June 17, 2021
Every now and then, a mission comes along that’s more bizarre than dangerous. One such case involved a man convinced he had a squatter in his basement. The reality, as we found out, was far stranger and more chaotic.
The Call for Help
It all started with a distressed phone call from a man who lived alone. He had been hearing strange noises from his basement—scratching, scurrying, and occasionally a low growl. He was convinced someone was living down there, but the police had found nothing.
Desperate and sleep-deprived, he turned to the internet for help and found the Everyday Heroes. He asked for our assistance, and of course, we obliged.
“We don’t charge for our services. We’re here to help the community,” I assured him.
Setting Up Surveillance
We decided the best course of action was to set up cameras in the basement, tied into the HAVIC system. This was before we had Bizzy, so T’Nek took on the task of monitoring the feeds.
Phreak and I installed the cameras, ensuring every nook and cranny was covered. We then settled in to wait, communicating with T’Nek via our Bluetooth earbuds.
The Discovery
It didn’t take long. One night, while watching the feeds, Phreak saw movement. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing at the screen.
“There it is!” he whispered excitedly. “It’s huge! But… it looks like a rat?”
I glanced at the screen and shook my head. “That doesn’t look like any rat I’ve seen.”
Just then, T’Nek’s voice crackled in our ears. “Guys, that’s not a rat. It’s a damn muskrat.”
The Chaos
With the identification confirmed, Phreak and I sprang into action. We stormed the basement, determined to capture the muskrat. What followed was sheer chaos.
We overturned shelves, knocked over boxes, and in our haste, even managed to break a water line. Water sprayed everywhere, adding to the mayhem. The muskrat was quick, darting from one hiding spot to another, evading our every attempt.
Finally, after what felt like hours of destruction, Phreak managed to corner the creature. With a triumphant yell, he grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and held it up for me to see.
The Aftermath
Just then, our client, drawn by the noise and commotion, came down to see what was happening. He froze at the sight of his basement, now a disaster zone, water pooling on the floor, shelves overturned, and Phreak holding the muskrat aloft like a trophy.
“We got it!” Phreak declared proudly, beaming.
The client’s eyes widened in a mixture of despair and relief. He looked around at the carnage we had caused but then focused on the muskrat.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice a blend of gratitude and disbelief. “I guess… I guess that solves the mystery.”
Reflection
As we left, dripping wet and covered in dust, we couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. It wasn’t the most glamorous mission, and it certainly wasn’t without its mishaps, but we had solved the problem.
Reflecting on it now, it’s clear that being an Everyday Hero isn’t just about tackling crime or facing danger. Sometimes, it’s about the little things—the strange, the unexpected, and yes, even the chaotic. It’s about being there for the community, no matter what form the challenge takes.
Tonight, as I write this, I’m reminded of the importance of every mission, no matter how small or bizarre. Each one is a story, a memory, a testament to our commitment to helping those in need.
Until the next adventure,
Kamen