It's not an assignment Alastair usually is called up for. But he's always open to volunteering for special assignments. Especially when it involves travel on the department's dime. He always loves to travel to different cities in uniform. Whether it's for recruiting or for protecting city officials on business while traveling, he always enjoys the glances he gets when he wears his uniform in a strange city. From people asking everything from "Is it true that San Francisco Police is the highest-paid agency in California?" To "Is the whole of Lombard Street that curvy?"

Today, Alastair finds himself in a small town called Mayfield. Very quaint, and unlike the eclectic hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Nothing dangerous or terribly exciting. Just an assignment at a local junior college campus in a neighboring city to help recruit possible future cops at a town job fair, and to give a brief lecture on the SFPD's LGBT openness to a criminal justice class at the college.

Heading downstairs at the Bed & Breakfast he's staying at in Mayfield on his way to the college, Alastair heads out the door in full uniform, catching a few fascinated glances from the local guests who are probably more than a bit surprised to see an SFPD cop in their town.

Having woken up too late to partake in breakfast at the B&B he's staying at, Alastair stops at a local cafe for a cup of coffee before heading to the campus. After sitting at his table and waiting for his name to be called, he is surprised when another cop, appearing to be a Mayfield police officer by the likes of his shield and patches, walks up next to him with two coffees, one in each paw.

"It's on me. Mind if I join you officer?" The local cop says.

Alastair smiles and gestures to the adjacent chair "Be my guest."

The Mayfield officer pulls the chair out and sits down, placing one of the coffees in front of Alastair and holding the other in his paw.

"Always glad to treat a visiting officer to a coffee in my town. I'm Reis, Mayfield P.D." The local officer says as he introduces himself and offers an extended paw.

"Alastair, San Francisco Police Department. Pleased to meet you Reis." Alastair replies as he shakes Reis' paw.

"We don't often get big city cops visiting out to our little boondocks town, much less a cop from California. You here for the college job fair?" Reis asks.

"Yeah. Part of our department's recruiting strategy. Poach liberal college kids into a career in law enforcement by talking about our LGBT-friendly department." Alastair explains.

Reis chuckles and replies "Heh, well coming from a gay officer, trust me when I say it'll take more than just a sales pitch about a department's abstract position on LGBT rights to attract liberal college brats to a job in law enforcement in this town."

"Well as a fellow gay officer, might I add there's also the $81,000 starting salary as part of the sales pitch." Alastair retorts smugly.

Reis' eyes widen as he hears that number and humbly says "Well no wonder SFPD can afford to send you out here to recruit!"

Alastair smiles and replies "Or issue us sterling silver stars!" Changing the topic, Alastair asks "So you're gay?"

"Yup, and sorry but I'm taken if you're getting ideas." Reis says somewhat teasingly as he holds up his left paw and flaunts his wedding band.

Alastair laughs out loud and replies facetiously "Heh looks like you beat me to the punch! Damn, I was this close to asking you out for dinner!"

Reis tells him "Think nothing of it. I get hit on all the time while on patrol. Both from guys I'm arresting and fellow gay cops. Though I suspect the former are just trying to get a free pass."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I don't mind confessing I've had a few flings with my partner. He's a jaguar. And one recently with a buddy from the Highway Patrol. He's quite a cute red fox hunk." Alastair replies.

Reis nods and listens before telling Alastair as the two sip their coffees "Oh, a guy who likes foxes. A man after my own heart. Well listen, a dinner date is out but if you want to meet my husband Marcus, he's a fennec, we'd be glad to have dinner with you if you're in town for a while."

Alastair smiles and answers "That would be great. Thanks. I could use a couple of locals to guide me to a good place to eat in this town."

"We've got plenty of quaint places to eat around here. Or at least places you'd probably call 'quaint.' You won't find any artistic fusion cuisine here like in Cali. Here, plenty of hearty portions and strong alcohol." Reis describes.

"Heh well if you plan on plying me with drink, I hope you don't mind a flirty dog." Alastair jokes.

"Not if you don't mind two others!" Reis replies and winks.

The pair continue their conversation, discussing things like current events and their respective departments' unique qualities as they enjoy their coffees and each other's camaraderie.

Carrying a badge doesn't just make you a warrior or a guardian depending on your point of view. It also makes you part of a family. And no matter what city you visit, no matter how far away, you can meet folks who wear the badge too. And while you've never met, you can become like brothers and sisters in less time than it takes to finish a latte.

This magnificent pic was done by  Rukis.