Sloane's First Day at City Hall
Summer 2021, Week 2
Monday morning
City Hall, City Centre
Sloane Whittier
By the following week, Sloane's paperwork, background check, and drug test had been submitted and passed for approval. She showed up Monday morning bright and early, ready to get to work. Her excitement shown through her big, bright smile and how she greeted every single person she came across. 'I can really do some good here! I can be an influence! This is going to be the best first day ever.' Walking up to the mayor’s office, she spied Charlotte. "Hi there, Charlotte. Mind giving me a copy of the mayor’s schedule for the current week and then pointing me in the direction of my desk? I want to get a start on memorizing where I'll be needed."Charlotte
Charlotte had been working at the Mayor's Office for as long as Mayor Sims had been there. But she had worked for the younger woman since she was an upstart Assistant Attorney for the city as her "assistant." Really, she was supposed to print out the papers, make the schedule, do the things for the big-headed new attorneys. It was a dead-end job with great benefits. That is until Monica Sims got promoted and demanded Charlotte come with her. It was a surprise to say the least, but it cemented their relationship which had continued over the years. The well put together older woman looked at Miss Sloane Whittier with a thin smile. She didn't dislike the girl; she was just presently typing one of a dozen emails she'd send this morning, so it took too much energy to be energetic. "A copy of her schedule is on your desk, dear. You're in Room 4, it's that second door on the right over there. You share it with three other assistants of course, but you'll find your name plaque on your desk for you. We have a meeting at 10:15 in the conference room, but just meet me here at 10 and I'll show you the way.Sloane Whittier
"Perfect! Thanks so much." Sloane started to walk away to her new office but sensed the woman's less than stellar impression of her. "I'll win you over yet, Charlotte, just you wait. See you at 10!" And without waiting for a reply, she walked away with a pep in her step to examine her new digs and see if anyone else had made it in yet.Storyteller
One other person was at their desk, seeming to be as nervous as one could expect for their first day. Their desk plague read "Joshua Chang." He looked to be in his early 20’s and was wearing perhaps an overly nice suit. The other desks had the names "Alisha Taylor" and "James MacArthur" on them, but no one was at the desk yet. Bags and moved papers let her know that they were either already here or had started working last week. Sloane's desk was of decent size, and neatly organized. On it were three folders. One filled with employee paperwork and FAQ pamphlets, likely from HR. The second had information on the office. Meeting times, holidays, that sort of thing. The third folder wasn't paper, but instead black leather with the City Seal on it. Inside was the mayor’s schedule, and a list of important contacts. So much to read, so little time. Sloane had about an hour before the meeting.Sloane Whittier
Checking the name plate first, Sloane gave a cheery welcome. "Good morning, Joshua! I'm one of the new staff, Sloane Whittier. Nice to meet you. I'm sure we'll get acquainted with each other real quick." She picked up the leather portfolio first. 'Best to start with the mayor’s priorities. The rest can be handled later. Thank god for those speeding reading lessons all those years ago. I've got this in the bag.'Looking at her phone, she smiled to herself. 'Boom, look at that. I finished all of it with time to spare. Gott'em coach. Now let's go see about getting this show on the road.' She quietly stood up and gathered her things. Taking the leather portfolio, she made sure to include a pen and pencil and clipped a highlighter on for good measure. She put the remaining papers in one of her desk drawers and then headed back to Charlotte. Sliding a top watt smile into place, "So we meet again, Ms. Charlotte! I'm ready to go whenever you are."
Charlotte
"We're just waiting on the others, dear. Wouldn't want any of you to get lost." Charlotte gave the young woman the same smile as she watched Joshua come out of the same room as Sloane. More young people came out from a room across the hallway, until 7 of them were gathered. When they had, she spoke, her voice filling with that authoritative tone that said this is my house and you all just live here. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're about to head into our first Mayor's Meeting. Now let's just say if you hear me say those two words exactly, I want you to instantly think to yourself 'showtime.' Because that's what it is. In these meetings are everyone from the mayor’s staff, including the Deputy Mayor, the various Assistant Mayors for the departments, representatives from the Police and Fire Departments, the City Attorney and her staff, etc. Usually they'll call in, but the ones who work here also show up." "How it'll work is the mayor will receive reports first. Then anyone who needs to will speak up about any major situations. Finally, most of them will be dismissed and the mayor will task out her office directly. That means us. A reminder to you all." The old woman looked around at the 7 faces and made eye contact. "You all work for the Mayor's Office. Not the city, not the Executive branch. So, you be respectful to the other faces in there, but you do not answer to them. You answer to me. So, I want you to memorize the phrase 'Oh I don't think Charlotte will let me do that.' and I want you to repeat it to anyone who asks you to do something beyond just asking to borrow your pen." With a little smirk, she turned on her heel and started to walk down the hall. "Come along now." She called back to the group.Sloane Whittier
'Heh, look at us following her like we're little ducklings. Quack quack.' Sloane chuckled quietly and fell in line behind Charlotte. She was going to enjoy this.Storyteller
As the group of them entered the huge--No, huge wasn't a good enough word. Think of a room that screams power, elegance, seat of power and then add some to that. The only other rooms as impressive were top tier company meeting rooms or Executive offices like the Oval or a Governor's room. A large onyx rectangular table sat in the middle, with space left open in between it where someone could walk in from the end facing the door and move around in. Likely a place for staff and yep, that was where Charlotte was setting her things. Did they make a table specifically so Charlotte could move around and get things done? Perhaps. At the far end of the table was the mayor, working on a tablet as people settled in or joined the meeting via video and appeared on any of the dozens of flat TVs that lined the walls. Behind here were a series of seats. Two were occupied by her Senior Aides. Someone really needed to do an org chart for this office. And beside there were 8 other seats backed against the wall. Charlotte pointed the group in that direction and sat down in her spot. Hopefully no one tripped.Mayor Sims
The mayor looked up as the group walked in, and subtly indicated to Sloane to take the seat next to one of her aides. Tapping on her head like she was thinking, she waited for everyone to sit down to call the meeting to order. Fire Chief, Police Chief, Director of Emergency Services. Names. The thoughts were loud and on repeat.Sloane Whittier
Nodding her head, she took the seat as indicated and opened the portfolio, ready to take notes.Storyteller
The meeting started as most meetings do, with a good morning and recap of the previous week. Deputy Mayor Charlie Anderson went over recent bills being taken up by the City Council, news from the Waste Management Agency about a new recycling program to collect paper, and a whole bunch of other nonsense that even Mayor Sims or Charlotte didn't seem concerned about. The new Aides all had some information slipped into their briefing packages basically informing them that the Mayor's Office dealt either with the big picture, or very specific items. Most of the day-to-day management was dealt by the Deputies and Assistant Mayors who worked with the City Council. After that, they went around the table. The Fire Chief reported about a recent increase in fires as of late. With three major property damaging fires occurring in Victoria Field. So far nothing pointed an any arsonist, but it was something to keep an eye on. Luckily no one had been hurt.Mayor Sims
"You really must congratulate your firefighters for me, Chief. I've heard they have done some amazing work as of late. Are you sure there aren't any we can recognize? Maybe get a bit of good PR for the department?"Fire Chief
"No, ma'am. It's really a team effort, with everyone doing their best." The Chief responded in a practiced voice. It's really DeAndre and Gabriella who are doing the most.Chief Butler
"Nothing major, Ma'am. Just some kids in the park trying to master their gifts is all. A few people got hurt, but nothing severe and the city covered the expenses. Beyond that just a few small-time baddies, the usual business." Though with Bolt back I'm not sure how long that's going to stay. And these new Sons or whatever they're called.Storyteller
And around the table they went, until after about an hour when everyone had spoken. Mayor Sims thanked most of them for their time and dismissed them, then gave her team a quick 10-minute break before they were going to huddle up again.Mayor Sims
As people headed out, Sims looked over her shoulder at Sloane who she had held her hand out for. It was just her, the young girl, and Charlotte in the room. "What did you get." She asked when the door closed.Sloane Whittier
"I got a few things for you. The Fire Chief mentioned that a DeAndre and Gabriella are the two doing the most on his end. Then the Police Chief said we may have some issues with someone named Bolt being back and another group called the Sons or something along those lines. He wasn't solid on the name."Mayor Sims
"Good." Sims turned back to her tablet to take those down, as she did, she kept speaking. "Even with the initiative in full swing, I've found my leadership team reluctant to give up people they suspect of being Evos. I don't blame them one bit. But in order to keep what we have going, we need proof. Examples of Evos contributing. I suspect that this DeAndre and Gabriella could be Evos, that or what they did is something the Chief doesn't want to become public knowledge. Either way, I need to know." Pulling up a file on her tablet, she looked through it quickly before muttering. "This Bolt, could be a local street gang leader called Blood Bolt? Charlotte, can you look into this and confirm." The older woman didn't need to reply, just quickly wrote a note to herself. "As for the Sons, I'm lost there. Hmm." A few people were already trickling back in, so Sims was quick wrapping it up. "Good work, Sloane. I want you to work with Charlotte and finding out as much as you can on these names. If the Firefighters are Evos I want to set up some meetings and see if we can convince them to go public, or a story. The others I just want to keep an eye on."Sloane Whittier
"Yes, Mayor Sims. Of course. I'm more than happy to help! I'll see if I can do some after-hours work on it as well."Mayor Sims
As the group came back in, the mayor started handing out assignments and tasks for the week. Along with her side project, the mayor tasked Sloane to work on assessing the statuses of local hospitals around the city to make sure they had everything they needed from the government, and just to get a general idea of their status. An easy assignment with meetings already set up for her with the people in charge of such establishments. Along with that the new aides would have various meetings throughout the week and other tasks to accomplish. As soon as the meeting was done, Sim's headed out to another meeting, but not before letting Sloane know "Just tell Charlotte when you're done with that, and she'll set up a time for us to meet. I'm counting on you. Do whatever you need, within legal reason of course."Sloane Whittier
"Don't you worry ma'am, I'm very respectful of the laws, but resourceful too. I'll get it done." Sloane made her way over to Charlotte before she had a chance to leave the room. "I'm going to start with the firefighter lead if that's alright with you. Any leads on where Evos in this city hang out would also be helpful. Know of anything like that?"Charlotte
"Sadly dear, no. That's part of what this whole assignment is aiming to do. Establish a good bit of intelligence on where we can find Evos and meet to talk with them when the need arises. We want to make sure they're fitting in well. But so many of them are used to hiding who they are that finding them is difficult." The older woman said. Which I expect you know, she thought to herself. "I can tell you than DeAndre Walker is a firefighter at Station 7 and Gabriella Munoz is a EMT Firefighter at Station 9. I'd start there. But be gentle. We don't want to give the appearance that we're hunting them when all we want to do is give them some well-deserved recognition." Pausing for a moment, she also held up a hand. "That said, I do know the city started a supervised Evo's practicing session on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings at Blair Park. I'm not sure how many, if any, attend. But you being an Evo perhaps you could make some connections there?"Sloane Whittier
"I do indeed know what you mean. I'll reach out to the firefighters. Don't worry, I'm not going to make them feel hunted. I wouldn't want to be hunted either. I'll come up with a way to handle it. Good to know about that city meeting too." 'I could use something like that myself. Might lurk in the shadows at first, but still.' "Thanks, Charlotte. I appreciate the help. I'll keep you updated on my progress."Charlotte
Before she left, Charlotte reached out and laid a gentle hand on the young woman's shoulder. With a kind voice, she said "Remember dear, the mayor is putting her trust in you. As am I. Do your best."Sloane Whittier
'No pressure or anything.' She smiled as she walked backwards towards the door. "I'm a perfectionist. Best is the only mode I know!"Monday midday
Fire Station 7, City Centre
Sloane Whittier
Sloane had gone home and changed into something that made her look like an unassuming co-ed. As she'd told Charlotte, she had no intention of coming off abrasive and government associated in any way. She walked into the firehouse with a pep in her step, a sorority girl smile on her face, and oozing naivete. Stopping the first person she saw, "Hi, I'm looking for an Andre, I think? He totally saved me and my girlfriends from a stupid mistake we made, and I just wanted to thank him in person. Is he here?"Desk Attendant
The Desk Duty just gave a small smile. "First one this week. I was expecting someone earlier. He's in a meeting with the captain right now, but he should be out soon. You got lucky, Monday he's usually off but he came in today to chat." The firefighter showed her where she could wait, and 30 minutes passed before a tall, somewhat tired looking man walked out of the captain’s office.DeAndre Walker
"Thanks Cap. Seriously. I can't thank you enough." You probably just saved a couple of lives. The Captain just waved the man off and told him he'd see him tomorrow and to get some rest. Before Andre could make it to the door, the Duty called him over, seemed to explain the situation and pointed him to Sloane. Walking over, DeAndre put on his normal smile and started over to the woman. I can't lie it's nice to be thanked but today of all days? "Hi there, I'm DeAndre. DeAndre Walker. Can I get your name?"Sloane Whittier
"Yeah, I'm Sloane! Ohmygosh I just wanted to say thank you sooo much for helping me and my girlfriends. We were, like, totally stupid with that ex-boyfriend bonfire thing..." She paused briefly and send a thought directly to him while twirling a piece of hair on her finger. 'Don't freak out. I'm hoping you can help me with something. Do you have somewhere private we can talk?'[x1 Minor, -1 EP]
DeAndre Walker
Hands resting in his pockets, he kept on a small smile as she dove into her little story. Though looking over her as she went, he found that he didn't recognize her...nor did he remember helping out a group of girls with a bonfire. Sure, he handled plenty of fires and incidents, but things like that...maybe it was stupid, and they set a fire inside or something? I'm-- He stiffened as a voice entered his head. He almost looked around when he made eye contact with her and noticed she was staring at him. That was...her voice. Are you in my head? He thought, but then thoughts of yesterday came back. Was she with Bolt? Were people going to get hurt? "It's no problem, just doing my job." He said, the smile off his voice and his tone more stoic than before. His back to the main office, no one else could see his expression thankfully. "I was just about to head out to my car. Do you want to walk and talk? I'd like to hear how you all are doing. Make sure you're not up to anything else dangerous."Sloane Whittier
'I'm talking with you in your head, yes. Promise, I'm not crazy or anything.' Outwardly she kept her valley girl appearance, giving a little squeal at his offer. "Yes! I'd love to. Just wait til the girls hear about this." Hooking her arm around his, she appeared infatuated with the firefighter and launched into a fictional explanation about this non-existent fire and the stupid antics of her fellow sorority girls.DeAndre Walker
Andre walked outside the Fire Station with the girl, Sloane if I remember right, was latched to his arm going on about an incident he was now positive never happened. He tried his best to stay neutral and not give anything away. He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but things seemed a bit too coincidental for his liking given what happened last night. As they walked through the parking lot and got closer to his car, he finally broke his self-imposed silence. "What do you want to talk about." He was crisp with his words, trying his best to keep his thoughts clear--or is muddled best? Fuck it, we don't even know what she can do. Though he did feel safe in believing he could fly away if the worst happened. Like a coward. We can't keep running. What are you going to do the next--never mind focus.Sloane Whittier
'Fly, huh? Now that's something I'd like to see.' Outwardly, she continued in a much quieter tone and switched to her normal voice. She kept an "ear" out for anyone that might be listening in on their conversation. "I gave you my true name earlier. I'm Sloane Whitter. Obviously, I made up that story, we haven't met. I just needed to be able to talk to you away from everyone in the station. I'm hoping you can help me fill in some blanks on some things that have been going on in the city. I'm new here and I've been "hearing" stuff that's got me curious. I know you don't have any reason to tell me jack shit, but I'm hoping I can prove to you that I don't have bad intentions. No, I'm not with Bolt. He's one of the things I'm trying to learn more about, but before we get down to brass tacks... Do you have any questions for me that might help ease your mind?"[x1 Minor, -1 EP]
DeAndre Walker
Staring down at the smaller girl for a moment, Andre felt unease and took part in a little bit of an internal battle. Yesterday had messed him up, to be sure. Flying across the city to see Isaac getting zapped, literally, and then being tossed through a window. Still pissed off that dude picked me up. Invasion of privacy much. It put him on edge. But who would he be if he didn't trust anyone. He was vulnerable, that was the problem. Before all this happened, he had always felt confident, secure. Because no matter what happened, no matter what his smile and trusting demeanor got him into, he never really had to worry. Now he did. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sloane." Andre decided to start with the basics to give his brain time to catch up. "Let's start with the three obvious questions. First, how did you find me. Second, what do you know about me or why did you seek me out." He paused for a moment, before asking finally, "And third, how can you prove you don't have any bad intentions towards me."Sloane Whittier
"Straight to it, I can appreciate that. One and two are linked - I found you through the Fire Chief. I attended a meeting and he "mentioned" that you and another firefighter were the ones carrying the brunt of the good work the fire department has been doing lately. I was curious to see if there was another of us in the city out there doing some good." 'Ya know, an Evo. I won't use the word in public right now just in case.' "I can respect that. Third, that's up to you really. Not sure what sort of proof you'd need to be convinced. I came here open and honest, hoping to find others like me, hoping to get some answers on some issues plaguing our city. For the sake of full disclosure, I work for the mayor. I don't know if you heard, but she put out a call for any special persons interested in working with her and I got one of the slots. She wants to do some good for us. Good publicity, get us the help we need, make us feel welcome and like anyone else, etc."DeAndre Walker
The Mayor? Thinking back, he remembered the announce from a week or so ago on the news. "One of the new aides then." He said softly, keeping his voice low considering he didn't have weird walkie-talkie powers like Sloane here. Taking out his phone, he clicked away on it while he kept talking. "Well, Sloane, you found one. Timing is shit, given I thought you were out on a hit or something, but all things considered I guess it isn't so bad to meet someone else." Like me. Third one so far. "That plan the mayor has though, publicity, I doubt that'll fly. At least from me. I--" He stopped. Thinking. Why didn't he want publicity? He didn't have any family here that Bolt could target, not like Isaac. Really it was just him. Plus, a showing could actually shed a better light? So why...One does not hide who they are for years and jump into a spotlight. Ah, yes, that makes sense. Finding what he was looking for, he held his phone up to Sloane, showing a picture of 7 staffers besides the mayor as a publicity post talking about new team members. No mention was made of who was the Evo, but there was Sloane, bright smile and all. "That story checks out, better than your fire one you tried to craft." Putting his phone away he sighed slightly as his thoughts came back to spotlights and hiding. "What is it you want to ask me then? What does she want me to do."Sloane Whittier
"Hey, I just needed something to get myself in the door, I didn't need the story to be perfect! As for my questions... I'll start with the reason I came. Work related - what's been going on that's put you in such high regards with the Chief? He mentioned some fires around town and how you and Gabriella I think have been the ones busting ass. I'm adding my own flavor to his words, but you get the idea. Are you out at work?"DeAndre Walker
Andre pondered her question for the moment and as he did make a quick off comment, "Gabriella, she's at...I forget what station. But I've heard about her...hm." Is she an Evo too or is she just a badass? Shaking off his thoughts he got back to Sloane's question. "Out is a strong word. To my Lieutenant, the Captain, and the Chief, yes. They know what I can do." I'm strong, have decent durability, and I can fly. He thought, assuming she could pick up on it. It was safer than saying it out loud. "Others suspect I think, but no one really asks me about it. I don't know if I'd say I'm busting ass, I'm just doing my job and saving as many people as I can really."Sloane Whittier
"Seems to me you and this chick are doing more than your fair share for the Chief to have it on his mind in the middle of a briefing with the mayor. Like I mentioned though he didn't say it out loud so to speak. He said everything was business as usual. The mayor is curious to know if you'd be willing to be a more public figure for the department and the city as a whole. Highlight who you are and what you can do. Show a positive side to us that most haven't been seeing lately. What do ya think?"DeAndre Walker
"A public figure that would require what, exactly?" Andre asked. His aversion to this was becoming less and less as he considered the possible implications. Would this let me be an AERI? Would I be able to request some training or equipment? What could I get from this to help me and Isaac out? Looking at the woman, he waited for her answer by adding, "I'm open to the idea if she's open to assisting me in what I need."Sloane Whittier
"I'm not able to say what sort of deal she's willing to make, but I can set up a meeting with her if you're interested and then you two can take it from there. Honestly, this is just my first day. Meeting you has been way more beneficial than I honestly expected. I'm thankful you didn't lose your shit when you realized what I can do. I promise I won't go fishing around in your head or anything like that in the future. I'm just tuned into you right now since I'm trying to keep the path open." 'Ya know, so I can say things here out of earshot of anyone around.' "So, can we get back to what happened between you, your friend, and this Bolt character? He seems to be bad news and I aim to get more information to help out the authorities." 'Or whoever else needs to be involved to put him in his place.'DeAndre Walker
A weary smile found a home on his face. "I had a long night, Sloane. I'm just too exhausted to freak out if we're being honest. But the voice suddenly popping in my head almost did it." The prospect of some random woman searching through his head was a terrifying one, but he understood what she meant--sort of--about the open connection so they could talk in private. But he had to be careful, with his thoughts and what he said. I'm not going to get Isaac involved in anything he doesn't want to be involved in. "Yeah. Blood Bolt is his name. A member of his crew, Greg, and him paid my friend a visit last night. We aren't sure what happened, but they found out what he could do and tried to recruit him as far as I hear it. He said no, and they attacked him. Isaac called me and I rushed over." But not before two people died. Two...two innocent people. The memory of their pained faces flashed through his mind again. For the first time since last night, Andre felt pain as his nails bit into his palm. Relaxing his clenched fist, he continued. "We fought them, in self-defense at that point. But it was the cops arriving that saved us. Beyond that, I don't have much information, and neither does my friend. Who we can leave out of this right? If the authorities need anything they can talk to me, I know as much as he does."Sloane Whittier
"Yes, we can leave him out of this. I'm not trying to put anyone in a compromised position here. I'm just looking for ways to help the people of our city. You got my word on that, Andre. Did Blood Bolt say anything that might give you any sort of ideas as to why or how he came to find your friend? Something with that kind of power and intentions..." hunting us... hunting Evos... "It's something I'd like to stop or at the very least give warning about."DeAndre Walker
I'm putting my faith in you that I can trust your word, Sloane. The thought seemed easier than saying it, and it still conveyed the message. At her comment about stopping the threat Andre couldn't help but bring a hand up to his face to stifle a laugh and hide the upward curl of his lips. Isaac, I think you'd like this girl. Taking a moment to compose himself, he answered best he could. "No, he didn't say anything. My best guess, he saw Isaac out and about doing some....errands and followed him. It didn't seem like he knew about me, so it must have been when he was alone." Which scarily only lends itself to the possibility he's hunting us, since I know Isaac didn't go and have drinks with the guy or anything. He was followed. "I think Isaac said he was trying to recruit him. That tells me it's less hunting and more trying to build something, a gang I'm guessing."Sloane Whittier
"And then eliminating the competition if they say no. Just great. That means you're both targets now. I wonder if he'll try to finish the job or just move on to whoever is next on his list. Well, fuck. Here." She handed him her phone. "Put your number in. I'll make the meeting happen with Mayor Sims and let you know if I get any more leads on the asshole. And of course, reach out if you need me for anything." 'Official business or otherwise. I may work for her, but I can also appreciate not everything needs to be public knowledge right away, no matter how good her intentions are.' "Anything else you got for me while I'm here?"DeAndre Walker
Taking the phone, he typed in his number well aware of the fact this is the second Evo he's given his number too. Hopefully when she calls it won't be for situations on Isaac-level. Already he had a reaction to seeing his friends name pop up on the caller id, one where he tensed up ready to take off into the air and find where he was to help put out a fire either literally or figuratively. "I don't think so. If I think of anything I'll let you know." Handing the phone back to Sloane he continued. "Thanks, for the promise of a meeting and any information. I'll try my best to do the same in keeping you up to date." We will ignore the fact that I suck at remembering to call or text people. Wait...when is Mom's birthday? Oh go--wait, no, it's in November. Phew.Sloane Whittier
'Do I need to send you reminders for your mom's birthday then? Cause I will.' She smiled as she sent him a quick text. Hey. It's Sloane. Reach out anytime. "I'm sure we'll talk soon. Make sure your friend keeps his head down as much as possible. And you too, though I get the impression you can handle yourself a bit better."DeAndre Walker
The phone in his pocket vibrated as he laughed. “I’m usually saved by the weather changing. So, I should be okay.” With a beep, the door to his SUV unlocked and he opened it. “I’m sure we’ll see each other soon. And I’ll do my best. Nice meeting you, Sloane. Stay safe.” The compulsion to say that last part couldn’t be held back.Sloane Whittier
"You too, Andre." Louder she resumed her valley girl impression. "Like, thank you again, like, so much. I'll be sure to tell the girls you say hi." She giggled and turned to leave with a flirty wave. 'Gotta keep up the show!'Monday afternoon
Leadenhall
Sloane Whittier
It was getting late in the day now and Sloane was looking forward to heading home. She'd gotten lost in her thoughts while on the train though and ended up at the Central station. She was searching the schedule board for how to get to Garland when she caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye. She squinted to read the sign. 'What in the world? Oh, today is never going to end, is it?' But he'd managed to pique her interest, nonetheless. Figuring out where she needed to go next, she blended back in with the crowd again. She found a bench where she could keep an eye on the trains and took a seat. Then she cleared her mind of the surrounding chatter. Not wanting to risk any sort of public confrontation, she had decided to 'path him instead. 'Hello. You and your sign caught my eye. What sort of help is it that you're needing from Evos?'[Minor, -1 EP]
James Smith
From the moment he 'hears' the hello he knows that this is not normal speech. He had only had his new senses for a few months but in that time, he had come to notice little details in certain things and the distinct lack of a physical voice was one he had noticed when comparing his own voice to his inner voice. He quickly turns his head from where he was looking previously to look forward. From where he was sitting, in between the two main entrances to the station in a small empty space, he could see the majority of the people using his peripheral vision. He suddenly stops breathing at the height of a normal breath which effectively turns off his sense of smell while he simultaneously tunes out the bustle of the people in the station. As he does these things, he focuses his mind on the scene before him and the clarity of his sight greatly increases, though to most people looking it would seem like he is simply looking forward with a somewhat surprised look on his face. He studies the details as he focuses in on the people in particular, looking for anyone that might be looking at him or any other clue that might tell him who was speaking to him. After about 10 seconds or so he lets out the breath and the clarity of his sight goes down, but he continues to study the scene regardless. As he returned to breathing normally, he began speaking with his inner voice, his expression returning to normal as well. 'I didn't expect two people to speak with me on the first day, if you can call this speaking. I guess my luck is finally turning around. You wouldn't have to do much, I assure you. I just need your consent for something that would also require a bit of your time. Though I need to be absolutely sure of your discretion. The very nature of this conversation tells me you understand the importance of that, so can I trouble you to sign a non-disclosure agreement? Meeting in person would also be helpful in and of itself.'[x1 Normal, -3 EP 12 Remaining]
Sloane Whittier
She pulled out her phone and scrolled through social media as she waited and chatted. 'I'll be needing at least a little bit more information on what this is all about before I go signing anything. Though, yes, I do understand the importance of discretion. I don't know you from Adam and so I figured I'd start off a bit more cautious.'James Smith
'A smart move on your part, and that's exactly the sentiment on my end, as well. I know even less about you than you know about me and so you'll have to excuse me if I'm hesitant in revealing what I can do or what it is I need from you, as that information could be used against me. You see, I'm like you... I can't reach into people's minds like this, but I am an Evo all the same. You already have me at a bit of a disadvantage, you know my face now but I do not know yours. All the same, I'll put myself at even more of a disadvantage if it helps to ease your mind. My name is James Augustus Smith. I live on the streets of this fine city, I spend my nights in the Wards and my days are usually spent in the Port, but I figured I'd have more luck here for this kind of request. You can do a background check on me if you wish, then come back and find me once you know my history.' He sets the sign down and pulls out what might look like a sandwich at first glance but is really just a thick slice of bread. He begins to eat from the bread taking small bites and chewing thoroughly, all the while continuing his line of thought. 'I can also assure you that no real effort would be required from you, nor would you need to risk anything further than meeting me in person. What I wish for you to help me with will not put you in danger of any kind, nor do I require to know who you are or even to see your face, you can wear a mask if you wish. This is the most I can tell you at this point, I already feel as if I've said too much.'Sloane Whittier
'I'm not sure if I'm nuts for considering your offer or if you're nuts for making it. Alright then. I'll do my due diligence and get back to you. And for the sake of shared exposure, look to your left, the bench.' She put down her phone and looked at the man. She gave the slightest of nods and smiled. 'The name's Sloane Whittier.'James Smith
He cracks a smile as she questions their sanity, then looks to his left when prompted and notices her. He returns the nod before looking away so as to not make it look conspicuous. 'The answer is both, we're both nuts but that's precisely why we have the chance to reach our goals. There is a fine line between madness and genius, after all. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Whittier, as odd as it was. I look forward to our next meeting should you decide to return.'Sloane Whittier
'Likewise, Mr. Smith. Likewise.' The overhead speakers crackled as they announced the arrival of her train. 'That's me. Apologies for it being such a short introduction. I'm sure we'll see each other again. One way or another. Call it a feeling' Sloane stifled a yawn as she stood and made way towards the now opening towards along with the others waiting to board.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 28, 2021
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