Party in the Mayor's Office
Summer 2021, Week 2
Wednesday morning
City Hall, City Centre
Storyteller
Mayor Sims has Sloane wait outside for their guest. Andre, during his call with Sloane, told her Wednesday morning would work fine with him. The surprise came when he called back a few hours later and wanted to ask if Isaac could tag along. A brief back and forth with Charlotte, who talked to the mayor, who talked to Sloane resulted in the two young men planning to arrive that morning for their meeting with the Head of the Executive Branch for New Victoria.DeAndre Walker
His dress shoes almost touched down into a puddle. Stepping out of the SUV after shifting his foot a bit to the left, Andre stood up and buttoned his navy-blue jacket up after swinging it on and straightened up. He had a fresh haircut, a nice tie, and looked ready...well ready to meet the mayor. "Isaac, man, stop fussing and get out. We're going to be late." He called to his friend in the passenger seat. They had discussed flying here for practice, but both had pointed out that Isaac wasn't exactly subtle....or super accurate yet looking like a rocket, and neither of them wanted to test their ability to change from flying clothes to fancy clothes in an alleyway just yet. So, they drove, and now Isaac was messing with his hair...again. "Sloane said she'd meet us downstairs. Remember what I told you about her, she's a mind read...a...fuck, what are they called again? A pather, right?"Isaac Crysentine
"Yes, yes I remember. Honestly dude I'm thankful we didn't fly that would have, uh, been quite the experience let’s just say that. Should I just think about random shit then? Like computers or video games until I have something to say?" Isaac asked all these random questions as they drove up the Mayor's Office, his nervousness yet excitedness clearly leaking out of him. "I really hope I don't get destroyed for showing up unannounced with you like this."DeAndre Walker
“I’m not sure what works best with her. I guess trial and error. And don’t worry about that, I was able to get ahold of Sloane and let her know last minute you were tagging along. Either she had time to tell the mayor or…well it’s not our problem anymore.” The two men crossed the street and walked towards the entrance of City Hall. The elegant doorway was framed by a small plaza of sculpted bushes and fountains. Sloane looked to be waiting outside nearby one that was perfectly shaped as a bear. “There she is. Hey, Sloane!” He called giving a short wave.Sloane Whittier
"Hey, Andre! It's like, totally good to see you!" She smiled and winked as the two approached. "You must be Isaac. Good to meet you. Andre did his best to keep you under wraps, so color me surprised that you decided to join our little gathering."Isaac Crysentine
"I'm surprised too, honestly. I just got excited at the idea of meeting the mayor and of being any help to dealing with Bolt." I like trains. Isaac began to just think gibberish, not wanting the pather to read into his most private and sacred space in the world.DeAndre Walker
"It's good to see you too, Sloane." Not an entirely untrue statement considering the occasion. He still wasn't sure how he felt about her, but he was less cautious around her now. "I'll join in being surprised so long as we can be surprised together, inside, before I melt. It's hot out." He said tugging on his collar. I suddenly recall why I hate summer and why I also hate suits in the summer. I wonder how Isaac is doing? Has Sloane walkied him? Hmm, Walkied. That's actually a good term for it. Making his way towards the obvious doors, Andre let Sloane catch up and herd them as needed as made small talk with the...woman, he almost said girl, geez. She was, what, maybe a few years younger? "Find out anything else out so far?"Sloane Whittier
"Not yet, but actually, one quick thing before we make it inside." She steps over to the side of the path and smiles at a passerby before continuing in a lower tone. "As Andre knows, and I'm sure you do too now Isaac, I have pather abilities. As a professional courtesy, I won't be doing that today unless you have something you want to say only to me. In that case, just think my name loudly and I'll tune in. That works in general, anything you're thinking on really hard I can usually hear without meaning to. It's like you put yourself on broadcast. Like, ya know, Isaac here apparently likes trains." She smiles, spins on her heels, and starts walking into the building again.Isaac Crysentine
"That worked exactly as planned." Isaac said with a grin, taking a mental note of what Sloane told him about her powers. "I'm honestly quite glad she's keeping it as a professional courtesy." He nudged Andre's arm, is if to show his friend he had somehow thought ahead and had foreseen such an action taking place.DeAndre Walker
Shaking his head, he proceeds to follow Sloane inside while whispering to Isaac, “Try not to look too smug there buddy.” He said with a chuckle as they headed through the doors and into the lobby of City Hall, suddenly hit with its magnificence.Sloane Whittier
As they walk into the building, she gives a flourish of her arms. "Welcome to City Hall! We're on a tight schedule right now, but if you'd like an official tour, I can arrange that when we're done." She checked her phone and starts walking quickly across the entrance hall. As in, how the hell is she walking that quickly in heels?? "It's good that you were on time. Mayor Sims is a very prompt woman. You should see her calendar, it's insane. If she's late to one thing, it fucks up the rest of the day. Keep that in mind when we're in there, though she's carved out a good amount of time for you both. Andre, she's still interested in discussing you becoming a public face of the NVFD while you're here so expect that to come up. Also, she's up to date on what we've talked about so far regarding Blood Bolt, but obviously she doesn't know the details as I don't really either. I hadn't told her anything of Isaac because Andre was clear that he wanted to keep you under wraps, but that seems to be out the window now, so I told her what little I know on that front." She hit the button for the elevator. "Any questions for me before we get in there?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac shook his head as he started to feel the nervousness creep over him. I'm about to meet the mayor of New Victoria, holy shit.DeAndre Walker
Andre did the same but verbalized it. "I don't think so." He straightened his suit out again, definitely not a nervous tick, before following Sloane past rooms and hallways that eventually lead themselves to an office. A grand office judging by the door.Mayor Sims
Mayor Monica Sims was taking her next appointment in her office, her actual office, which was set behind two large wooden doors that had the iconic image of downtown New Victoria carved into it. She sat behind her desk, working on her tablet when she got the buzz from Charlotte her next appointment was on their way. How that woman sees everything is beyond me. That said, she obviously wasn't surprised when the knock came. "Come in." She called out, saving and closing the file she was working on and standing up to welcome the group inside.Sloane Whittier
"Thanks, Charlotte!" Sloane opened the doors but ushered the men in first. "Good morning, Mayor Sims. Allow me to introduce you to DeAndre Walker of the NVFD and Isaac Crysentine of St. Maria University." Shutting the doors behind them all, she stepped forward and waited with a smile.Isaac Crysentine
At this point Isaac didn’t know how to greet or respond, so he gave a polite and very formal wave with his hand. “Hello Mayor Sims, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He gave the best smile he could and tried to keep his cool.DeAndre Walker
Following his friend's move, Andre waited patiently and then offered his hand--always careful to control his strength. "Mayor Sims, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you for seeing us." He also gave her a smile, the typical radiant firefighter kind.Mayor Sims
Shaking both sets of hands, Sims returned the smile and kindness. "I'm so happy to meet the both of you. Andre, I've heard great things. Isaac, your friend here did his best to respect your choices at the time, but I'm glad you decided to meet with me." Gesturing to the visitor seats, and waving Sloane over with another hand, she continued on. "Please, all of you, take a seat. I believe we have a lot to discuss." Lowering herself into her chair behind her desk, she keyed up a few files on her computer to call up on the screens set all around the room whenever she needed them. "So." A clap of her hands indicated the start of the meeting. "We have a lot to discuss. But as far as I see it, it starts here. The two of you have had a run in with Blood Bolt. And now you've surely seen the news about this 'Swarm.' So let me ask you. Have either of you considered joining the AERI program?"Isaac Crysentine
The young man settled down in the chair and took in the words of the mayor. The AERI program.... “Mayor Sims, I have considered it. And I believe it would be for the best if I didn’t join. I have an entire family here in New Victoria, on the frontlines if you will. I’m not sure what you heard from Ms. Whittier, but Blood Bolt managed to track me down to my dorm room at St. Maria’s. That isn’t very public knowledge, and not something that can just be found on social media as he said. Given this, I can’t honestly say I would be comfortable becoming a public figure for the AERI, especially if it puts my family at risk.”DeAndre Walker
"Ma'am, I'm not in the same position as Isaac, but...I have the same holdups that I had when Sloane mentioned it. I save people as a firefighter now. I can deal with standing in front of a camera afterwards. Especially if it helps paint Evos in a better light. But I can't have that being my entire job. It would just feel empty." I'm not meant to be just a figure. I need to do something because I can and should.Mayor Sims
Listening to both of their worries and statements, she let the smile slip off to be replaced with the stoic expression expected of a leader of a metropolis. Turning to Isaac first, she addressed his concerns. "I've heard of the attack Mr. Crysentine. And let me first say you have my deepest sympathize. Those, however, only go so far. I can say 'I'm sorry' until I'm blue in the face. What I cannot do is anything to stop this maniac. Not right now." Pulling up a file she flicked it to the screen. The faces of 7 individuals dressed in police uniforms flashed through the screen on rotation. "Seven officers. Chief Butler has lost seven officers trying to corner Bolt and we haven't even spotted him. Do you know why that is?" She asked everyone in the room without expecting an answer. "It's because we're sending police to take down a man who can command lightning that's armed with a crew of Evos who can lift cars, run faster than the eye can track, read thoughts, move earth. The list goes on." "I wanted to start this meeting about the AERI's for one obvious reason and one not so obvious. The obvious being we are trying to make Evo's accepted in the city. Welcomed with open arms. And all the media is covering is Blood Bolt and Swarm on repeat. Do you know how many Evos have been fired or had their property defiled already? Too many. Far too many. I'm only grateful we haven't reached the level of attacks yet." Taking the officers down, she set files concerning the AERI program on the screen. "The second reason is my officers are not equipped to deal with these threats. That's why we made the AERI program. A program, gentlemen, I think not only our city but country needs. We need Evos who can respond to threats posed by other Evos. We need Evos who can rescue people from fires the Fire Department can't touch, or Evos who can save lives that EMTs can't. And most of all, we need Evos to start undoing everything Ragnarok did." Turning to Isaac, she locked her eyes on him. "Mr. Crysentine, you're right to say it isn't public knowledge that you were attacked. No one, in a city of millions, is aware that an Evo trying to study at college was attacked unprovoked and did his best to steer the fight away from innocents." Turning to Andre, "And no one knows that an Evo has been saving lives with the Fire Department for months now." The mayor seemed to have to pause, take a breath, apparently getting a tad worked up but it quickly was wiped away. Calmly, she held out her hand, and in it appeared a cup with a pop. "This City needs Evos who are on the side of good guys. And more than any of that, Evos need to see Evos who are on the side of good guys so that our dream of being able to live in peace can actually come to fruition." Letting the cup disappear with a pop she leaned forward, steeping her fingers. "So, let's address your concerns. Mr. Crysentine, all AERIs are undercover if they choose and any immediate family members are given City Protection, the same as undercover cops. Mr. Walker, public appearances are necessary, but as you can clearly see there are more pressing issues going on that need to be handled beyond just putting you in front of a camera. I assure you, saving lives would be a part of the job duties. I urge you to think on it, but I'd prefer an answer by the end of this meeting. We can move on to questions you have, however."Isaac Crysentine
Isaac digested everything the mayor said, considering every counterpoint calmly and realizing just how truly fucked New Victoria might be without Andre and himself. Also, he finally realized that the rumors of the mayor having some sort of power were, themselves, true. "Ma'am, I have a few questions. Two, really. Can you absolutely guarantee my family's safety? As far as I've been told, and as you've said, you have no effective way to counter Bolt and his gang unless we sign up for the AERI. If you're offering my family protection, then all you're really saying is that I and probably Andre will still be protecting my family, as usual? The other question is: can my hero name be Inferno?"Sloane Whittier
The young woman was patiently listening to everything but couldn't help stifling a laugh and a smile at Isaac's question. She made a point to look away at the wall for a moment.Mayor Sims
Sims wanted to address Isaac first before Andre jumped in. "To your first question, no. No one can absolutely guarantee anything. What I can guarantee is that your family would be moved to a neighborhood that is home to many prominent governmental individuals in the city, which comes with its own level of protection, and would be assigned a series of protection to go with them under the cover of witness protection or something of the sort to ensure no one can connect the dots. From there, the other way to ensure their safety is by having a team of AERI's who can take out the threats Bolt and others present. Right now, we don't have that." A thin smile cracked on her face when she said. "Your 'AERI' name, Mr. Crysentine, can be the callsign Inferno, yes. If you choose to join the team."DeAndre Walker
Andre went next, after he collected himself. Leave it to Isaac to hit the priorities and then toss in something like that. "Ma'am, my question deals with what we'd be doing and the resources at our disposal. I understand the threat Bolt presents, better than most save you and Isaac perhaps. And I'm willing to assist whatever way I can. My question would be what else would AERI's be authorized to do and...well, what resources would we have?" Andre knew his question was more lined up in the direction of training and equipment. Being a firefighter, he knew you were only as capable as the equipment you had. You needed a suit to search a building engulfed, and you needed a truck to run the hoses to put out a fire.Mayor Sims
"In layman's terms, AERIs are Emergency Response in every way that matters. Responding to criminal threats, responding to disasters, responding to a kitten caught in a tree that Old Lady Janis considers an emergency. All of it. That said, there are certain legal lines we have to blend." She zoomed in on the Authorized Emergency Response Individual Act signed by her and drafted by the City Council and focused on highlighted regions. "Legally, AERIs are deputized by the mayor to make detentions based on directions from the Mayor's Office, the Chief of Police, or a designee. That gets us around the whole 'citizen’s arrest' debacle that happens far too often according to the internet. By placing you in an Emergency Responder role you also have all the rights and immunities granted to you as you have as a firefighter. Increased self-defense protections, immunity for foreseeable liability responding to an emergency, all that good legal stuff the lawyers can handle." "As for Authorization, in this probation period we are restricting it to orders from my office, the Chief's office, or if you are actively seeing an incident--but that gets tricky as you should still try and call it in to respond. We don't want you detaining someone just because they're method acting for a commercial or something." She cracked another smile at this--because of what she said or the fact the Inferno comment was still circling was anyone's guess. Anyone besides Sloane. "Equipment. Well. Let's just say I have a budget set aside that hasn't been used yet."Sloane Whittier
"Ma'am, if I may...?" The mayor gave a nod in her direction. "You are aware of my gifts. Andre, Isaac, you know of the one." She takes a deep breath and as she exhaled Isaac and his chair begin to rise up off the floor of the office. "And now you know the other." She smirked as she left him there to float for a few seconds before gently placing him back down. "Now I know my primary duties are here in your office, but could it possibly be a benefit to also having me join the AERI with these gentlemen?"[x1 Strenuous, -15 EP]
Mayor Sims
Finger resting now on the side of her chin, her thoughts seemed to trail off as she pondered this new development for a moment. "I can see some benefit, yes. Especially given your department. And honestly, as things are we can't afford to be reluctant just because of where duties currently are. With this thing still being figured out it would actually be beneficial to have someone from this office as a part of the program." And given how much the young woman has found already, it would be useful to add someone that committed to a new team. "Yes. I think that's a good decision."Isaac Crysentine
"Pardon me but holy shit what just happened." Isaac burst as his chair returned to the ground. "Telekinesis? Bolt really has it going for him now." He sat back in the chair again, thinking everything through. "Honestly, I don't see why I shouldn't join the AERI program, my family sounds like they'll be living the life and I get put Bolt into the ground, so sign me up!" He said very enthusiastically, as if he hadn't truly considered everything but just got excited at the prospect of being a hero.DeAndre Walker
"You can count on me too, ma'am. I'm not sure what paperwork I'll have to do with the Fire Department, but I'll handle that." Andre was more reserved, letting the reality of the situation wash over him. An AERI. A person who can help people, both human and Evos. Because I can. Because someone has to. Look at me now, Grandma. Just like you.Isaac Crysentine
"Oh, one more thing, can I still attend college and have a somewhat normal life in the process? I didn't exactly consider that but given that it's at least not high school I won't have as rigid of a schedule and have some leeway with AERI-projects-and-things stuff."Sloane Whittier
"Thank you, ma'am. Then I'm in as well. I'm sure we'll work out some sort of schedule so that I can be involved everywhere I'm needed."Mayor Sims
It almost seemed like a wave washed over Mayor Sims at that moment, or like hope had finally returned somewhat. Regardless, a smile, a true and actual smile, broke across her face. "Excellent. Just--well, on behalf of the City of New Victoria and all her residents. Thank you all." Standing up, Charlotte--seriously that woman was on the ball--came in with a series of folders, three sets in fact, and the mayor concluded, "I know we have to discuss Blood Bolt, and we will. But I'll want to talk it all out with the Chief of Police and the full AERI team at once. Plus, Andre and I have a press conference to attend to that I have to think of talking points for considering he's joining the program. But we will move to the Police HQ to meet up with Chief Butler and get you all authorized before a judge. We're moving quick on this folks. So.." with a clap of her hands she walked around her desk with a bit of a pep in her step as the other three were handed files of papers to fill out by Charlotte.DeAndre Walker
"What just--wait a second, did you just pick him up with your mind?" Andre asked when the papers hit his hand and the mayor breezed past.Sloane Whittier
Taking the folder from Charlotte, she crossed her legs and smiled. "Yup, I did indeed. You okay over there?"Isaac Crysentine
Jeez, that was fast. Isaac began to sign the papers, quickly skimming through them and signing at the bottom. "Yeah, I'm fine, just... phased by that," he said, chuckling slightly and not knowing Sloane had such a powerful ability.DeAndre Walker
"I'm a bit overwhelmed if I'm being honest. Did she say we had a press conference?" What the hell am I supposed to say? Andre started looking through the paperwork, reading each in turn slowly before turning to the next page. He'd sign them all after going through everything.Sloane Whittier
Flipping through the documents quickly herself, "Yeah, it sounds like she is going to put you front and center. It'll probably cover Bolt, the other recent threats to the city, AERI, and a new outlook on Evos. But I'm just spit balling here. We just graduated to the big leagues, gentlemen. Time to get ready." She started signing once she'd gotten to the end of the packet.Isaac Crysentine
A thought crossed Isaac, one he thought was of paramount importance. "What are we going to do about costumes?"Sloane Whittier
She giggled, not something she did often at work, but she couldn't help it. "You're too cute. I'm sure we'll figure it out. AERI is just starting out. It may be one of the things we get to help formulate." To Andre, "I see why your instinct is to protect him."DeAndre Walker
"That's probably best though, right? I mean, Isaac clearly can't because of his family. And you're working here, Sloane, so at least for now it's probably better the face be someone who doesn't have anything to lose besides what's right beside him." Andre was still reading, almost done with the packet. Trying not to laugh and mess up his signatures, "I would probably say less costumes than uniforms, right? I mean...I don't know. Thinking of the Government program, the Feds had them wear a weird mix of a cop and military style except for the ones who got public. Titan, Starlight, Mother, those sorts had the costumes. Starting off, hell, I don't know. I guess the Chief will go over it? I figure there will have to be a mask or something for us though. Well, those of us undercover." She had a nice laugh. And Isaac...sweet Isaac. "Protecting people is in my nature. I just didn't want him caught up in something before his family was safe, you know?"Isaac Crysentine
Isaac chuckled, realizing he might just enjoy working with them. "Don't you have a press conference to go to, Mr. Perfect?"Sloane Whittier
"Hey, there's a hero name for ya!" She giggled again. She was realizing just how nice it felt to have some people she knew in town now, not to mention ones she actually liked so much. 'It's always an adventure!' "My family isn't here, but my ties to the mayor’s office are worth protecting for the moment at least. I'm sure she'd agree." Putting the final touch on her docs, she skimmed through to make sure she hadn't missed anything yet. "I think that's everything."DeAndre Walker
“I am not calling myself that. I haven’t even though of a name.” Signing the last document, he closed the file. Standing up, he tossed it as Isaac and give a smirk. “Maybe I’ll go out there and claim ‘Inferno.’ That’d be something.” He laughed as he made his way to follow the mayor. I wonder what’s going to happen next.Sloane Whittier
She followed him out to watch the conference. 'This should be a good one and I get a front row seat.' "I think Miss Perfect suits me. I am on a winning streak, after all." Her eyes sparkled mischievously.Isaac Crysentine
"Right, right." Isaac followed the two, itching for when the 3 of them would sweep Bolt's ass once and for all.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 30, 2021
Comments