(The sun has long since set, and Lucy is back on patrol with Captain Andersen. The city is quieter now, the usual hum of activity replaced by the occasional siren and the distant chatter of police radios. The events of the day are still on Lucy's mind, but she focuses on the task at hand. The night shift is often quieter, but it's no less important.)
Captain Andersen: (Breaking the silence, her voice steady and authoritative) "You did well today, Chen. Not just with the family stuff, but you stayed focused when it mattered."
Lucy Chen: (Smiling slightly, appreciative of the compliment but keeping her focus on the road ahead) "Thanks, Captain. It's just... I don't want to mess up. I'm still getting the hang of it."
Captain Andersen: (Looking over at her, with a slight grin) "Everyone starts somewhere. You're doing fine. Just don't let the weight of everything get to you. Keep your head in the game."
(Lucy nods, but as they continue their patrol, she can't shake the feeling that there's still a lot more she needs to prove—not just to her team, but to herself.)
(A few hours later, the night is drawing to a close. They head back to the station for a quick break before the shift officially ends. The rookies are all gathered in the break room, decompressing, talking about their day.)
John Nolan: (Laughing at something Jackson said, his easygoing demeanor still intact even after a long shift) "I'm just saying, the guy had no idea how to even get into his own car!"
Jackson West: (Rolling his eyes, grinning at John) "It was one time. You don't need to keep bringing it up."
Lucy Chen: (Smiling to herself as she grabs a water bottle from the fridge) "You guys are never going to let that one go, huh?"
John Nolan: (Shrugging with a playful grin) "Nope."
Tim Bradford: (Stepping into the break room, his presence commanding attention even without saying a word) "Alright, rookies, grab your gear. Sergeant Grey wants to see you."
(The rookies exchange glances, the air in the room shifting immediately from light-hearted to serious. They know that when Sergeant Grey calls for them, it's not for small talk.)
Chapter 17: The Shift Swap
(The rookies gather in the briefing room, where Sergeant Grey stands waiting, a stern look on his face as usual. He doesn't waste any time with pleasantries.)
Sergeant Grey: (Looking over the rookies, his voice firm and clear) "Listen up, everyone. We're switching things up today. You're each going to spend time with a different Training Officer starting tomorrow. Tim, you're with John. Nyla, you're with Jackson. Angela, you're with Lucy."
(Lucy feels a knot tighten in her stomach at the mention of Angela. She's heard the stories about her—tough as nails and no-nonsense. But she pushes the nervousness aside, trying to keep her composure.)
Sergeant Grey: (Continuing, his tone businesslike) "This is about versatility. We all bring different strengths to the table, and I expect you to learn from each other. Get out there, learn, and adapt. This isn't just about you being good with your Training Officer, it's about you being able to handle any situation that comes your way."
Lucy Chen: (Nods, her voice steady) "Understood, sir."
John Nolan: (Looking at the others, joking to lighten the mood) "Well, guess we'll see how well we all do in a different dynamic."
