In recent days, crowds still gathered outside Barry's apartment, though their numbers had dwindled. Barry, ever the friendly panda, would wave and greet them or leave playful paw prints on their clothes.
Not yet an official officer, Barry was already becoming a star.
Once in the car, George drove straight to City Hall.
New York City Hall, located in Manhattan, nestled in the heart of Central Park. It wasn't long before they reached the destination from Midtown.
Stepping out of the car, Barry marveled at the grandeur of the building before him. Though he had seen it online, witnessing the Renaissance-style architecture firsthand was a different experience.
"Let's go," George urged, leading Barry up the steps.
Inside, the vast rotunda dazzled Barry's eyes with its exquisite murals, magnificent domes, literary sculptures, and ornate decorations, immersing him in the history of the French Renaissance.
"Please follow me, Mr. Adams is entertaining guests," a neatly dressed woman in professional attire greeted George and the panda, leading them across the rotunda and up the elevator to the second floor.
The second-floor decor was more subdued. They followed the corridor to the end, stopping at the door marked "Mayor's Office."
"Please, come in!" The assistant held the door open, gesturing for the duo to enter.
Inside, besides the familiar Mayor Adams, several strangers in suits were engaged in a heated discussion, papers in hand.
A middle-aged man with a calm demeanor watched the debate silently.
Upon Barry's entrance, the room fell silent, eyes turning towards him as if he were a pile of gold coins.
"George, and our New York hero, you're finally here," Adams greeted warmly, approaching them.
He shook hands with George, then extended his hand to Barry.
Momentarily stunned, Barry quickly extended his paw, grasping the mayor's hand.
Apart from George and his close circle, this was the first human to show Barry such genuine respect.
Following the mayor's lead, the others rose to greet George and Barry, the sensation of shaking a panda's paw a curious novelty.
George exchanged pleasantries with the mayor before everyone resumed their discussion.
After Adams posted a call for weapon designs for Panda Barry on the city's official site, numerous tech companies submitted their proposals. Following thorough selection, the present companies were chosen.
Listening to their conversation, Barry discerned the identities of those present. One individual, in particular, surprised him: Norman Osborn, CEO of Oscorp.
Despite his refined appearance and calm tone, Norman's eyes bore a deep-seated darkness, hints of long-standing burdens.
Barry recalled Oscorp's focus on biotechnology, primarily creating super soldiers. It seemed unlikely they were here to develop enhancement agents for him.
Most other companies were military enterprises, typically aligned with the military. Their presence here was intriguing.
Among the proposed weapons was a wrist guard equipped with micro-missiles, seemingly an absurd choice for urban deployment.
But most designs focused on protective gear, prioritizing Barry's safety.
Norman Osborn, however, remained silent, observing the debate with a composed confidence.
"Alright, let's pause. Mr. Osborn, any thoughts? Your proposal caught my interest," Adams interjected, turning to the quiet Norman.
Following the Ganali device incident, Oscorp faced public backlash, especially after Professor Connors' interrogation revealed plans for premature human trials of their drug.
Despite dismissing those involved and issuing apologies, Oscorp struggled to quell the uproar.
Nevertheless, Norman's calm presence here was a testament to his resilience.
After a brief pause, Norman addressed Barry.
"To show our gratitude to Dabai, our company has developed a multi-functional aircraft, the culmination of extensive research by our scientists."
"I believe Dabai will find it impressive after testing." His confident tone drew attention.
Initially, Oscorp hadn't submitted designs. But following the lizard virus outbreak, Norman sought to counter public accusations by enhancing a long-studied combat skateboard and submitting it.
Significant modifications were made for panda use.
Norman had invested considerable effort in promoting Panda Barry. His prior anxiety had given way to calm assurance upon reviewing competing designs.
He was confident no other weapon matched his design for Barry.
"I admire Mr. Norman's confidence. Let's see if your weapon lives up to the drawings. Everyone, please bring your designs. It's test time," Adams announced, inviting the group to proceed.
The goal wasn't sheer power but finding the most suitable weapon for Panda Barry's urban missions.
Ultimately, the tests would determine the winner. If multiple designs proved suitable, Barry could potentially use them all.
The benefits were immeasurable.
Extra chapter avilable in PATREON
patreon.com/Achilles_Stein
patreon.com/Achilles_Stein