[center][h1]Jericho[/h1][/center]

He had woken up late that morning, the alarm on his clock failing to go off. He knew he should have tested the damn thing after tinkering with it the night before, but he had been so tired after putting the last touches for his updated suit. Serenai had detected some unusual bugs in his suits thermal imaging software, and he had to make sure is was ready for tomorrow. Just in case he was called up for duty. It hadn't happened yet, so far most of his duties had been refilling the coffee maker, taking down lunch orders, and monitoring traffic from behind a computer screen. The closest he had gotten to field duty yet was taking a 911 call from a lady whose stove caught on fire. And while talking down a hyperventilating woman enough to direct her on how to use a fire extinguisher was interesting, it was a far shot from what he had signed up for.

He pushed in through the doors, walking down to his locker and putting on his badge and earpiece. His suit was in its passive state, the nanites forming his gloves, belt, and boots. They'd cover his body in his suit if he gave Serenai the command to, but he didn't wear it as a civilian or in the station. His superiors had already told him to only wear it if he was on duty, and that any injuries were on his insurance, not theirs. He relented, knowing deep down that they were right. Going into the field without the standard armor or cybernetics was risky, but his suit would revolutionize the department when it was done! He just had to get the chance to fully field test it, to prove it was useful in the line of duty! Then there'd be no more MPs being slowed down by armor, no more bullet wounds or burns or even missed shots. Serenai and her as-of-yet imaginary siblings would enhance their targeting abilities, and protect them from any danger! Protecting the protectors!

He was jolted from his daydreaming as a senior officer, Kim, strolled up to him, clapping him on the back. Startled, Jericho turned to face him, fixing his posture and saluting. Why was he saluting? He had done it on reflex, and quickly put his arm down, much to the amusement of his senior.
"Hey kid, you're on patrol today, alright? Ol' Reinhardt was supposed to take you along, but he ain't here right now. So, you're stuck with old Cross, the lazy prick. Boss says you're gonna meet him downstairs in the garage, and head out to the industrial ring. Got it, rookie?" he asked. Jericho nodded with an excited fervor, practically glowing with enthusiasm. 
[color=a2d39c]"Yes sir! I understand, sir! I'll go suit up right now-"[/color] he was stopped as the grip of Kim's hand tightened.
"Kid, do yourself a favor. Don't wear that freaky suit of yours, you'll stand out like a sore thumb. Just play it cool, and follow Cross's lead, alright?"
[color=a2d39c]"Y-Yes sir..."[/color]

Disappointed, Jericho headed down to the armory, picking up the weapons he needed. Standard issue plasma pistol, stun grenades, electric baton, and standard issue combat knife. He hadn't started work on any weapons systems for his suit, he hadn't thought he'd need it. Well, hopefully he wouldn't need to. He wanted his nanites to protect people, not kill them.

Tucking his locket into his shirt, he hurried on down to the garage, not wanting to be left behind on his first patrol. He had never been to the industrial ring before, the farthest he had ever gone was a class field trip to one of the dairy farms in the agricultural ring when he was 10. And even that had been closer to the border of the corporate ring. So of course, he was still buzzing with excitement at the prospect of venturing into unknown territory. It was human spirit, the curiosity of the unknown. The soul of the explorer, the pioneer, the conqueror. It was imbued within his very nature to push past previous limits, to seek out understanding, a higher power, a new frame of mind! Even if it was frightening and daunting, he was determined to rise to the challenge!

He had never met nor seen Gregor Cross before, but he quickly found him. There was only one patrol car started, with one man inside. Hurrying up, he crossed in front of the car, before opening up the passenger's door, hopping in. He turned to Gregor with an expression that could be most easily likened to that of an eager puppy, and he was filled with all the joy that had come on his first day on the job, a mere week ago. He held out his right hand, unable to suppress a wide grin.
[color=a2d39c]"H-Hi sir! Jericho Mason, reporting for duty! You are Detective Cross, I presume? Wow, it's so great to meet you sir, thanks for agreeing to take me along! I'm really thrilled about finally going out into the field, I've never been to the industrial ring before! I'll bet you've been there a bunch of times, right? Wow, that must be so amazing! I-I promise I won't slow you down, sir! Officer Kim told me to follow your lead, so that's just what I'll do!"[/color] he babbled, unable to shut his mouth. He knew he should have after the fourth sentence, but he couldn't stop talking when he got excited. He was an overflowing fountain of enthusiasm, so much so that he didn't even notice the radio was still on.