“Thank you, I loved it too. Simple, yet so cozy.”
“Excuse me, Ma’am?” A young voice asked and they turned around to see a man walking towards them.
He was tall, messy blonde hair, wore a white t-shirt, torn jeans, construction boots, and fingerless gloves and his eyes were blue. Overall, he looked intimidating but his expression was friendly.
“Uh, yes?” Sophia asked, slightly surprised.
“I hard your daughter had suffered unpleasant things in the past, I’m a vigilante and wanted to offer my services, should you need them.” He reached for what looked like a card with his phone number.
“Thank you, but I’m not interested.”
“If you should change your mind, call me.” He then looked at Silver. I hope you like this present.” The man revealed a black leather vest with the inscription “Lost MC” on the back.
“Thank you! The filly said with glee, looking at the vest with sparkling eyes.
“It’s nothing. Have a nice day.” With that, he left.
The two women looked at each other, not sure what to think of it.
After a few seconds, they nodded, deciding to keep this for later.
Carl and Aiden drove to the Medical Center. Carl told the guard, “We were sent by a mutual friend.”
The guard pointed to Mr. Gravelli. He was born 1923 ledaded the Gambetti Family since 1978. In 2005, Gravelli was admitted to the Schottler Medical Center with a serious illness. Both cops had respect for him.
“So you’re the two cops who are here to help.”
Aiden replied, “That’s right, we-“
“Spare me, please, I’m an old man. I ain’t got much time left. Our mutual friend told me everything. Thank you. It reminds me of my family.” Jon laughed before he used his breathing device.
“Our pleasure.” Carl said.
“People are so damn vain. You, I, an old man facing the end… and I still care, care how I look, care that the pretty nurse has to clean me… it’s ridiculous.” Jon took another breath. “And I care about my legacy. I’ve worked hard for this, this line of work.
Now some Russians think they can march in and take control of rackets my family has run for fifty years.”
“You mean fifty years of you bleeding the city dry might finally come to an end?” Aiden asked.
“I know, it’s a terrible tragedy.” Mr. Gravelli laughed before using his device again.
“But if it wasn’t me, it would just be someone else. So it might be me.”
“Yes.”
“A good friend of mine is coming into town to give a speech on the new threat to Liberty City – Russian organized crime. I got a feeling some people ain’t gonna want that to happen. This guy who kidnapped our daughter, Dimitri Rascalov, has an interest in keeping this story out of the press. Our friend said you two have experience with protecting VIPs. Make sure he gets to City Hall. He’s coming from upstate. He’ll be at Grand Easton Terminal on Bismarck. Thank you.”
They left, only to find the NOOSE team outside.
“A man said you need us for VIP protection. He also said his men will watch your family.” The MG gunner explained. Carl noticed that they looked identical to his old teammates.
“You look like my old team.”
“We’re their brothers. I’m Conan, Jack’s brother; this is Frank, John’s brother and Nick, Ethan’s brother.”
“They never told me that they had brothers. Anyway, let’s go.” Carl took the driver seat of the Enforcer.
At the terminal, Carl asked a bodyguard, “You guys waiting for us?”
“Yeah. Stay in convoy with us all the way to City Hall, alright?”
“Sure.”
They followed until they came to a detour at Luddite Row. “A detour here? Strange.”
“I smell an ambush, Carl.” Nick was suspicious.
It was confirmed as there was another roadblock, a construction worker looked up as they approached and drew a firearm. The crack of gunfire shook the street as one of the bodyguards fell to the ground with a yelp, clutching his bleeding chest. The cops covered Mr. Jefferson and got him into an alley. Niko was also a bodyguard, Carl and Aiden knew why.
“If I get out of this, punks like Dimitri Rascalov are going to wish they never got off the boat here.” Mr. Jefferson commented. Aiden stayed with him; while the NOOSE team and Niko climbed on the top of a roof they were next to it to kill the Russians.
The Russians killed all bodyguards as they had only pistols but Niko and the NOOSE agents took them all out one by one with their heavy weapons.
Then, they escorted Mr. Jefferson to the Civic Citadel. four cars of the Russian tried to intercept them but the MG and the Shotgun of the Tactical Response team tore them apart as Nick and Frank were in the back of the Enforcer, the cars exploded in small fire balls.
After Mr. Jefferson was safe, Carl got out of the Enforcer and Conan took the driver seat. “I’m going go home. See you later!”
“See you, Carl. We will return to the station.”
Aiden drove Carl home. Emily waited outside. “Our kids wanted to do a sleep over. They’re asleep already.” It was 8PM so it wasn’t surprising for them.
“Okay. Goodnight.” Carl went inside. His heart melted at the sleeping kids.
Sofia was reading the news.
Bobby Jefferson, the Ex-Secretary of Security Enforcement, came to Liberty City in order to give a speech on the increasing threat of immigrant-led organized crime. However, Jefferson became a victim himself as his convoy was ambushed on the way to the Civic Citadel and he was nearly killed. Violent crime is becoming more and more prevalent in this city and people like Mr. Jefferson are asking why in highly paid speeches. The RICO statues and the pressure put on organized crime by new forms of surveillance has for years undermined the traditional criminal elements in this city. This void is being filled by hungry and ruthless criminals coming into our city from aboard."
"It seems that, as in every industry, these new gangs need to succeed more desperately than their American counterparts and they are willing to pay a price for success that others are not. Mayor Ochoa has to keep to his word and do something about this problem. Until then, the helpless residents of Liberty City must remain at the mercy of these foreign thugs."
The radio also had also news about it.
“Weazel News, where the assassination attempt of the day is always brought to you by Al Dente's -- All the mamma-mia you can eat!”
“Is anyone safe? Even our politicians are now under attack! He's the former Secretary of Security Enforcement, but Bobby Jefferson's motorcade was attacked while making its way from Grand Easton Terminal to the Civic Citadel, where Mr. Jefferson had long been scheduled to give a speech about organized crime. Courageously, Mr. Jefferson took to the stage after the attack and delivered the speech. The mayor vowed to make these new forms of organized crime a priority. Mr. Jefferson's speech was not a xenophobic rant; he praised hard-working immigrants, particularly one nameless man who ensured that he could deliver his speech.
At the Civic Citadel, I'm Jenny Acorn, Weazel News.”
“I do not feel safe anymore. I’m worried about their safety.”
Carl kissed his wife. “Don’t worry. We’ll think of something.” They fell asleep unware, that the worst would yet come.
At the next day, a thunderstorm came. The kids watched happy TV together. It was 11 A.M., Carl got a call from Niko.
“Carl, I thought I should let you, your wife and friends know, I found the man who betrayed me. The guilt has destroyed him. I don’t know. Somehow it was better to walk away.”
“You did the right thing, Niko. You should be proud of yourself. Killing him, had made you not better, and I know how much it hurt you over all those years. It was hard for you, but you did the right thing. We’ve got to celebrate. Your soul is finally free. May I invite you to the Maisonette Nine?”
“Sure, whatever… I’ll speak to you soon.”
“That was Niko. He told me that he found the man he was looking for. He forgave him.”
“He did the right choice. Killing would not make him better.” Sofia added.
“Yes. Hey, what about showing Silver our apartment?”
“Good idea, Aiden. I’m sure she will like it.”
“Indeed!” Silver exclaimed.
“Then, let’s go.” Emily smiled at her.
“Hey, I see smoke in the distance!” Silver pointed it out.
“That’s our house!” Aiden was shocked. A Fire Truck was already on the scene.
“Who would do such a thing?” Emily asked also shocked.
“We don’t know, but it was arson.” The fire chief explained.
Out of nowhere, a Vincent pulled up and four masked men got out. “Nobody moves! Get her!” One of them grabbed Silver Spoon and they escaped. Aiden drew his pistol, but the leader of them shot it out of his hand.
“Quick! Call help!”
“On it!” Aiden said to his wife.
Carl and Sofia couldn’t believe it. Someone kidnapped Silver Spoon again.
Carl got a call from Niko. “Hey, Carl. I have a decision to make and I don’t know who to talk about.”
“Shoot.”
“I have been asked to work with Dimitri Rascalov again. There could be a lot of money in it. But it would mean going back on an oath I swore to myself.”
“Dimitri...No, no, Niko, you can't. It's his trap! He's the one who had Silver Spoon! He still wants you and her dead!!”
“What?!”
“Yes. And he burned the Brown’s house down.”
“Don’t worry, I will save her.” For Niko it was clear now.
Revenge.
He closed Silver Spoon in his heart. And that crossed the line for the last time. Family was more important than money.
Someone knocked on the door. Two of Dimitri’s men walked in.
“Mr. Rascalov wants to make you an offer: Kill Niko and your friend. You keep your daughter and Dimitri’s becomes your partner. Either that, or we will kill all of you.”
Carl had other plans. “If you think I’ll kill the family of my best friend, YOU’RE WRONG!”
“He wants only Aiden dead. His wife and children will not be harmed.” The other goon added.
“You know what? I’ll make you an offer, you can’t refuse.” Carl did a quick draw and killed both of them.
“Carl, what got into you?!”
“Sorry. It’s just… He expects that I work with him after the kidnaps Silver? He should have thought twice about it.”
“But what now?”
“Let me make a call.”
Silver Spoon couldn’t believe it. Why? Why did he do that to me? Dimitri walked in.
“What are you doing? What do you want with me?!”
“Don’t worry about that, I and Mr. Bulgarin have plans for you, once we’re in Russia.”
He was interrupted by shots. “There’s an intruder on the ship!” One of his men reported.
“Get him!” Dimitri ordered.
Still, the intruder fought his way to him. It was Niko.
He got to cover behind some boxes. Dimitri did the same.
“Hey Dimitri, I don’t think I’ll doing this deal with you. We have other business to finish.”
“Niko, it’s been a long time. I thought your time in America might have calmed you down.”
“America does not change everyone. Look at you, you arrived in this country a spineless rat who would sell out his friends. That is what you will be when you die here.”
Dimitri shouted something in Russian.
Three goons backed him up, but Niko took them all out with his AK. He wounded Dimitri badly.
“You’re about to learn a lesson, actions have consequences. You screwed me over, now you’re paying for it. Kidnapping a child was the last straw. Shame that’ll be the second last thing that goes into your head. Goodbye.”
“You’re the one who’s going to learn a lesson. People aren’t going to be happy if you kill me.”
“I've never been popular. I don't mean to start now.”
“Niko, it's not too late, we can work this out! It was a long time ago that I pissed you off. Forget about it. I didn't mean nothing. Please. Think about Pegorino, he's got nothing without this deal. It was never my idea to set you up. Go easy on me. We were friends, remember? You don't need to do this. You're enraging a lot of people over by killing me. Hey, come on, we got history. Don't do it.”
Then, Silver heard shots.
“I should have put you out of your misery a long time ago. Goodbye, Dimitri.”
“W-whose there?” Silver was scared.
“A friend.” Niko untied her. “I came to save you.”
“T-thanks. Where am I?”
”On the Platypus, the boat I arrived in Liberty City.” He carried her out.
Outside was his orange Infernus he got from Bernie. “Safety firpute putted the seat belt on.
Silver Spoon forgot the traumatic scene that happened moments ago completely. Niko started the engine and she raised her hooves like in a roller coaster, grinning.
Carl and Sofia didn’t know what to do. Silver Spoon would live or die on a phone call. The Browns lived in Niko’s apartment next to them.
Niko went in. “There she is, safe and sound.”
“Mama!”
Sofia hugged her tightly. “We were worried sick about you! I don’t know how to thank you, Niko.”
“You don’t. I did what I had to do. “Now, let’s got to my cousin’s wedding, shall we?” Niko was already wearing a suit.
They drove to the church in Suffolk. Aiden used his police uniform.
“Let’s get me married!” Roman couldn’t wait.
”I now, produce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.” The priest said.
They kissed. Outside, everyone applauded and cheered.
A black car drove past and an enraged man fired at the crowd with an AK-47. Niko's girlfriend, Kate, fell to the ground, parts of her green jacket slowly turning red. The Serbian checked her with a worried expression, everyone looked at him in shock, Sofia gasped, covering her mouth.
“Somebody call an ambulance!” Roman exclaimed, looking at his guest.
“She’s dead!” Niko shouted in anger, sobbing. “She told me to leave it. I thought I had. I thought it was over!”
“Niko, don’t blame yourself.”
“Of course I can! She’s dead!” Niko almost lunged at his cousin in a fit of rage as Sofia shouted,
“Silver Spoon!” She was still alive but was bleeding from her chest.
“M-mama… I-it hurts…”
“Don’t worry, you gonna be alright.” Sofia comforted her.
“Dispatch an ambulance for, err... Suffolk.” The dispatcher said on the radio.
Dr. Logan arrived and loaded her into an Ambulance. Aiden gave escort to the hospital.
At the hospital, Silver was brought into the OP room. The Wagner’s and Browns waited outside. “Please Silver Spoon, hold on. Don’t die.” They all thought.
After a while, Dr. Logan came out. “How’s she doc?” Sofia asked worried.
“She ain’t good. Her condition is critical. She got shot into the chest. A lung and her heart were hit. Since she’s critically injured, we don’t know if she is going to survive, but I’ll do what I can. You should go home and try to sleep. It’s getting late. I’ll keep you up to date about her condition.”
They all went home and were asleep with worry about Silver.
Carl awoke early in the morning. “Damn, I was meant to protect her!”
His wife was still asleep as Aiden called. “Carl, we found some of Pegorino’s men at Koresh Square in Alderney.”
“I’m on my way. And Silver Spoon?”
“Nothing new yet, but my kids pray that she will make it.”
“Me too, me too.” Carl gave his wife a kiss on the forehead and left.
Aiden was waiting in a NOOSE Cruiser. Niko, Roman and Jacob were also there in a car. “What are you doing here?”
“Kate was my friend.” Niko explained.
“She died on my wedding. I help in any way I can.” Roman added.
“And Silver Spoon is also a family part for me, seen?” Jacob said in his Jamaican accent.
“There they are!” Aiden yelled as two men got into a SUV and drove to their boss.
Aiden turned the siren on and chased them with Niko and his friends.
On the Plumbers Skyway, the traffic was dense so Aiden used the megaphone. “Police pursuit, clear the streets!”
“How do you know he’s going back to Pegorino?”
“There’s nowhere left for these guys to go. The whole city want’s them dead now.”
“Well, I guess we’ll do the whole city a favor when we take Pegorino out, then. The fool thought he could be a big player.”
The SUV was even driving on the wrong side of the street to lose them but Aiden and Niko stayed with him.
He led them to an abandoned casino in the North of Alderney.
Using the cars as cover from heavy fire, they discussed their plan.
“Aiden, you, Jacob and Roman stay back. We’ll going in to get Pegorino.”
“But we’re here to help.”
“Aiden, the best way to help us is to keep Roman and yourself alive. I don’t want to lose you as Niko lost Kate.”
“Indeed. Also, figure out an exit strategy. When this guy is dead, we’ll not go to want to hang around long.” They agreed.
“Let's get to the end.” Niko said as he and Carl got their AKs ready.
They fought their way inside. Before they got inside, Niko got a SMS from Jacob. I got an escape plan for you, star. Keep your eyes on the sky, sight?
“Don’t think for a second that this was anyone’s fault but your own. You coulda worked with me and everything woulda been gravy.” Pegorino was standing on the stairs leading to the roof.
“I wanted out and you killed someone I cared about.”
“And you hurt someone I cared about. It’s over for you now, Jimmy.” Carl added.
“Your problem is you like killing too much.” Jimmy ran to the roof.
Carl and Niko fought their way through Jimmy’s goons. They used AKs themselves so ammo was not a problem. And the NOOSE uniform gave Carl an advantage.
Jimmy tried to escape on a boat at a jetty but Niko and Carl used a dirt bike to chase him.
After a while on the shore, an Annihilator was joining the chase. “We see the boat! We’re going after it!” Aiden used the megaphone.
“Not with us, you’re not.” Niko commented.
They used a ramp to jump and climbed onboard. Niko took the pilot seat, while Jacob and Carl fired at the boat. They damaged it enough that it caught fire. The chopper was hit by a rocket.
Jimmy went on land at Happiness Island; Niko landed the burning chopper and got out with Carl. “Wait here while we finish this.” Niko told his friends.
As Jimmy was only armed with a pistol, Carl and Niko managed to wound him.
He was slowly bleeding to death.
“I told you to leave me alone.” Niko closed in.
“I gave the orders here. Me.”
“You’re not looking so good there, Jimmy.”
“Screw you.”
“What did they ever do to you?” Carl asked.
“I wanted you, Niko.”
“Big talk. You wanna know something funny?”
“Not really.”
“The Commission – the old families – We know some of those guys. And they thought you were a fat joke.”
“Whatever.”
“A joke! Huh. ”Niko and Carl shared a laugh.
As they walked away, Jimmy raised his gun but Carl turned around and killed him with a bullet to the head.
“Cousin!” Roman, Jacob and Aiden joined them.
“We won, man. We won!” Aiden cheered before they left
Niko and Carl went separate ways now but were still friends. Carl telephoned with Packie. “I never thought this would happen, Carl. Katie and Silver Spoon, sweet, innocent Katie and Silver Spoon.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Katie didn’t do anything to anybody. It was us McReary men who were the sinners. We’re paying for that ourselves, she didn’t have to pay too.”
“You’re right.”
“I gotta be with me Ma, Carl. She doesn’t get much left other than me. And that ain’t much… I pray for Silver Spoon. See you, man.”
“Thanks see you, man.”
Then Roman called. “Hey Carl, are you okay?”
“Not really, still worried about Silver Spoon. How’s married life?”
“It’s okay, hard to be happy when you’re wedding goes the way ours did. Silver Spoon’s injury was very unfortunate Carl, don’t blame yourself.”
“I know I’m just worried if she makes it.”
“We’re with you. And I wanted to tell you, Mallorie is pregnant. She carries twins. If both are girls, we’ll call them Kate and Silver.”
“Congratulations, Roman. You’ll make a good father. See you soon.”
Two weeks passed. Aiden and his family regularly visited Silver Spoon. Her condition was stable and she was out of danger but still unconscious. Carl’s teammates along with Dwayne’s goon guarded her, in case someone would try to harm or kidnap her.
He was listing to I Keep on Walking as he took a walk. He got a call from the hospital.
“Yeah?”
“I missed you, Papa!” a happy young female voice was on the other end.
“Silver Spoon, you’re woken up!”
“Yes, about 15 minutes or so. If you want, Roman can send a cab to you.”
“On my way, sweetheart.”
“What? Don’t shoot!” Dr. Logan begged in the background before shots could be heard and the connection was lost.
“Hello? Hello? “Damn!” That can only be Bulgarin!
Unknown to him, another man was about to solve this problem for him.
Luis Lopez, a Dominican-American, was on his bike on Broker-Dukes Expressway to stop Bulgarin from leaving, as he had some problems with him of his own.
His buddy, Yusuf, arrived in his golden Buzzard to clear the way to the airport.
“Yusuf’s here! A bad-ass A-rab with a mechanical camel!” He destroyed a Russian car with a rocket.
“Damn, Yusuf. You’re resourceful.” Luis commented.
Yusuf destroyed every Russian car on the way to the airport. He had leave Luis at it but wished him good luck.
On the runway, Bulgarin’s jet prepared to take off, so he chased the jet.
As he got closer, the plane's doors opened and one of Bulgarin's guards tried to shoot him, but Luis killed him with a pistol and jumped aboard seconds before the jet took off.
Inside, he took three guards out. Bulgarin emerged from the cockpit holding a grenade and the trembling filly. Louis recognized the filly from the bank.
“I have grenade. You kill me, we all die. You can’t shoot me. You will blow whole plane up.” Bulgarin threatened him.
He shot Bulgarin, and then clenched the filly to protect it from the explosion.
“Don’t worry, I got you.” He said to Silver as he landed with her at the Monoglobe with a parachute.
The Wagner’s and the Brown’s waited for her.
“Thanks, mister.”
“No need. Now, go to your parents.”
She hugged Sofia tight. “I’m so glad you’ survived!”
“What happened while I was in the hospital?”
“Well, the Russians burned our houses down, but we managed to save the most.”
“That’s sad, mama. We’re homeless, because of me.” She looked down, sad and guilty.
“Don’t say that. We still have Niko’s apartment.” Carl cheered her up.
Mason and Emma played with her at the Monoglobe until they were all blinded by a white light. A white Alicorn along with a grey earth pony and a white unicorn appeared in front of them.
“Silver Spoon! I was so worried!”
“Sis!” They embraced.
All humans looked at the happy scene with a mix of happiness and sadness. Then, Octavia noticed something. “Is this a scar from an operation on your chest?”
Silver trembled. “I-I don’t want to talk about this. But without them, I had never survived.” She pointed to the humans.
“I’m very grateful for that. But can you explain how she got that scar?”
“It’s a long story,” Carl replied.
“Then, why don’t we talk in Equestria?” Celestia offered and the humans nodded. Her horn glowed and they vanished in a white light.
They found themselves in a room where Diamond Tiara and Ruby Pinch waited.
“Silver!”
“Tiara!” They both hugged.
“Silver Spoon, I’m so sorry about that.” Ruby apologized.
“Don’t blame yourself, it was an accident.” Silver responded.
“Now Silver, how did this happen?” Octavia asked but Celestia putted a wing around her.
“You don’t have to tell us, let me try something.” Her horn touched Silver’s head and they saw her memories.
“Oh my… my poor sister!” Octavia hugged her tightly.
“Sis, I thought since they’re have lost their home and they’re like parents to me, can we make them a part of our family?”
“Of course, Silver. Do you accept, Mr. Wagner?”
“Of course. What about you, Aiden?”
“I would like it. Emma, Mason, what do you think?”
“Please, daddy!” They begged.
Celestia giggled. “I can see you will like it here. Welcome to Equestria.”
A month later.
Carl and Sofia lived happy together as Silver Spoon’s parents. They loved her with all their hearts. They said a final goodbye to Niko, Roman and the others. They were also glad to hear that Silver Spoon was finally back home and they would never forget her.
Aiden lived with his family next to them in Ponyville. Mason and Emma were in the same class as Silver, good friends of Diamond Tiara and good friends of the CMC. They also were members of it. They all were also in Manehattan sometimes but Ponyville was nice and quiet.
“Mama, Papa, I’m home!” Silver called out.
“Welcome back. How was school?”
“Great! I go with Tiara, Emma and Mason to the playground.” She dropped her saddleback and left.
Sofia and Carl looked after her with smiles until she was out of sight. They loved her smile, her sweet eyes, everything.
Carl turned the radio on. “May I have this dance?” He asked.
“Of course.” They danced together.
“So this is what the dream feels like, this is the victory we longed for. Our wish came true” Carl kissed his wife.
They enjoyed their new life without terror and with her daughter. They knew they would enjoy every minute of it.