Binary Soul

> Corporal Simmons PoV <

"Simmons!" (Sergeant)

The sergeant on duty enters the guard barracks while shouting my name.

"Sir!" (Simmons)

I reply while standing at attention. I hear my squad doing the same behind me.

"You're on, get ready!" (Sergeant)

Finally, huh?

We've already had two consecutive cases of K-7. So this was bound to happen soon.

"The usual K-2, sir?" (Simmons)

I ask to confirm the details, but the sergeant shakes his head.

"Negative, it's a rare K-18. However, this time there's an extra, so we need to be prudent.

You're to be on stand-by at the scene once the target enters the hot zone." (Sergeant)

"Yes sir!" (Simmons)

I reply to the sergeant and he leaves the room.

"Peters! Hart!" (Simmons)

""Yes sir!"" (Peters and Hart)

Two men from my squad reply to me as I call them out.

"You're with me! We're moving in with the assumption that a K-10 or K-15 will occur. However, there's an extra so K-16 is also possible.

Get your gear ready and move out!" (Simmons)

* * *

We're on location, just outside the hot zone.

"I don't like it, sir, it's too quiet." (Peters)

"I agree with Peters, sir." (Hart)

The two whisper their concerns.

"I know how you feel, but we have to lay low. Our presence is more likely to cause a situation than prevent it." (Simmons)

""Sir!"" (Peters and Hart)

They both reply in a quiet voice, but Hart's eyes are swimming.

It's his first [K] so he's worried.

"Calm down private. Just stick to your training!" (Simmons)

"Yes sir!" (Hart)

He visibly steels himself. Good lad, he'll go far in this place.

Suddenly we overhear a muffled voice from the hot zone.

I strain my ears to listen in.

"AAAUUGH!" (Muffled voice)

The two behind me jump slightly at the sudden scream.

"Steady lads!" (Simmons)

I caution them quickly while raising my hand.

"AAARGH! MY ARM!" (Muffled voice)

The screams continue, but the situation is unknown, so we can't move.

Wait for it...

"MEDIC! CODE K-15!" (Muffled voice)

"Move!" (Simmons)

*Slam!*

We run inside the office.

"Captain!" (Simmons)

* * *

*Slam*

We close the door and I turn to the secretary's desk outside it.

"Miss secretary, we're done for now. The captain will wake up shortly." (Simmons)

"Thank you for your hard work as usual, Simmons.

Don't worry about the K-15 form, I'll have the captain handle it." (Secretary)

"Much obliged." (Simmons)

I express my gratitude and address my squad.

"[K] is still in the hot-zone, so don't lower your guard!

We still have a job to do!" (Simmons)

""Sir!"" (Peters and Hart)

* * *

There was some more shouting and screaming a little later.

Since the captain didn't call out to us, we stayed put.

In the end no further incidents were reported.

We head back to the barracks and I quickly debrief my men.

Afterwards, I find myself staring blankly at a memo nailed to the wall.

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Code designations for common incidents relating to individual: Kiressara mil Quasse

K-1 Dragged a monster's corpse through the street

K-2 Caused a disturbance at the gate

K-3 Caused a disturbance at the guild

K-4 Subdued a pickpocket with excessive force

K-5 Injured the blacksmith for sexual harassment

K-6 Incinerated defamatory materials in the street

K-7 More than a week has passed without a Code K incident

K-8 Accused of causing nightmares through magic

K-9 Direct property damage using magical means

K-10 Direct property damage using physical means

K-11 Indirect property damage

K-12 Property damage caused while saving lives

K-13 Property damage caused while intoxicated

K-14 Taken in for vagrancy

K-15 Inflicted heavy physical trauma through self-defense

K-16 Inflicted heavy psychological trauma through self-defense

K-17 Scratched a cat-folk citizen behind the ears for too long

K-18 Willingly submitted to the city guard

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