Chapter 95-96-97 - The Lawyer and Policeman

Chapter 95 – "Trial by Fire"

7:00 AM – Los Angeles SWAT Headquarters | Main Parking Lot

The sun was still rising behind the Los Angeles skyscrapers when Gustavo Silva parked his black SUV in the SWAT headquarters yard. He turned off the engine and stood for a few seconds staring at the passenger seat on it rested a hard black case with the SIG Sauer logo discreetly emblazoned in matte white.

The initials "MCX VIRTUS" shone in the morning light, promising innovation, lightness, and power.

Gustavo opened the door, carefully picked up the case, and walked purposefully into the building. The atmosphere in the headquarters was still calm the kind of tense silence that precedes a day that promises much.

7:15 AM – Weapons Room | SWAT Headquarters

In the equipment room, Hondo was already putting on his tactical vest, checking his personal weapon. He turned when he saw Gustavo enter with the case.

— "Here you go with that look like you're bringing a new toy."

Gustavo smirked.

— "It's not a toy. It's a revolution, Hondo."

— "Show me."

Without further ado, Gustavo placed the case on the counter, unlocked the latches, and lifted the lid. There lay a SIG MCX Virtus with an 11.5-inch barrel, equipped with an EOTech XPS2, a G33 magnifier, a built-in Surefire flashlight, and an adjustable retractable stock. Everything meticulously cleaned, assembled, and ready to use.

— "This is what the Secret Service CAT is using right now. I used one of these in Washington last week, in real training. Incredible mobility. Zero recoil. Impeccable modularity."

Hondo raised his eyebrows, impressed.

— "It looks like something out of a video game. May I?"

Gustavo nodded, and Hondo held the rifle carefully, feeling its weight.

"Lightweight. Well balanced."

Deacon entered the room at that moment, holding a coffee, and noticed their attention.

"What's going on here?"

Hondo turned, excited.

"Silva brought that rifle he told Cortez and Hicks about. The MCX."

Deacon placed the coffee on the counter and approached.

"Is this the famous one?" He touched the body of the weapon, exploring every part with the expertise of someone who's experienced combat. "This rail system is amazing."

Gustavo opened two additional cases, revealing two more identical rifles.

"I got three units directly from the SIG representative, through contacts at the DOD. They sent them free of charge, for operational testing. If you like them, there's the possibility of purchasing a batch with a direct government discount, with an invoice issued through the military-police supply program."

Deacon blinked in surprise.

"You got this... with a phone call?"

Gustavo smiled humbly.

"Two, to be fair. And an email with a copy of some old credentials."

8:00 AM – Briefing Room

All members of 20-David were assembled: Tan, Luca, Street, Cris, Hondo, Deacon, and Gustavo. Captain Cortez entered, accompanied by Commander Hicks, who watched silently, as he always did in crucial moments.

Gustavo stood in front of the group with one of the rifles in his hands.

"Team, as some of you already know, this is the first phase of a practical test program. The rifle is the SIG MCX Virtus, a short tactical version for CQB. The same model currently used by the Secret Service's CAT. Hondo, Deacon, and I will use these weapons in real missions and intensive training for 30 days. At the end of the period, we will write performance reports."

Tan raised his hand.

"If it works, does everyone get paid?"

Cortez intervened.

"If the report justifies the investment and command approves, yes. Gustavo also got a bulk discount from SIG, which makes this more feasible than expected."

Luca was practically jumping out of his chair.

"This is like Christmas. But without the snow. And with real bullets."

Street laughed.

"Tactical Christmas."

Cris, sitting next to Gustavo, gave him a knowing look.

"I already knew. But seeing you guys drool is even better."

Gustavo smiled, but remained focused.

"Let me be clear: this rifle will not replace the HK416, at least not yet. It will be a complement, especially for situations where close-quarters combat requires above-average agility."

11:30 AM – SWAT Tactical Range

The team descended to the headquarters' underground range. There, the concrete partitions simulated urban environments: hallways, doors, stairs, obstacles.

Gustavo, Hondo, and Deacon donned their full tactical vests. Gustavo was the first to enter the range.

"Contact on the left door!"

Gustavo advanced with the MCX slung over his shoulder, the Surefire flashlight illuminating the entrance. With a crisp movement, he pushed open the door, advanced with precision, fired two shots, and retreated to cover.

"Almost no recoil," he murmured. "Quick transition. The system's lightness helps with aim reacquisition."

Hondo was second.

Deacon followed soon after.

The three of them ran the simulation range in real time, with live ammunition. The timers stopped as soon as they crossed the line and stopped with the last shot.

Result?

All of them saw an average 12% reduction in response time, 15% less time between targets, and increased accuracy on the first shot while moving.

Tan, watching from the sidelines, muttered to Street:

"If they keep this up for 30 days... we're going to need one of these. Like, yesterday."

Street nodded.

"I'm ready to sell my car."

5:40 PM – Cortez's Office

Later, Gustavo met with Captain Cortez and Commander Hicks. He had the preliminary data.

"These are just the first results of the practical test. But they already show considerable improvement in speed, transition, and accuracy. We'll continue collecting data for another 30 days, but... the potential is clear."

Cortez read the numbers carefully.

Hicks simply said:

"If you maintain this level of results, I give you my word we'll buy the lot."

11:20 PM – Gustavo and Cris's Apartment

Later that night, Gustavo sat on the couch, now in casual clothes, looking at the digital report on his tablet. Cris got out of the shower and sat beside him, wrapped in a towel.

"Professor Silva revolutionizing SWAT once again."

"It was just an idea. But sometimes, well-placed ideas make all the difference."

Cris laughed, laying her head on his shoulder.

"The difference between you and the others is that you bring the solution. Not just the problem."

He kissed the top of her head and closed the tablet.

"Tomorrow starts the second day of testing. Hondo wants to test with a suppressor."

"Are you going to wake up early again?"

"Probably."

She smiled.

"Then come to bed early too. You and your new toy."

Gustavo laughed.

"Okay. But only because my SWAT partner tells me to."

Chapter 96 – "Extraction Zone"

Day 12 of the SIG MCX Test – 6:17 AM | SWAT Headquarters

Gustavo was finishing assembling the third magazine of the day. On the table, the three SIG MCX Virtus were clean, their metal cold and their holographic sights gleaming in the light of the technical office. He sipped his still-hot coffee, his eyes intent on the details of the new grip modifications he and Hondo were testing.

"Silva."

Gustavo looked at the door. It was Cris, her expression grave.

"You need to go to Mild-Wilshire. Now."

He stood up immediately.

"What happened?"

"Captain Anderson and Nolan were on a mission with the Vice-District Narcotics Division. It was supposed to be a conversation... they were taken hostage. They were taken."

Gustavo felt the world narrow for a moment.

"She's... alive?"

Cris nodded.

"So far, yes. But time is running out."

Without a word, Gustavo grabbed his MCX, his two vests (one light and one full ballistic), and ran with Cris to the car.

7:02 AM – Mild-Wilshire | Grey's Office

Sergeant Grey's brow was sweaty, pacing back and forth. Bradford, Chen, Bishop, and Lopez were already on site, gearing up for a possible tactical entry.

Gustavo entered with his tactical backpack slung over one shoulder, his MCX in one hand, his Ops-Core helmet attached to his modular vest.

Grey barely saw him enter before he said:

"You want to lead? We'll let you."

Gustavo stopped in front of them and spoke calmly, firmly:

"I just want a chance to bring her back alive. And Nolan too."

7:30 AM – Intelligence Reports

Bishop brought a flash drive with data extracted from security cameras in the kidnapping area. Chen organized everything on a laptop.

"The vehicle left the Industrial Zone area. It entered an abandoned warehouse three blocks from the old Taylor & Sons factory," Chen said.

Gustavo looked at the map.

"Perfect for hiding someone. No one's next door. There's no traffic. The street is blind."

Bradford slammed his fist into his palm.

"Those bastards knew what they were doing."

Gustavo gestured to Bishop, Chen, and Lopez.

"You guys come with me. Cris stays on tactical base with Grey. Sergeant, leave the channel open. If anything goes wrong, SWAT goes in. But we'll go first."

8:05 AM – Arrival at the Perimeter

The location was exactly as Gustavo had feared. An old warehouse, surrounded by partially demolished buildings. There was a smell of burning oil and a silence of imminent danger.

Bradford and Chen approached from the back, using the shadow of the walls. Gustavo and Lopez came from the side, covered by tall vegetation. Bishop was on the radio, with a tactical monitor in his ear.

"There are two at the entrance. Probably armed. Nolan and Zoe are on the second floor."

Lopez whispered:

"What now?"

Gustavo switched the MCX's fire selector to semi-automatic, braced the butt against his shoulder, and whispered:

"Now... it's our turn."

8:12 AM – Infiltration Begins

Gustavo signaled with two fingers: "Double kill." Chen grabbed the silencer on his Glock 19 and positioned himself.

Gustavo tapped Lopez's shoulder three times quickly. On the fourth, they both fired in sync. Two enemies, two bodies on the ground. Total silence.

The group stormed the lower part of the warehouse with tactical precision.

"Up the stairs in three," Gustavo murmured into the radio. "Chen, watch the ground floor. Lopez and Bishop with me."

8:16 AM – Upper Floor | Zoe and Nolan's Location

The second floor was a maze of boxes and makeshift partitions. Gustavo moved quickly, the MCX pointed ahead, a flashlight illuminating every dark corner.

Bradford pointed:

"Over there!"

At the back, Zoe Anderson was tied to a chair. Nolan, unconscious, had a minor wound to his forehead.

"Contact on the left!" Bishop shouted.

Gunshots! One of the kidnappers fired, missing by inches. Gustavo lunged forward, rolled, and fired on the move—two well-aimed shots to the enemy's chest, who fell lifeless.

Another kidnapper rushed to kill Zoe.

Gustavo yelled:

"NO!"

In a single movement, he dove over a stack of boxes, landed on his knees, and fired a single shot, which hit the attacker's gun, sending it flying from his hand. The man tried to fight back, but Lopez ran and took him down hard on the ground.

Gustavo ran to Zoe.

"Captain! Are you okay?"

She coughed, her eyes welling up.

"I never thought I'd say this, but... thank God you're a military equipment junkie."

He smiled, cutting her restraints.

"It's going to be okay. We're getting you out of here now."

8:23 AM – Extraction

Bradford carried Nolan on his shoulders. Chen, from the ground floor, had already secured a safe exit. The team retreated with Zoe leaning on Gustavo.

When they arrived outside, LAPD patrol cars were already on the scene. The captain looked at Gustavo, her eyes still filled with adrenaline.

"You saved my life."

He looked at her humbly but firmly.

"You would have done the same for me. And for anyone."

She lightly touched his arm.

"Even so. Thank you."

10:00 AM – Police Station | Meeting Room

Zoe was being attended to by the medical team. Nolan had already woken up and, despite his headache, was making bad jokes with Bishop.

Grey entered the meeting room, where Gustavo was cleaning the MCX.

"You should get a medal for that."

"I'd rather they approve the purchase of the rifles," Gustavo said with a smile. "But if you get a medal, I won't complain."

Cortez walked in next, his hair still disheveled from the action.

"I'll make sure you get both. Medal... and a new MCX."

Everyone laughed.

9:30 PM – Gustavo and Cris's Apartment

Cris watched Gustavo cleaning his gun with the same concentration as always.

"You saved your captain's life with that gun."

"Actually, I saved it with training, focus, and a little luck."

She leaned closer.

"And courage. Don't forget it."

He smiled and looked into her eyes.

"That part... comes from you."

Chapter 97 – "Acquisition of Precision"

Day 30 – Final MCX Evaluation | 8:00 AM | 20-David Meeting Room

The morning was gray in Los Angeles, but inside 20-David headquarters, the mood was decisive. In the meeting room, Commander Hicks, Captain Jessica Cortez, and the three operators who tested the SIG MCX over the past thirty days were gathered: Gustavo Silva, Hondo Harrelson, and David "Deacon" Kay.

On the table lay the three MCXs tested—clean, assembled, and impeccable. Beside them was a folder with detailed performance reports, technical evaluation, transition considerations, and final recommendations.

Hondo was the first to speak:

"I'll be blunt. This weapon handled like a pedigreed pit bull. Light, responsive, with almost no recoil. In CQB, the advantage of the short barrel length is absurd. The HK416 is excellent, but this one... is evolution."

Deacon nodded:

"When entering the warehouse, the transitions between positions and engagements were more fluid. We conducted two hostage rescue exercises, one in an industrial zone and the other in a commercial building. The MCX allowed us to work faster and with less fatigue. And maintenance? A dream."

Gustavo, adopting a more analytical stance, added:

"The MCX requires a technical shift in mindset—not just mechanical. The HK416 is robust, but heavier. The MCX is modular. It better supports hybrid sights, like the Eotech with magnifier, and works very well with suppressors. And because it's already adapted to modern M-LOK accessory platforms, mounting lights, grips, and sights is more ergonomic."

Hicks crossed his arms:

"But what about the cost?"

Gustavo already had his answer prepared. He pulled a blue folder from his backpack.

— "I was in contact with a representative from SIG Sauer USA this month. He proposed a batch of 26 MCX rifles at a 23% reduction per unit, if purchased directly and institutionally. The batch also includes spare parts, three maintenance kits, and shipping. Payment can be split between the tactical modernization fund and the special operations budget."

Jessica arched an eyebrow:

"Did you already have this in mind?"

Gustavo smiled humbly:

"I believe in preparing for the 'yes', even before it comes."

Hicks and Cortez exchanged a look of knowing there's no turning back. Cortez was the one who said:

"Approved."

1:45 PM | Meeting with SIG Sauer Representative – Anaheim, CA

Gustavo, Captain Cortez, and Commander Hicks were in an executive room at SIG Sauer's regional headquarters. The atmosphere was formal, but charged with tactical camaraderie.

Across the table, SIG representative Mark Patterson was a retired special operations veteran, now an institutional sales manager.

Mark shook Gustavo's hand firmly.

"You're the officer who broke our MCX performance record in the advanced CQB module at Quantico, aren't you?"

Gustavo gave a small smile.

"Maybe."

Mark laughed.

"I've already read your file. The LAPD is in good hands. And if you're ready to make this request... I have a gift."

He pulled out a folder and showed the revised contract.

"Additional 5% discount. And we'll include five additional MCXs as a technical reserve and for testing new operators."

Hicks and Cortez were visibly impressed.

"Do you always negotiate like this, Silva?" the captain joked.

"Only when the mission requires it," Gustavo replied.

The documents were signed. The total order included:

26 SIG MCX Virtus 11.5" rifles

26 Eotech XPS3 scopes + G33 magnifier

26 Surefire M600DF tactical flashlights

10 maintenance kits

300 extra magazines

5 additional rifles as technical reserve

Estimated delivery: 3 business days.

Three Days Later – 6:15 AM | 20-David Headquarters

The SWAT team was in morning formation. Hondo was in the lead. Gustavo stood next to the loading ramp with a restrained smile.

Then, the armored SIG Sauer pickup truck pulled into the yard. A container bearing the company logo lowered itself from the rear compartment with surgical precision.

All eyes turned to it.

Hondo was the first to smile.

"Silva... did you perform magic?"

Deacon, eyes wide:

"Is this real?"

Street ran like an excited child.

"It looks like... Christmas!"

Cris appeared with her hands in her pockets, already knowing everything, but still amazed.

"Gentlemen... a gift from the new era."

Gustavo opened the container and revealed the black boxes engraved with the MCX logo. One by one, he handed over the rifles:

Hondo held his as if it were a sacred relic.

Deacon held up the MCX as if presenting it to the heavens.

Tan analyzed the details with an engineer's gaze.

Luca made an explosion noise with his mouth.

Street... simply couldn't stop smiling.

Gustavo handed Cris's rifle last, saying:

"This one comes with my blessing."

She kissed his cheek discreetly.

"I will wear it with pride."

Of the 26 weapons, 10 were allocated to the 20-David, 8 to the 50-David, 5 to the 10-David, and 3 kept as technical reserve for testing and operator rotation.

Gustavo organized an intensive 48-hour training session for all operators, teaching them the technical and handling differences between the MCX and the HK416, and introducing preventative maintenance protocols.

Hicks took Gustavo aside after the first day of training.

"You know you're not just a cop. You transformed the way we operate."

Gustavo smiled.

"I just brought what I learned... and adapted it here."

"And that's why, when I look ahead, I see you not only leading operations, but helping to shape the tactical future of the LAPD."

10:00 PM | Gustavo and Cris's Apartment

They were both lying on the couch, watching a National Geographic documentary. Cris's MCX was on the new mount Gustavo had installed on the wall.

She said, laughing:

"I think the SWAT boys slept hugging their MCXs tonight."

"They deserved it."

She turned to face him.

"You deserve it."

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Chapter 43 - Chapter 95-96-97