Authorized Emergency Response Individuals Unite!
Summer 2021, Week 2
Wednesday afternoon
Police Headquarters, City Centre
Storyteller
The Police Headquarters is swarming with police officers and staff, but at the front door stands a burly old looking Sergeant with clear orders to 'immediately stop and escort these four individuals through the back.' As they arrive, the Sergeant would do just that, stopping the four people he holds photos for before they even got into the building with a clear and crisp, "Follow me, please, Mr./Ms. X" before taking them out the front door and 10 feet away behind two bear bushes to a door camouflaged into the wall. A key card would unlock the door with a beep, and he'd show them inside a small room, which turned out to be an elevator that would take them down three stories to a wide open space white room filled with only a few desks, computers, and Chief Butler and Mayor Sims standing in front of a large set of screens showing a map of New Victoria.Sloane Whittier
Sloane was the first to arrive, having slipped out of the news conference before the large crowds could rush the exists. She thanked the Sergeant as he turned back to the elevator. "Mayor, Chief. Good to see you again so soon. Is this our super-secret AERI headquarters?" She looked around the somewhat bare room. "It could use a few things."Isaac Crysentine
Isaac had followed Sloane in, not wanting to be left behind with the swarming press before they realized who the two of them were. The walk to the police headquarters wasn't so bad, and the almost VIP service he received when he arrived left him feeling like joining the AERI was the right call. At least, until I'm getting beat down in my AERI uniform and not my normal everyday clothes. The room they entered was plain, but the information necessary was there. "We should get a soda machine. Oh, and our own all-you-can-eat buffet just for this room right here."Sloane Whittier
"Leave it to the college boy to want a full-time buffet." She couldn't help but feel a kinship with the kid. He was like her younger brother, which was weird. She didn't have any siblings. "What about a water cooler? That'd be nice. And some color... it's very drab."Luna
Luna arrives next, holding what seems to be a folder in one hand. Oh god, I didn't expect to meet with the mayor so soon... She waves with her free hand as she sees all the new people she has yet to meet. Just stay calm. You talk to people all the time now, it'll be easy...Sloane Whittier
Seeing the little girl walk in the room, she looks around. 'Is anyone else finding this weird? Why is no one reacting?' "Well hi there! Is it bring your daughter to work day? Can I help you with those folders?"Isaac Crysentine
Are we seriously this desperate? Isaac looked at the young girl and was simply dumbfounded at the prospect of someone half his age working alongside them to take down a walking battery.Luna
The girl closes her eyes briefly as she grins at Sloane. "These papers are for the Chief, they're a preview of my draft for an AERI framework. I call it the AERI Initiative!"Sloane Whittier
'Oh shit! They really are shrinking every year. I wonder if she's just a late bloomer in high school. Huh.' "Your draft of the AERI Initiative? I look forward to seeing what you put together then!" 'I'm betting she had some help. That's a lot of papers for such a short stack.'DeAndre Walker
Andre was the last to walk in, having taken the time after the press conference for some air. He had handled a lot of questions after the mayor’s speech and promptly ditching me to attend 'another meeting.' A lot of questions came out concerning his powers, his time as a firefighter, what he intended to do. Thankfully Charlotte was there, and she answered or guided most of the questions. After that he took off, flew around a bit, and finally headed to the HQ. Stepping out of the elevator, he thanked the Sergeant and made his way over to the growing group. There was Sloane, Isaac, and..."Hello, I'm pretty certain we've never met before. I'm Andre, what's your name?" It wasn't exactly a 'oh my gosh a little kid' tone as something in her appearance told Andre this girl wasn't a normal kid. But he did look around the other two for an answer of some sort. Thankfully, that's when the Chief and Mayor stopped their conversation and walked to the group.Chief Butler
"Welcome, welcome! Thank ya for coming and let me also say thank you for your service to our city. I'm Chief Butler, friends, which you are, call me Steve. Or if you must, Chief. That's as stuffy as I'll allow it here." The old man had a cup of coffee and a wide friendly smile that greeted all present. "Now I know all of you, and Mayor Sims tells me you all know each other. So, let’s do a brief introduction on my end and we can get started." Walking over to Luna and setting a hand on her shoulder, the Chief continued. "This is Luna. She is, technically, your senior. The first Evo to answer the city's call and join the AERI program. Now I know she looks young, but all of you should understand appearances don't demonstrate power." Turning to Isaac he went on, "This scrawny little thing looks like a stiff breeze would push him over, but as far as I'm aware he's basically a portable flame thrower." To Sloane, he thought And this young lady can tell exactly what I'm thinking. "So let's just get around the whole 'but look at her she's soon tiny,' which is true, and just trust that I'm not an idiot. Sound fair, gang? Good."Mayor Sims
Sims, letting the Chief talk for a bit, went into 'command' mode and started to tackle the organization of this meeting before anyone else spoke up, just so she could get it out of the way. "This is our first meeting, and as Mayor I won't be able to watch over you all the entire time. Nor do I want to. I know the Chief and his selection method, as I know my own. The four of you are all capable in different ways, and I am more than confident in this program even as new as it is. I'm here to grant you permission. So, if you please, raise your right hands and repeat after me." "I, state your name, do hereby swear I will support society and promote the general welfare, protect the innocent and save all those I can, and defend the Constitution of the United States and statutes of New Victoria as well as the rights, both inalienable and manmade of all those under my care. I will render strict obedience to the elected Mayor and Chief of Police of New Victoria, and above all do everything in my ability to do no harm or ensure no harm is done to those who have not warranted it. I swear to always strive, above all, to be a beacon of hope and peace." Watching the eyes of each as she went through the oath, she made sure to speak it slowly and clearly, having taken the time to craft it to make sure that while there were oaths to obey the government and try and do no harm, that above all it would their goal to protect people at any costs. Once the oath was done, she spoke once more, louder. "By the power entrusted in me as the Mayor of the District of New Victoria, United States of America, I hereby appoint you a member of the AERI Program, granting you all powers and duties under the AERI Act, until such time as you are relieved." The seriousness flooding out, a small smile found itself on her face. "And with that done, let’s get into this." Looking at the four standing there, her face communicated a clear intent. For them to provide the direction.Luna
The young girls grin only grows wider as he comments that she is technically their senior. Just wait until you hear about this, sis, these people are all older than you and I'm their senior. she thinks as she stifles a giggle. As the Mayor finished Luna was quick to respond by stepping forward and holding out the paperwork she had been carrying. In total it was three folders, two packed nearly to the brim and one folder with only three pages, which seemed to be a brief explanation of the entire AERI system as Luna envisioned it, and a USB flash drive. In the end the summary was similar to what the Chief already had but a bit more structured. This in and of itself would be impressive for a 10-year-old, but the truly impressive part was the other two folders. One seemed to be an index with extremely in-depth explanations for all of the terms and phrases used, and the other was filled with other supplemental material such as print out examples of applications for people in various fields that wish to apply, as well as application examples for AERIs applying to join various other emergency services fields as an AERI and applications for specialized equipment, etc. The third folder also included examples and explanations for larger topics brought up in the summary such as going into greater detail on the various duties of the three teams described in the summary. All of this information is provided as modular information which is optional to use and the documentation itself encourages the modification of one or more ideas as each individual AERI department sees fit. "There's a lot of information here and it's easier to go through on the USB since it's all hyperlinked, but my big sis has always taught me it's important to have paper backups!" AERII - Authorized Emergency Response Individual InitiativeMayor Sims
The mayor plugged in the USB into the only computer system and brought up the main documents on the screen. She seemed to skim through them at first before pausing and seemingly rereading everything in more detail. As she did, her mouth started to move through the words as she unconsciously stepped closer to the screens. When she was done, she turned to Luna and locked the girl down with a stare. "You did this?" She almost whispered, before remembering who she was and who the girl was. "Well, I'll say, Chief, this is more than I expected when you told me about her project. This is...nothing less than excellent, Miss Luna."Chief Butler
"Hell, I'll say. The Team Split up is exactly the sort of thing we were missing in our first draft of what the program would be. The rank system seems to go along with what we anticipated, but I'm really liking this training regime. That would help us make sure that every AERI, no matter what team, could help if things hit the fan." Taking a slow sip of his coffee, the Chief talked more to the mayor than the others for the moment. "We'd have to defer appointing an E-AERI equivalent considering the newness of the program, but it's good to have the teams set up even if we have to make adjustment, Ma'am. But splitting them up like that will only help my officers know who to call directly."Mayor Sims
"Agreed. What I'm worried about now is implementing the training scheme given...well given that some of them need to be kept a secret."Chief Butler
"Sergeant Gentle can handle the police aspect. He's done an Academy stint before, and I'd want an officer attached. Which we should probably write in Luna. Let's have a Liaison Police Officer, Firefighter, and EMT attached to the program. I'll vet them but figure out where to stick 'em."Mayor Sims
"And someone from my office. Sloane here technically fills that role right now, but if she shifts to being more AERI focused I'd want someone they could go to in case some tape needs to be cut."Chief Butler
"Agreed. So, for the others."DeAndre Walker
Jumping in, so he and the others could finally be heard and because he had something to contribute, Andre spoke up. "Luna, this looks amazing. I mean, wow. I have a few questions concerning equipment and the funding and I see that's written in there. Ma'am, Chief, we're going to need more than this to get started. Workstations, Transport, Lockers, Bathrooms, offices, all that sort of stuff if we're going to be self-contained." Realizing he was speaking up to the literal Chief of Police and Mayor, he got a bit more respectful. "Added to that, I can run Firefighter and EMT training for the few of us here now to round us out. Until you find someone who can actually do it full time. Other than that, I don't have anything to add." Turning to the other three--to save him--Andre waited.Isaac Crysentine
Isaac had been silent this entire time, barely keeping up with the large amounts of information. So this is what heroes have to go through, huh? Understandably so. What felt like endless amounts of information kept piling about him, but he used his young college-studying powers to skim quickly while still digesting information to get through it all. "I don't particularly have any experience with anything, but if I could make one request: I be allowed to be on the Response Team. I know my power will be useful for firefighting or my ability to fly might be useful too, but I think I have it in me to fight and do battle with villains, too. Of course, I'll take whatever assignment I can get, but I want to protect people from those who would do them harm, like Bolt. And, respectfully, I want to bury that motherfucker into the ground." Isaac had gotten a bit heated at this point, and he felt his hands warm up with slight embers. He quickly calmed himself, but his intent remained. I'm never letting him kill anyone ever again. "Also, a tiny minor afterthought, I have a teacher who is teaching me how to use my powers, how to develop myself and how to become stronger. I won't relinquish his name, but I will say I will go through all the basic training necessary and then continue training with my teacher. I request no effort be made to investigate his identity, and all I will need in terms of equipment are fireproof, flexible clothes."Sloane Whittier
"Luna, you should know that you have my utmost respect here. I'm sorry for my initial reaction! This is very impressive, kiddo. I have no doubt it took you a considerable amount of work to put together." Turning to Mayor Sims, "Ma'am, I ask that you guide me on how you would like me to participate since I joined your office first. My skills fit into a few of these categories so I will go wherever I'm needed most."Luna
"Yep" she replied simply to the mayor’s question, smiling in response to the praise. When the Chief mentions having someone from each department on the team Luna quickly lowers her hood as she connects to the computer system and starts making edits to the training section as well as adding more pages for information on the new positions. The pace at which she makes the changes is astounding in its own right and it isn't long before she finishes and raises the hood again, satisfied with her work. As they all continue to praise her, she begins to let some of her nervousness slip through as she scratches at the back of her head, not used to so much attention. "You guys haven't even seen my real powers, this is the easy stuff!" she says with barely passable amounts of confidence.[x1 Basic, x1 Minor, -1 EP 14 Remaining]
Mayor Sims
"I'll be honest, Sloane. That's a bit beyond my wheelhouse. This is new to all of us, and you're paving the way. You need to decide where you believe you are needed most given the team dynamic Miss Luna created. I'd assume a team that allows you a bit more freedom in your schedule so you can engage in both of your duties." Turning to Isaac, she frowned slightly. "If you wish to train separately and in secret from your team, I suppose that's theirs to accept not mine. The city is identifying most Evos whenever we can, but I can say that this program wouldn't make the connection and force anything from this unknown unless they turn out to be a threat."DeAndre Walker
"That's not all we need in terms of equipment though, Isaac." Andre says to his friend, but really for everyone. He'd started making a list, so he spoke primarily to Luna and the Chief to run his ideas past them. "We're a team, one likely to grow, so we need to figure out everything everyone needs universally and then bear in mind we will have special cases based on our powers. But a communicator system, EMS kits, zip ties, these are all things we will all need on us."Chief Butler
"How about we do this. I'll head up with the mayor to start seeing what we have in the HQ. We should also look at some of the options I picked out for an AERI HQ separate from here, ma'am. Meanwhile, I think you fine folks should figure out what exactly you need. This is your team, and I think it's a good chance for you to get to know each other. I'll be back in a bit with your badges and a training schedule."Storyteller
The Chief and Mayor engage in a whispered conversation as they walk to the main elevator and take it up to the main floors of the Police HQ, leaving the four AERIs to discuss and determine the early future of the team.Sloane Whittier
"Communicator system? Pffft. You've got me." She winked. "But in actuality, I think what would help is if we put together lists based on not just general needs, but also the needs that could be more Type specific. I think we can get together and start gathering ideas based on our own limited knowledge and then maybe find somewhere to do some research. We're all just figuring this out as we go along so we'll need some wiggle room to grow, both monetarily and physical space." She trailed off a bit and you could see her mind going off in a thousand directions. "I think I'll join the Vanguard Team, if that's alright with you Mayor. We have Evos that are more fit for heavy hitting against the bad guys. Chief, if you ever need someone to help give you an inside look on a situation though, you call me, and I'll be there."Luna
"What about the Librarian in Old Towne? If we want more information, I think they would be good to have on our side, if possible. And as far as specialized equipment my big sis can help, but I can't exactly get to her right now..."Isaac Crysentine
"If I'm being honest, I hadn't considered comms or even basic equipment like that." He sat back and considered everything Andre had brought up, and afterwards Isaac laughed a little bit. "Just make everything fireproof and I'll be fine with anything you give me. Also, if any of you ever want to join me in training with my teacher, then I can ask him if he'd be comfortable with that. Apparently, he fought in the final battle against Ragnorak, so he knows what he's doing." I hope.DeAndre Walker
Andre had moved to sit at the sole computer station and was scrolling through the files Luna had created once again. Three Groups, with probably multiple teams in each group at a certain point. Like a shift team. But right now they only had four people. Four Evos. Spinning in the chair, he started think out loud. “So, Isaac and I on the Responder team. Sloane on Vanguard which makes sense. What about you, Luna? You seem really capable, but I image there’s some sort of…” Andre paused for a second to think how to phrase it, “Restrictions right?” There was so much to do. So much to organize. Isaac was ready to go as always. He didn’t know Luna well enough yet, but she seemed like someone who could help him get the things he needed. Sloane was…well Sloane is Sloane. Always with a smile but you couldn’t help but feel there was so much going on up there. “We need to be careful about who we talk to though, bringing us back to the Head Librarian. I’ve met them, and they are super helpful. But I know that two of us are a secret, Luna, I’d assume you sort of are too. So, I can talk to them. I’m Not exactly a secret.” He looked around the room and started thinking. All the things they needed. “I say we take the week. Start thinking of what we need, schedules, all that sort of stuff. That should give the Chief time to get us our own building. What do you all think?”Luna
"Well, that's part of why the Chief wanted me to come up with this system, help build my image as more than just some strange kid. I can't really be a secret, I need to be known so that people will better understand who I am and why I would be allowed to fight at my age, and until then I can't really do much publicly. Besides the cat was already out of the bag when I started selling LoliOS and it proved to be more secure than any other OS on the market; When people asked where I got the programming languages, I used I felt I had to tell the truth and come clean about my origins. There are thousands of people out there who know about me already. Though I’d... still prefer if you did the talking for now." she said with a nervous smile. She turns to Isaac shortly after. "Do you think your teacher could... help me too? I'm guessing my powers are a bit different but I really want to get better at it so I can see my sister again."Isaac Crysentine
The fire user eagerly nodded at the young girl's request. "I'm sure he can at least teach you self-defense and how to tune yourself with your power, if nothing else. His power is fundamentally different from everyone’s except mine, as he is also an elemental, but the basics he can do. I'll talk to him next time I see him about bringing more people."DeAndre Walker
It must be nice to have someone to guide you. Andre didn't want to be salty towards his friend, it was just difficult not to. He had been spending every night trying to figure out how to use his abilities on his own. Hearing what Isaac was saying though, it seemed like the right choice. To Andre, being an AERI wasn't only going to be about fighting people like Bolt. Sure, that was in the job description, but so was stopping normal criminals, saving people from disasters, things that would require immense strength combined with a delicate touch. Right now, he liked his plan. He was learning the practical fighting form from the Police Department, flying and trying out the moves at night, and then lifting stranger and stranger objects in the morning. Being an AERI meant he could do this full time too and not have to juggle his Fire Department job with his training. "Everyone should get some training in. Not just to fight maniacs like Bolt, but also to see what our powers can do. I can't speak for everyone, but I know I hadn't really tested mine until a month ago, and even then, it was barely anything." Standing up from the computer, Andre looked at the group. "I say we meet up Monday, 5:00am. I'll text you all the location once I figure it out. Until then, I think we practice, train, think of what we need, those sorts of things. We can't just dive into this halfcocked. We need to be as well supplied as the Police and Fire Departments, and as adaptable as the situations we have to respond to."Sloane Whittier
"I am so not a morning person, but if everyone else is up for it, then I'll be there. Is this meeting to continue discussing the AERI nuts and bolts or for group training? Because I'd really like to do both. I haven't really practiced since I've been here. I've been focused on getting settled in. Having company while I do it would be fun." She looked at Isaac when she said this, smiling at the memory of lifting him earlier. "We can test each other, add a new level of difficulty, ya know?"DeAndre Walker
"I think Monday we start work. A schedule, a plan, those sorts of things. Formal training sessions and all that. In our spare time right now, which Monday we should make sure we have plenty of, we ought to make sure we leave time for power practice both as a group and individually." Andre tossed in, his eyes looking at a wall as he was in thought with other matters. "But a place for sparring would be good. That and rescue drills. So, we need a training area too. Hmm."Sloane Whittier
"Oh absolutely. I hope the sites the Chief scoped out are going to be enough to accommodate what we have in mind. Bonus points if they let us build underground too, we're going to be easy targets for le bad guys. So, when do you guys want to get together for our first unofficial training sesh?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac pondered this, considering all the new training sessions he would have to partake in. "I'm free anytime in the late evening except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, nothing too early. I'll still be attending school and training with my teacher, but otherwise I won't have much going on."DeAndre Walker
"As far as I'm aware this is my job now, something I'll want to confirm. But I'll be working on trying to get all the ducks in a row here during the end of the week and just training when I can. So anytime really." Andre responded.Luna
"I can show up basically any time, the only other real commitment I have is my OS and I can shift the time I work on that around as needed."Sloane Whittier
"Okay then! I will be our coordinator. Since we're meeting Monday at 5 am to start going over all things AERI, then let's do a training session Saturday night. Sunday we'd have to be up too early, and we can use Thursday and Friday to start coming up with ideas that we want to bring to the table on Monday. Sound good?"DeAndre Walker
"That works, but where were you thinking? We don't want it to be somewhere super public because...well obvious reasons."Sloane Whittier
"Well, I don't know the city nearly as well as some of you. I've only been here a matter of weeks. You two mentioned that you have been training somewhere. Where's that been? If we need to, I'm sure we could get the Chief to bless it for our purposes."Isaac Crysentine
The kid laughed and got himself together as he gave his response. "I've been training in my teacher's backyard, but there's this old, abandoned warehouse that had a fire not too long ago we used once. I think that could do nicely?"Sloane Whittier
"Yeah, I don't know that your teacher would appreciate all of us showing up on their doorstep expecting to use their house..." she shrugged "but I'm fine with an abandoned warehouse if you guys are."DeAndre Walker
"We can just use the same one Isaac and I did, the burned one he mentioned. It's far enough away from homes and the like. Plus, it has walls and structures we could use to practice more than just a street brawl."Sloane Whittier
"Love it. Just shoot me the address or I can meet you guys at your place, and we can carpool. Luna, do you need a ride?"Luna
"Where is this warehouse at, exactly? I can usually find my own way to places so long as it's not too far."Isaac Crysentine
"It's in Garnet Park, we can all just meet up here and travel there. Inconspicuously, of course, so as not to draw attention to our 'secret base'" Isaac put his hands in the air, making big air quotes for everyone to see.Sloane Whittier
She laughed and shook her head. 'This kid kills me.' "I've got a new BMW that should fit us all. Graduation present. Don't know that it fits the bill of inconspicuous though. We could always take public transportation. I don't remember if the train or subway has a line that goes through there, but I'm sure we can figure it out."DeAndre Walker
Andre just smiles for a minute. Getting from A to B used to be a hassle. “I’ll be fine getting there, obviously.” He did a little flying motion with his hand, sound effects and all. “Whoosh.”Sloane Whittier
She can't help but laugh again. "Alright, you whoosh yourself over there then. I'll meet Isaac so he can show me where the hell I'm going. I'll figure this city out one day, but it's not today. Luna, you want to meet us here or make your own way?"Luna
"I suppose if we are trying to keep the place hidden it would be better for me to meet you here. I kinda stick out..." she says with a nervous smile.Isaac Crysentine
"I guess I'm not flying either." Isaac said disparagingly, but content with the fact.Sloane Whittier
"Would you rather just give me directions and then we can each make our own way? I can make anything work, even wearing Luna as a backpack and making it look like she's my niece!"Luna
Luna lets out a nervous laugh at Sloane's suggestion. "I don't know if we have to go that far... Besides, I'd probably be hard to carry even without these on." she says, raising her gauntlets up a bit.Isaac Crysentine
”Yeah, I think I can just give you directions. I need to get used to flying too to the point where I can be as comfortable with it as Andre. And I think this will do nicely.”Sloane Whittier
"Sounds good. It's you and me then, kid. See you here Saturday at 7 pm? We'll take the basic girl route."Luna
"Yeah, that works for me." she says, pulling her hood down and setting the reminder on her HUD.Sloane Whittier
"Perfect! I'll see you guys on Saturday, then. I'm going to head back to the Mayor's Office and finish my work there."
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 30, 2021
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