[ WP ] A meeting is called for story tropes . Turns out , Wise Old Hermit has just been shot and killed , and it is up to Clever Female Lead , Brooding Ex-Detective , and Loveable Goof to find the murderer .

Getting story tropes to agree to a meeting, is often like herding cats. Most of them are fiercely independent, it takes a major crisis to make them listen. The death of one of their own for example. 
 
 `` I'd like to thank you all for gathering today. I wish it was under better circumstances, but it is good to see you.'' Brooding Ex-Detective looked like he had n't slept in days. 
 
 The other police tropes were on the stage alongside him. The room was packed, Tropes sat shoulder to shoulder in silence. Everyone knew. They did n't want to believe it but they knew. 
 
 `` On Wednesday at approximately three am, Wise Old Hermit was killed in his home. He was shot eight times in the chest. We have several suspects but we believe this was someone he knew.'' Brooding Ex-Detective took a long drink from a flask before sitting down. 
 
 Two Weeks From Retirement stepped up to field questions from the crowd. 
 
 `` I'm sure everyone has plenty of questions, one at a time please.'' He said wearily. 
 
 A sea of hands shot up. 
 
 `` Space Marine.'' Two Weeks From Retirement pointed towards the front of the room. Space Marines armored bulk rose from his chair. 
 
 `` Do we know if its-'' Space Marine only ever asked one question at these meetings. 
 
 `` I'll say the same thing we said when you stopped by the station. Alien Monster is still contained in the maze that Genius Engineer trapped it in.'' 
 
 Genius Engineer sipped his coffee smugly. 
 
 `` But what if-'' 
 
 `` We'll let you know if anything changes. NEXT.'' He bellowed. 
 
 `` Do you have any suspects?'' Concerned Mother stood up, glancing around the crowd. 
 
 `` We are compiling a list of houses to visit once we enter the Villain Quarter.'' 
 
 The hands gradually disappeared as Two Weeks From Retirement answered every question. 
 
 `` Alright.'' Rookie took the stage. `` Stay safe everyone. See Grizzled Drill Sergeant at the back for an escort home. He's coordinating the military tropes into a neighborhood watch of sorts, at least until we catch this scumbag.'' 
 
 `` Can Clever Female Lead and Loveable Goofball please stay here? We need a word.'' Angry Police Chief said quietly. 
 
 Loveable Goofball sauntered up with a lopsided grin. 
 
 `` She was eighteen Chief I swear.'' 
 
 The Rookie chuckled but Angry Police Chief silenced him with a glare. 
 
 `` What can we do for you?'' Clever Female Lead asked seriously. 
 
 `` We have n't had cause to go into the Villain Quarter in a very long time. If they see a full team of police tropes going door to door...'' Scarily Calm SWAT Team Captain trailed off. 
 
 `` Our suspect might pull a runner.'' The Rookie said. 
 
 `` We're relocating you.'' Brooding Ex-Detective said. `` You'll be going undercover as Villains.'' 
 
 `` We are n't cops man.'' Loveable Goofball said. He smiled suddenly like he had a great idea. `` Do I get a gun?'' 
 
 `` No.'' Two Weeks From Retirement barked. 
 
 `` You'll be accompanied by Brooding Ex-Detective.'' Angry Police Chief said. `` He's going to be an Anti-Hero, and you two will be RomCom villains.'' 
 
 `` Not much of a stretch for tall, dark and scary.'' Loveable Goofball whispered to Clever Female Lead. 
 
 She huffed in irritation and focused her attention on the cops. Brooding Ex-Detective pulled on a leather jacket. 
 
 `` You're gon na get us killed.'' He said, slowly shaking his head. 
 
 `` Meet back here at five for a briefing.'' Angry Police Chief said. 
 
 `` Not like I had plans tonight anyway.'' Loveable Goofball joked. 
 

