Mission Entry: Muskrat Mayhem

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

Mission Entry: The Search for a Missing Child

Date: June 1, 2022

Tonight’s mission was one that hit close to home for everyone involved. It began with a frantic call from a mother whose seven-year-old daughter, Lily, had gone missing. She had been playing in the local park but never returned home. The sun had set, and the mother’s panic was palpable.

Phreak and I immediately sprang into action. The park, usually a place of laughter and play, was now a dark and foreboding place. We arrived to find the local police already there, conducting a search, but they welcomed our help.

The Search Begins

We split up to cover more ground. Phreak, ever the comedian even in tense situations, tried to lighten the mood. “Alright, Kamen, let’s find this kid before bedtime, huh?”

I nodded, focused on the task at hand. I took the west side of the park, Phreak the east. We kept in constant contact via our Bluetooth earbuds, coordinating our efforts. The HeroNet system was set up to track our movements and relay any useful information.

Finding Clues

As I combed through the park, my flashlight caught a glimmer of something near the playground. It was a small, pink hairclip, something a little girl might wear. I picked it up and examined it closely. It was definitely Lily’s; her mother had described it to the police.

“Phreak, I found something,” I said into my earpiece. “Meet me at the playground.”

Phreak jogged over, slightly out of breath. “What’d you find, Sherlock?”

I held up the hairclip. “This belongs to Lily. She was definitely here.”

We expanded our search area, using the hairclip as a focal point. Phreak’s jokes were fewer now, his focus sharp. We both knew time was of the essence.

The Discovery

We scoured the area around the playground, looking for any sign of Lily. Then, I noticed something strange: a set of footprints leading away from the park and into a nearby wooded area. They were small, like a child’s, and seemed to be running.

“Phreak, over here,” I called.

He joined me, and we followed the footprints. They led us deeper into the woods, where the underbrush grew thick and the trees cast long, eerie shadows.

“Lily?” I called out, my voice echoing through the trees. “Lily, it’s safe. We’re here to help.”

Rescue

Finally, we heard a faint cry. Pushing through the brush, we found Lily huddled under a large tree, her eyes wide with fear. She was shivering, her small frame dwarfed by the surrounding darkness.

Phreak knelt down beside her, his voice gentle. “Hey there, kiddo. It’s okay. We’re here now.”

Lily looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. “I was scared,” she whispered. “I got lost.”

I took off my jacket and wrapped it around her. “You’re safe now, Lily. Let’s get you back to your mom.”

The Reunion

We carried Lily back to the park, where her mother was waiting anxiously. The moment she saw her daughter, she burst into tears and ran to us, hugging Lily tightly.

“Thank you,” she sobbed. “Thank you so much.”

Phreak, ever the softie in moments like this, wiped away a tear of his own. “Just doing our job, ma’am.”

Reflection

As I sit here writing this entry, I’m filled with a sense of profound relief and satisfaction. Tonight’s mission reminded me of the importance of our work and the impact we have on the lives of those we help. Phreak’s humor, even in the darkest moments, kept us going, and together we brought a little girl back to her family.

This mission wasn’t about high-tech gadgets or fighting crime. It was about compassion, determination, and the unwavering commitment to protect those in need. As Everyday Heroes, we strive to be there for our community, no matter the challenge.

Until the next adventure,

Kamen

Mission Entry: The Case of the Missing Revolver

Date: May 14, 2020

Mission: The Case of the Missing Revolver


Tonight’s mission had the essence of a classic detective story, blending mystery and deduction with the everyday grit we face as the Everyday Heroes. It began with a frantic call from a man named Bob. He reported that his grandfather’s prized revolver, an heirloom of great sentimental value, had been stolen from his house during a family gathering. The revolver had been in the family for generations, and its loss had deeply upset Bob.

Phreak and I arrived at Bob’s house just past dusk. It was a modest, suburban home, with well-kept gardens and a welcoming porch. Bob greeted us at the door, his face etched with worry. He explained that the revolver had been taken from a locked cabinet in his study, a room that had been occupied all evening by various family members.

As we stepped inside, Phreak stumbled slightly, grinning sheepishly. “Just had a little celebratory drink before we got here, Commander. Nothing to worry about.”

I shook my head, amused but focused. “Alright, Phreak, stay sharp. We’ve got a mystery to solve.”

The Investigation

We began our investigation in the study. The cabinet, indeed locked, showed no signs of forced entry. I examined the lock closely and found no scratches or damage. The key, according to Bob, was kept in a small drawer in his bedroom.

“Let’s check the bedroom,” I said, leading the way.

Phreak followed, cracking jokes about haunted revolvers and invisible thieves. The bedroom was neat and tidy, with a large wooden dresser and a comfortable bed. I found the drawer Bob had mentioned and opened it. The key was there, undisturbed.

As I carefully inspected the drawer, I noticed something intriguing. The locking mechanism on the underside of the drawer had been jimmied open, but it was subtle, something only noticeable with careful observation. Nearby, a protruding nail had a small fragment of fabric attached to it. I made a mental note of this, not voicing my findings aloud.

Returning to the study, I meticulously observed the room. The floor under the desk was dusty, and the drawer slides had a trace of lubricant, which caught my attention.

The Interrogation

I gathered everyone who had been seen entering and exiting the study. Among them was Bob’s nephew, Jimmy. As I scrutinized each person, I noticed a small tear in Jimmy’s shirt, right where it would have brushed against the nail under the drawer. Additionally, there was a grease stain on his sleeve, matching the lubricant on the drawer slides. His knees and part of his back were dirty and dusty, correlating with the condition of the floor under the desk.

“Jimmy,” I began, my voice calm yet firm, “why did you steal the revolver?”

Jimmy’s eyes widened in shock, and he stammered, “I didn’t take it! I swear!”

I remained composed and explained, “You have a tear in your shirt that matches the nail under the desk where the locking mechanism was bypassed. There’s also a grease stain on your sleeve that matches the lubricant on the drawer slides. Furthermore, your knees and part of your back are dirty and dusty, coinciding with the condition of the floor under the desk.”

Jimmy’s face turned pale as he realized the evidence against him. He finally confessed, “Okay, I took it. I needed money to pay off some debts. I’m sorry.”

The Resolution

We retrieved the revolver from the garage, exactly where Jimmy had said it would be. Bob was overjoyed to have it back, and Jimmy, though chastened, seemed relieved to have come clean.

Phreak, swaying slightly, clapped Jimmy on the back. “Next time, just ask for help, buddy. No need for all this cloak-and-dagger stuff.”

Bob thanked us profusely, and as we left, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Solving the case with keen observation and logical deduction, despite Phreak’s inebriated state, had been a rewarding challenge.

Reflection

As I sit here writing this entry, I’m reminded of the importance of sharp observation and methodical thinking in our line of work. Tonight’s mission felt like something out of a classic detective story, a blend of wit, courage, and a bit of humor. Phreak may have been a little tipsy, but his heart was in the right place, and together, we solved the mystery.

Until the next adventure,

Kamen

Mission Entry: Birth of the Heroes

July 15, 2018

Reflecting on today brings back vivid memories of the night that changed everything—the night we became the Everyday Heroes. It was a seemingly ordinary evening that turned into the cornerstone of our journey.

The Incident

Phreak and I were out on one of our routine evening walks, discussing life, work, and everything in between. The streets of Evansville were calm, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Suddenly, the screech of tires and the sound of metal crashing against metal shattered the tranquility. We turned just in time to see a collision between two vehicles.

A woman in a small sedan had been struck by a dark ’70s Caprice Classic. The impact was severe, sending her car spinning and her head slamming against the window. The Caprice Classic, without pausing, sped away, its taillights disappearing into the night.

Without thinking, we rushed to the woman’s side. She was conscious but in immense pain, clutching her head and visibly shaken.

“Are you okay?” I asked, trying to assess her injuries.

“My head… it hurts so much,” she gasped, tears streaming down her face.

Phreak immediately called for an ambulance, his hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The Caprice Classic, however, didn’t stop. It sped away, trying to vanish into the night.

The Chase

Fueled by anger and a sense of justice, Phreak and I sprang into action. We couldn’t let them get away. We dashed to my car and started the chase. The Caprice Classic was fast, but we were determined.

We sped through the streets, trying to predict the car’s route. Adrenaline pumped through our veins as we navigated the turns and narrow alleyways, finally spotting the car parked in a dimly lit alley. The culprits thought they had escaped, but they were wrong.

Sabotage and Justice

Phreak and I approached the car stealthily. As the men got out, we acted quickly. We let the air out of their tires, ensuring they couldn’t drive away. While Phreak worked on the tires, I made an anonymous call to the police, giving them the location and details of the hit-and-run vehicle.

Phreak, with his usual bravado, whispered, “Let’s make sure these ass clowns don’t get away.” It was a casual remark, but it stuck with me.

The Arrest

The police arrived within minutes, sirens blaring. The culprits, realizing they were trapped, tried to flee but were soon apprehended. We watched from the shadows, satisfaction washing over us as justice was served.

The Beginning

With the situation under control, we returned to the woman who had been hit. The ambulance had arrived, and the paramedics were tending to her. She looked at us with gratitude, tears of relief in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she said weakly. “Who are you?”

Phreak, always the quick thinker, replied, “Just a couple of everyday heroes looking out for the community.”

It was in that moment the name was born. We realized that night that we could make a difference, that we could be the heroes our community needed. The everyday moments where we could step in and help—that’s what being an Everyday Hero was all about.

Reflection

Looking back, that night set us on this path. It was the first time we acted not just out of duty, but out of a desire to protect and serve. Phreak’s words to that woman became our identity.

Tonight, as I write this, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come since that first incident. It wasn’t just a hit-and-run we witnessed; it was the birth of a mission, a purpose. We became the Everyday Heroes that night, and we’ve carried that spirit with us ever since.

Until the next mission,

Kamen