The detective was impeccably dressed, around thirty years old, and already quite accomplished to have been promoted to detective, let alone to lead an investigation into a major attack.
He was at least a genius.
The handsome, capable man introduced himself in a very formulaic way. But after a few questions, the atmosphere grew awkward.
To be honest, Jean had once fantasized about finding a handsome, capable detective as her partner.
That was before she discovered cats… furry, liquid creatures and began her cat-loving journey.
Now, Jean was quite fond of her boss, the orange liquid cat.
Those other fantasies no longer existed.
Upon seeing the handsome human detective sent by her boss, Jean felt no liking whatsoever.
In fact, she hoped he would quickly and smoothly get as far away as possible.
"Miss Jean," the detective said.
"Please call me Ms. Gray, Detective John."
The handsome detective was startled by Jean Gray's tone. He recalled the file his superior had given him before he arrived.
He clearly remembered that the profile stated she liked handsome, dashing detectives.
Otherwise, his department wouldn't have voted to select him.
He had come with a mission more important than just investigating the case.
His goal, the paw print signature of her orange tabby boss, Garfield.
However, he found that his colleagues had overthought things.
Not only did he not even have a chance to meet Garfield, but even Jean, whom he thought he knew perfectly well and could use his charm to win over, didn't give him a warm welcome.
Had his charm diminished?
Impossible. He wasn't even thirty yet. In the prime of his life.
"If there's nothing else," Jean said, "I'll be going now. Busy with work."
John, thinking himself very gentlemanly, said, "Is that so? Would I have the honor of inviting you to dinner, beautiful lady?"
A year ago, when Jean's mind had been occupied only with cats or staying home playing video games, she would have readily agreed.
She might even have pursued a relationship.
Now, thinking of the several liquid creatures waiting for her to feed at home, she decisively refused.
"Sorry. I'm busy."
"Then another day."
"Sorry. My appointments are full for the next year. Let's talk again in a year."
The implication was clear… go away. I don't like you.
However, Jean underestimated the allure of the paw print signature.
Knowing that his colleagues would throw him off the roof if he returned empty-handed, John naturally wouldn't give up easily.
He launched into relentless pursuit.
"Jean, Ms. Gray," John said, "you need to understand how dangerous this attack was."
"Hundreds of flying cars pass through public places every minute, especially on the upper level of the flight path. If something goes wrong, it's not just your personal safety threatened, but the safety of everyone around you."
Jean Gray naturally knew the level of danger.
If her boss's Hornet fighters hadn't arrived in time and if her flying car hadn't been specially made, she might already have become part of the aerial fireworks.
Her relatives and friends would be dressed in black, holding a memorial service for her.
"Of course I know how dangerous the attack was," she said. "Detective, finding the culprit is your duty."
"I don't want to have to report you for chasing women on the job. You should know that with my current position, one complaint would leave a permanent black mark on your file."
John was stunned. Then a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
What Jean said was true. The CEO of High Claw Group, currently the most influential company in the galaxy, could easily trend on social media with all sorts of shocking news.
If she publicly complained about him, it might not just be a black mark. It could mean demotion.
Or even dismissal.
Realizing his mistake, John apologized. "I'm sorry, Ms. Jean Gray. I didn't mean to do this."
"It's just that my colleagues wanted me to get some of your autographs or skins while I was here. You know how influential the Group is right now."
Seeing his sincere apology, Jean chose to forgive him, for now.
"Alright. I understand. Let's consider this a thing of the past. I can't guarantee a special skin, but we'll consider releasing a custom skin for your department later."
"All detectives can get one for free with their ID. A portion of the proceeds can be donated to your system or used to establish a foundation."
John was quite excited by Jean's words. It wasn't just about the skin. Being a detective in the interstellar era might seem easy, but it was incredibly dangerous.
Various races with unique abilities and countless dangerous creatures could appear in your jurisdiction at any time.
A single mistake could lead to a fate worse than death and sometimes it could even implicate your family.
A foundation was a good thing.
For the families of detectives who died in the line of duty, in addition to basic living allowances, they could receive a subsidy to improve their lives.
"Thank you, Ms. Jean," John said sincerely.
Jean Gray wasn't one to be petty. "I'm just saying. The specific procedures will take time."
"I hope you can keep it a secret for now, Detective John. But you can tell your colleagues about the skin."
John hesitated. "I wonder… could we get your autograph? Or His Majesty's?"
Jean Gray shook her head. "Currently, apart from the grand champion, no one has the Boss's physical autograph. Not even I have any items with his signature."
But, she thought, I have personally felt the warmth of the fluffy liquid cat Boss.
Soft. And warm.
"Alright then," John said. "It seems I can only bring back good news."
The two exchanged a few more words, then parted ways.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
After leaving the office, Jean got into her repaired flying car and returned home.
Everything was normal. She hadn't been home for three days, but her cats had been well taken care of by the robot butler.
After comforting her feline companions, she began her ranking journey.
Although Jean wasn't a Jedi Knight, she was still a skilled gamer.
She had decisively added several champions and runners-up as personal friends using her position.
It was much, much more comfortable than Obi-Wan Kenobi having to rely on his apprentice.
Jean Gray received an invitation as soon as she logged on. Upon seeing the sender's identity, she promptly accepted.
While Jean happily played games, Detective John returned home.
He turned on the light.
An unexpected person was waiting for him.