"I think becoming a sheriff would be nice," Barry mused, glancing at George with a hint of a smile.
"That's impossible," George replied, shaking his head without hesitation.
"There should always be a goal," Barry replied. He knew becoming a police sergeant might be out of reach, and even a first-class officer could be challenging, especially since his future missions might bring unexpected hurdles.
---
After signing his paperwork, Barry didn't jump straight into work. Instead, he spent a week training with a senior officer.
During this time, Barry learned about police duties, which included patrolling, arresting criminals, and directing traffic. These officers had the most interaction with citizens.
The officer Barry shadowed focused on patrolling and arresting criminals. Driving a skateboard aircraft to direct traffic seemed excessive and could cause unnecessary chaos.
Today marked his first mission, and Barry eagerly accompanied George to the police station early in the morning.
"Barry, here, have a burger."
"I've got some buns for you."
"My wife made dumplings, care for some more?"
"Here, take some chicken wings."
"No fried food, he needs to eat healthily."
---
As soon as Barry walked in, many officers offered him food they had prepared. Over the past week, Barry had become a beloved figure at the station, thanks to his adorable demeanor.
Barry accepted their offerings, his arms full as he made his way to George's office, piling the food on the table.
"Looks like Chef Chen Fan won't need to make breakfast anymore," George laughed, seeing Barry with his bounty.
"Don't worry, I can finish it," Barry said, placing the food down carefully before taking a deep breath. The pile was precarious, and he didn't want it to topple.
"But if this keeps up, I might get fat," he joked, munching on a chicken wing.
"I think more training wouldn't hurt. A week seems too short," George remarked, reviewing the report from Barry's training officer with a conflicted look.
"Officer Katrina said I was ready. You can't hold me back now, can you?" Barry replied, tossing a bone into the trash with precision.
"Well, let Katrina take you today. I suspect she gave you the report because she wanted a mission," George relented, signing the report and handing it to Barry.
"I can handle that lizard monster, what are you worried about?" Barry said, dismissing the report and finishing his dumplings. Then he left his paw print on a cloth doll with a dab of red ink.
"Besides, I have three weapons with me now."
After wiping his paw with a tissue, Barry continued eating his buns.
"Barry!" Just then, a middle-aged woman in a police uniform entered the room.
Katrina, a senior officer with about fifteen years of experience, had neatly combed black hair and usually wore a serious expression. When Barry first met her, she reminded him of a strict teacher.
Katrina's meticulous approach to cases earned her trust both within the station and among New Yorkers.
To Barry, however, she was simply... the beautiful police lady.
He hoped for a lovely junior officer when the new recruits arrived in a few days.
"Could you knock next time?" George sighed, addressing the officer. Despite her abrupt entrance, George wasn't upset. He had trained Katrina and admired her dedication.
"Next time," Katrina promised, her tone softening as she turned to Barry, who was still eating.
"Take your time, Barry. I'll wait for you."
Barry nodded, relieved he had stopped talking to George in time.
---
After tidying up, Barry followed Katrina out of the Sheriff's Office, carrying a rag doll.
"Who gave you the rag doll? It's cute," Katrina asked, noticing it.
Barry opened his mouth to explain but wisely stayed silent as they reached the police work area.
With many officers already on missions, Barry headed to a southern station.
Seeing the middle-aged man with slightly graying hair at the computer, Barry felt relieved.
"Hey, Barry, how were the dumplings? I tasted them for you, they're delicious," the man greeted with a smile.
Barry handed over the rag doll, revealing the cute red paw print on its belly.
"Oh my God, thank you so much," Grant, a sharp-faced police sergeant, exclaimed. Though he looked tough, he was a devoted family man, with a wife and daughter he adored.
Grant placed the doll carefully in a drawer, his excitement clear.
"My daughter loves you. How about visiting us sometime?" Grant asked eagerly.
Barry nodded, not refusing the invitation.
"Great! She'll be thrilled to see you," Grant beamed, his love for his daughter evident.
---
After giving Grant the paw-printed rag doll, Barry donned his chemical backpack, stepped onto his skateboard, and followed Katrina in a patrol car, electromagnetic stick in hand, to patrol Queens.
Along the way, some keen-eyed individuals snapped photos of Barry in the passenger seat, but thankfully, no one obstructed traffic.
The morning passed peacefully, with only a few people ruffling Barry's fur.
As lunchtime approached and Katrina prepared to return with Barry, a gunfight erupted on Ninth Street.