SWAT: Beginnings

My name is...

Author's Note: Have you ever wondered where did Sergeant Daniel Harrelson Jr's nickname came from? How did he go from Daniel to Hondo? You gotta go way back! Way before his SWAT or even his military days! You gotta go back to South LA, right around the 80s...that's when it all started! 

Check out my take on how this peculiar detail of SWAT came to be! Comments always welcomed! Have fun!

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"Yo Dan!" the young boy called.

Young Daniel Harrelson Jr made his way to the corner of the crowded bleachers, where his friend awaited. He was surprised to see Darryl accompanied by several teenagers, who eyed him from top to bottom. Not a very good first impression, he fear!

Marcus, Jordy and Worm, all three high schoolers and tough looking teens turned their attention to the incomer, as Darryl bowed his head in disappointment.

"What's up?" Daniel responded, trying to play it cool.

It didn't really help that the left leg of his pants was completely muddy. Turns out, it's a bad idea to try to outrun a woman after grabbing her purse in the middle of a crowded avenue. A guy came out of nowhere and knocked him down, took the purse and returned it to its owner. At least his disguise was intact and he had a break to get outta there before the cops showed up.

 Sigh. He had failed their first initiation test, but could only hope to get a second chance.

Darryl was so embarrassed, he wouldn't even dare to turn to the guys behind him. He took a long deep breath and nodded at Daniel, silently. 

"White boys bout to arrive" Darryl announced, still ignoring the teenagers.

"Aight" he responded.

"Y'all better sit ya asses down! Y'all already ruined one test, no need to make a bigger mess!" Marcus snapped angrily.

Finally, Darryl turned around and let out a huge sigh of frustrated. "C'mon, Marcus! We can def play!"

"You serious?" he asked annoyed, while the other two shook their heads.

"Ya asses blew up the easiest job!" Worm added, following by a snicker.

"I know, but...Danny and I, we good ball players! We can hit! For real!" Darryl insisted.

Daniel just nodded his head silently. He wasn't completely convinced being part of a gang was the right way to go, but the money and the homies made it worth it. Darryl and Leroy convinced him that they needed to have allies, not enemies. Nobody survives the hood alone!

So, with Leroy out of the city for a couple of days, Darryl took it upon himself to get them noticed. To make their move! He had convinced one of the guys from his block to give them a tryout, saying both he and his friend could make great look ups and even runners.

Both boys knew that things between rival gangs were heating up and cops weren't moving a finger. So, they were left to their own devices! Everybody made sure to protect their merch and clients, even it that meant eliminating any potential competition. The 99s were just one of the many trying to survive the intense war!

Now, with the summer almost over, it was time for one of the most important events of the year: the annual racial summer football showdown! Every kid in the city knew what that meant and was ready for it! The top rich white high school in LA was returning from football summer camp and the south side gathered their best players to play a supposed 'friendly' game. The whole city knew that it was the only legitimate chance the blacks had to lay it on thick! Volunteer adults acted as officials for the game and coaches weren't allowed. It had become a tradition in LA, and no one dared to mess with it!