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City Hall has been hit hard recently. In early November it was attacked and utterly destroyed, which is why any meetings that would, traditionally, be held in City Hall, are still being held in Fisk Towers. In a way, Wilson Fisk's generosity has gone above and beyond what anyone could remotely expect of him; especially in service to New York's order.
The mayor's office has quite easily taken over the thirtieth floor of the building. Phones constantly ring in the background as an odd white noise from the secretary pool that lines the outer rim of the office. The mayor's personal assistant lingers outside the mayor's door, acting as a first defence against anyone that may try to impinge on Robert Wagner's privacy.
It's amid all of this chaos that Sousa is guided into a conference room — make shift as a war room of sorts thanks to the ongoing bedlam that has broken out in both New York and the world — with a long table and many chairs. The mayor's assistant, a dark-haired woman named Megan, dressed in a striking red dress motions towards one of the chairs, clearly indicating that Sousa should have a seat.
"I apologize," Megan shoots Sousa a tight-lipped smile — stiff, but still present, "Mister Wagner and his entourage," presumably more than the mayor and Sousa are in this meeting, "are running just a stitch late…"
*
The call to City Hall was both expected and unexpcted; after his interview with the Police Commissioner, he was told that this was in the works. Nothing has been solidified as of yet, but the initial interview seemed to go well enough that he was quickly moved to this phase, such as it is. Limping his way into the indicated conference room, he gives Megan a nod and a sympathetic smile, "It's all right. I got lucky taking the subway." It's noted, though, that there is an 'entourage' as well. "I take it that this is more than just a second-round interview." Considering his last job interview was when he was still in recovery at a Rehabilitation Hospital in Atlantic City, he's not entirely sure if the template has changed.
*
Megan smiles at Sousa's assessment, "Not sure a person would need any detecting skills to make that call." She actually winks and shrugs. "But, the mayor an police commissioner will be with you in short order. As will a few of the program's proponents." She virtually purrs the words, and then asks, "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?"
Mayor Wagner trounces into the room just after Megan exits. Behind him, the police Commissioner follows as do several others in the mayor's company. Each of the men take seats around the room with the exception of the mayor who extends a hand to Sousa, and offers, "Mister Sousa, I presume?" he arches a single wry eyebrow and then offers, "I'm Mayor Wagner." He begins to point to people around the room, "That, as I'm sure you're aware is Commissioner Wright," the two have, of course, already met. He motions to the corner, "That is the Deputy Mayor Ronald Kline, and," in the other corner, "is Councilman Dorn." Each of the men issue small waves.
It's only after everyone is introduced that he takes a seat himself. "I'm sure you're aware of the nature of this meeting." A tug is given on his jacket. "I believe the Commissioner already described to you the initiative we're undertaking in the NYPD?" It's more a question than an actual remark.
*
"Water is fine, thanks," and he gives Megan another apologetic smile before the others come in and he gets back to his feet. He takes the mayor's offered hand, "A pleasure, Mayor Wagner." He nods to the Commissioner and the others who have taken seats. He lowers himself back down and looks at the others before giving a nod, "I have, Mayor. I have my questions and concerns as well, but I'd like to hear things through before I voice them." He is only going on what the Commissioner mentioned to him, but they've been formed from that information. Maybe they'll be quelled as he gets more from the others.
*
Megan returns with a water for Sousa, and takes a seat across from her boss, the Mayor. The man leans back in his chair, and Megan pulls out a pad of paper that she begins to scribble notes in — evidently this is a rather formal meeting. "Well, Mister Sousa, frankly, the problems in this city have risen to the point that our current police force cannot accommodate our needs. It's becoming ever-clearer that the world is not what it used to be. The NYPD is not equipped to handle people with extraordinary abilities, and the assault on innocents who have no defence isn't working." He lifts a hand, "Further to that point, we see that this divisive us vs. mutant mentality is getting us nothing. It's entirely ineffective. Non-Powered people are attacking powered people in retaliation, even when those with powers are acting entirely peacefully."
"We need to change our strategy. The Powered Crime Response Unit will be particularly geared to deal with the extraordinary in our city. It will see both powered and unpowered officers working together in partnership. To be honest, the pairings must happen if this is to be remotely successful at quelling the masses."
*
"I don't entirely disagree with you there, Mayor," Sousa admits. Megan gets a quiet, "Thanks," when she sets the water down for him and he then continues, looking at the others gathered in the room. "One of my concerns is with the amount of force being allowed as well as accountability. I didn't go through Police Training myself, so correct me if I'm wrong in that there are extenses courses and tests that need to be passed in order for one to be given a badge? Even if we were to recruit immediately, it'll take time to build up the squad. Also, many of these powered individuals use force that we don't have access to and my concern is that this force isn't considered 'legal'. From what I'm hearing, it sounds more like you're seeking to deputize these powered individuals but the arrests are to be handled by the police? What about those m…powered individuals who are able to invade privacy? Is that considered permissible evidence to lead to an arrest? Finally, what is being cut so that this new force has the funding it needs?"
*
"Well, we still will operate in the confines of the law," the Mayor replies. "This means due process is still an important component in any investigation. That said, if a criminal is thinking about something they don't want the officer to search, but it is lawfully permissible for a search, that is, the officers have acquired a warrant, or enough suspicion has been derived to warrant a search, that is permissible."
The Mayor rubs the back of his neck, "As far as the powered individuals are concerned, they will be going through police training during the course of their tenure on the squad. As it stands, we need a working squad already. We have officers willing to partner with someone much junior, and those officers will represent the first line of defence." His head cants to the side. "Arrests are certainly to be handled by the police. We don't want more vigilantism. That has created the tensions and problems we're already seeing, especially because of the lack of accountability exercised by vigilantes."
As for what's being cut, "Well, we had reserved funding to fix the Park, but several donors, mostly business people in the community, have stepped up to fix Central Park. Which is fortunate. That has freed up massive amounts of capital to invest in this endeavour."
*
Sousa has even more questions, perhaps brought to mind from some of the answers. "And these powered individuals understand that their partner is the Senior officer? I've had some issues with powered folks in the past insisting on their superiority in all things because of said powers. And what about uniforms? Will they we wearing standard Police blue? I would recommend against any special identification that might mark them as any different from any other officer in the squad." That is just too reminiscent of the earlier War.
"These new officers, these powered officers…they want to do a Civic duty and not be vigilantes…?" He hasn't met too many like that, but at least some exist. "Presuming this position becomes mine, I would have access to their files and be able to make employment calls? Or does that go higher?"
*
"The ones we've spoken to identify with the goals of the police force. We aim to suit them the same as all other officers. It's just a taskforce within the police service." The mayor seems to have a fairly good beat on their goals and policies. "There's also an understanding that part of their mandate is to bring in vigilantes. This vigilante-justice is ineffective at best. Yes, it curbs some problems while breeding dozens more. At least if our officers are the ones responding to troubles, we can ensure that they have oversight. All means of defense and protection require oversight."
The last has him nodding, "We would certainly allow you to come to those meetings around employment, however, ultimate decisions will rest with the police commissioner until things move forward further. That said, your input would be valuable and valued."
*
Sousa is actually impressed that his concerns got answered the way they did. He looks about at the others and takes a sip of the water from the glass before him before he asks, "Do you have any questions for me then? Those were my major concerns and I'm glad to see that they've already been taken into account." Spending so much time in SHIELD, he didn't have that much experience with the Police, but he's glad that they seem to be on the ball with things.
*
"Well, to be honest, we're forming and building something new here," the Mayor replies with a vague shrug. "It's been in the works for years, and isn't a new idea, but its execution seems more important than it ever has. We've frequently had reasons not to do it — this is the first time we feel that the need far outweighs the costs and troubles." His hands fold lightly on the table, "As far as questions for you… the Commissioner was rather impressed with your answers at your first meeting. The said, now that you know more about what we intend to do, and what it will look like, what are the long-term issues as you see them and how would you mitigate those issues if you fulfil this position?"
*
"Internally or externally?" is asked in clarification to the matter put to him by the Mayor. "Externally, there's going to be a lot of flack from those who aren't keen on having powered individuals about, much less on our police force. Again, I'm sure the question of privacy and certain powers will come up and I would respond, stating that all of our officers are vetted and while the new ones are actively in training, we hold them to the same standards as we do to our officers that have already graduated the Academy. We trust them and if trust is broken, there will be an investigation, as we would do with any officer. My focus would be to treat these powered-individuals as I would anyone else and hold them to the same standards."
He then takes in and lets out a long breath, "Internally…well, I've met some amazing people, powered and not-powered. And I've met some not-so amazing people, powered and not-powered. I try to give everyone at least a second chance as first meetings aren't always successful, but I've known a few powered individuals who feel that because they can do things most can't, it means they are superior in all ways. I would hope that those who volunteered or are recruited for this program don't feel that way, but I wouldn't tolerate someone flaunting and forcing some sort of higher status merely because of their skills. Status and respect is earned. It's not something that can or should be forced."
*
The Mayor nods evenly. "Reasonable. I think we're facing down the cusp of something truly unique and different. No other city has undertaken such a thing, but I'm not sure the demand has existed either." His fingers steeple and he glances towards the other gentleman present. "I think that was our only lingering question. We have concerns that some we've talked to for this position see those with abilities as inherently different. The entire goal of the project is unity and sameness. That only works if everyone is create the same."
He looks back towards his colleagues, "If you're interested, the position is yours. That said, you can have a few days to consider it if you so desire. I know this is a big change, and somewhat different than what you've done before. That said, we feel that your perspective could add value to our team."
*
Did he expect to actually get the job offer? It's hard to say. While Sousa isn't one to hide how he feels, it's been known to happen before. "Everyone's different, Mayor Wagner. If they weren't, it would be a pretty boring world." As far as thinking things through, "I'd be interested in seeing the contract, if you don't mind," and learning the numbers and written requirements of the job, "And I can get back to you by the end of the week, if that's all right?" Not that he really needs to discuss it with anyone. "This could be an immense success if we're able to manage it correctly and maybe some other cities will follow suit as the need arises."
*
"Indeed." The Mayor nods and says, "Of course. Take your time. By the week's end definitely works with our timeline and intentions." He manages a smile. "Megan, could you courier Mister Sousa the contract and offer after we draft it this afternoon?"
"Of course, Mister Mayor."
"In the meantime," he turns back to Sousa, "if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. This is an ever evolving idea, and one that we've granted ample consideration to. That said, I'm sure we're missing pieces and ideas, and would require further refinement. So if you think of anything in the days to come, do get in touch."
*
"Thank you, Mayor Wagner," Sousa stands and offers his hand first to the Mayor and then to the others, "I'll let you know if I think of anything else, but I'm curious myself to see if we can make this work," in a way that SHIELD just couldn't seem to manage. "I look forward to speaking with you in a few days. Again, thank you for this opportunity." It's different from anything he's done before, but there's actually some interest in making this work. It's being built from the ground up and there are going to be rules already in place…it could actually happen!