Power Sanctions Appendix: Common Types of Heroes
* Terraforms-ECs that can control the use of earth through mental or physical means. Common ways of doing this include growing plants, making trenches, etc. General Party: Hero
* Speedsters- ECs that can run at over 80 mph. The manifestation of this power can show up earlier than most, around 3 or 4 years old. General Party: Neutral
* Bodybuilders- ECs with the ability to lift at least 1.5 tons naturally. They are often mistaken for Superiors. General Party: Non-hero/Discharge
* Imposters-ECs with the ability to change their physical appearance, often to mimic other humans. Unlike transformers, their ability to shift their features is usually limited to facial features. General Party: Villain
* Transformers-ECs with the ability to shapeshift their body into other beings, most commonly animals or fictional characters. The transformations are surface-level, the user not gaining the power of whatever they mimic. General Party: Hero
* Superiors-ECs with abilities that enhance another in their power set. For example, an EC with flight, strength, and high durability power set would be superior since each ability allows the other to be stronger. General Party: Hero
* Magnets-ECs with telekinetic abilities. Often this ability is used on a small scale. General Party: Non-hero/Discharge
* High-Flyers-ECs with the power fly at least 200 feet from the ground at a speed of 50 mph. General Party: Hero
* Elementals-ECs with the ability to manipulate water, fire, earth, and/or air whether through physical or mental means. Most elementals are found in more rural/coastal areas. General Party: Neutral
* Detectives-ECs with enhanced intuition and/or ability to detect other ECs. Detectives usually have a more subdue power set. General Party: Neutral
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Alex walked out of her favorite café, Entermezzo Café, confidently with breakfast and coffee in hand. She felt like a kid on their first day of school: giddy with all their new supplies and clothes with waves of nervousness filtering in. She was heading to Damien Academy for the first time for her first day of orientation and she was (not) ready for this.
Most found it odd when she told them that she never visited the school, but she decided to be understanding. This wasn’t a normal public school, charter school, or even private school. Of course, their security would be higher. Who knew what heiress or celebrity's child went there?
Yet, whenever someone mentioned the oddity or all the benefits Alex got, she became nervous. It felt too good to be true. What would warrant them to pay a teacher so much? What would they expect from her? Could she meet their expectations? Would she even agree with them? If she didn’t, would she have to quit or, worse, get fired before truly starting? She couldn’t ignore the questions that rested comfortably in the bags under her eyes that she tried to cover with concealer.
Alex sipped her tea and took a calming breath. This wasn’t the time to question anything. She already had the job and was a good teacher. Why question it now? Plus, she had to be there in 30 minutes. She would know the answers to her questions by the end of the day.
“Please, please, be a good day,” she murmured to herself as she waited for the crosswalk light to change.
The only warning she received was a slight tremor before the world turned upside down. Literally.
Alex felt most of the air leave her lungs as she was propelled into the air. Whatever was left raced out as she screamed, falling faster and faster as the sky moved farther away. So much for growing old, she thought sure that she was going to die. Luckily, during the longest seconds of her life, she felt herself being caught and arms wrap tightly around her. She clamped her eyes closed until the world stopped moving around her.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” the man holding her asked. Her eyes shot open.
Ma’am? She was wearing a lavender blazer, a white blouse, and russet ¾ cut pants with kitten heels! Modest, yes, but ma’am?! She did not look old. She looked business casual and appropriate, damn it!
She turned out to correct him but quickly saw why he used the title. While clearly taller than her, he was young and when she thought back to his words, they did have a Southern drawl. Most Terraforms were from the south.
So, he wasn’t making a comment; he was just being polite.
“I-I’m fine,” she stuttered, slightly embarrassed by her quick assumption. And by how tightly he was still holding her. “Can you put me down now?”
“Are you sure you can stand?” he asked in concern. She gave him a wan smile.
“I’d like to find out,” she told him. He nodded reluctantly before putting her down. She tried to catch her breath, but her legs felt wobbly, despite only being airborne for a few moments. She stumbled down to the ground as gracefully as she could.
“I told you,” the Terraform said and she waved him off quickly.
“Just get a medic, please,” she requested, trying not to sound too irritated with the condescending undertone in his voice.
Luckily, a medic was already racing out of a nearby pharmacy. The healthcare industry found out years ago it was much easier to make quick stop pharmacies built to handle emergencies than constantly traveling back and forth between the hospitals and the destruction. The Terraform stayed close until the medic knelt by Alex's side before, he left to fix whatever emergency brought him downtown in the first place. The medic checked her legs, torso, neck, and back for any minor damage, in which she had nothing but a bruise from how tight the hero held her. The medic ran into the pharmacy to give her water, peanut butter crackers, and a bottle of ibuprofen for the pain.
“What made me fly up anyway?” Alex asked.
“Terraform landing,” the medic informed her before rolling their eyes. “He’s new. Would you like to file a complaint?” Alex grimaced at the thought of paperwork.
“No,” she answered. “It could be worse. At least, he caught me.” She heaved herself off the ground, wiping off her clothes. She checked her phone for the time and groaned. She was now going to be late.
“I can give a written form if you had a prior engagement,” the medic said mercifully. Alex nodded, hoping the head of her future department would still be there.
Alex ran the rest of the way there. It was only a few streets over, but she was almost out of breath by the time she reached the bench, spotting a woman in a black blazer with the letters DA sitting on a bench in front of it. She looked just like her employee picture: curly hair, glasses, and brown skin. The head of the English Department looked up from her tablet before Alex could say a word.
“I heard about the incident a few streets over,” she said. “Are you alright?”
“I’m…fine,” Alex said, caught by surprise for the second time that day. “How did you know I was there?”
“Some of our teachers live in that area. They say 15th street is the quickest way here. 15th street was in the news just now,” the department head explained with ease. She smiled at Alex and put her hand out. “I’m Adeline Omari.”
“Alex Jameson,” Alex introduced. “I have to admit I didn’t expect for you to know about the incident so soon. I figured I would have to explain it.” Adeline laughed at the skepticism on Alex’s face.
“I used to work in media,” Adeline told her, showing Alex her tablet screen. It showed a newspaper article and Alex saw tabs for more. “Old habits die hard or not at all. It was easy to put two and two together. There was an incident nearby and you, someone who was punctual to all three interviews, were late.”
“Well, when you put it like that…” Alex trailed off with a nervous laugh.
“The first rule of journalism is not knowing the truth but rather being really good at convincing other people something is true,” Adeline told her with a wink. She stood up from the bench when a black car rolled up in front of them. “Shall we?”
“Yes,” Alex agreed, stepping into the car behind Adeline.
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They sat in silence at the start of the drive. Alex watched the landscape turn from the city to trees, resisting the urge to tap her fingers on her bag. She didn’t want to appear nervous. Although, she wasn’t sure being silent was good either.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Adeline asked her suddenly. “You seem distant.”
“Oh, I’m fine. It was nothing but a minor shock,” Alex reassured her.
In truth, the incident didn’t really cross Alex’s mind. Everyone knew superheroes existed. Since cities tended to have more people and higher crime rates, more usually resided there which meant more incidents like that. Heroes running in to save the day was no less common than seeing a car accident. While her brush with danger was a lot closer than she wanted, it was over, and she was in one piece. She couldn’t really ask for more.
“I was more worried about being late,” Alex revealed. Adeline chuckled at the statement.
“You must really be eager to teach,” Adeline commented. Alex bit back the statement, "yes, of course. You made me wait five months before I could say yes. What took you so long???" She simply nodded.
“I guess now would be a good time to explain the position and school a little more,” Adeline said before straightening herself. “As you know, Damian Academy is known for our prestige. However, we truly pride ourselves on two things: quality and privacy. Many children of prominent world leaders attend our school along with local but bright attendees. It is our job to give them the best education possible, not only to justify our price but to ensure their future.
“Due to who attends our school, privacy is a requirement. While we can control it on the staff end, the students are a whole other challenge. Fortunately, we have one of the best computer engineers in the world working in our IT department to make sure our students are protected from themselves. However, we do encourage the teachers to be aware of new trends and apps so they can spot inappropriate use in the classroom. This should be easy for you since you’re so young,” Adeline said, sparing a smile.
She learned towards Alex, whispering dramatically, “Just help the history department. They’re hopeless.” Adeline laughed as she rested her head against the seat. “And the philosophy department, oh my goodness. You should’ve seen them when Twitter first came out.”
Alex couldn’t help but laugh, already imagining it.
The conversation, or rather explanation, continued this way until the car pulled to a stop at the fanciest school Alex had ever seen. Her jaw dropped but she quickly caught herself. Unfortunately, the tinkling laugh from Adeline reminded Alex how perceptive the woman was.
“Not what you expected?” Adeline said before stepping out of the car. Alex quickly followed; the campus more vibrant without the tint of the car window.
“Not at all,” Alex said absentmindedly as she looked around.
When picturing Damian Academy, Alex thought of ivy on brick buildings, clean desks, and state of the art computer labs. She thought of the library being named after a donor that died fifty years ago and students relaxing under oak trees nearby. She thought of vegetarians discussing their meals next to a marble statue of the founder by the dorms. With all the money, history, and reputation, she figured the boarding school would be an Ivy League wet dream.
She couldn’t have been more wrong if she tried.
While there were the occasional brick and marble buildings, most of the campus resembled Silicon Valley, all glass, curves, and colors. They flowed seamlessly with one another with blues, greens, pinks, yellows, and any other color the architect could sneak in.
“How many students attend this school?” Alex asked.
“We fluctuate, quite violently actually,” Adeline told her. “Some years we only have 500. Other years we easily reach our max of 1,500.”
“Why?” Alex asked, alarmed by the various retention rate.
“Well, our students are usually generational. Some are smaller than others but the past couple of decades have been steady," Adeline explained. "We are currently going between 1,000 students for the regular school year and 200 during our specialty summer courses. I promise you’ll have plenty of students to teach.”
“That’s…a relief, honestly,” Alex said. Adeline smiled before sitting down on the ground and crossing her feet. She patted the patch of grass next to her and Alex sat down slowly.
“I know you’re nervous, Alex,” Adeline told her. “You’re a new teacher. This is your first full-time job after college, and you want to make a good impression. But it’s okay to relax. As department chair, I want you to feel welcomed here. If we didn’t want you or were waiting for you to make a mistake, you wouldn’t be here. I promise.” Adeline gave her a reassuring smile and Alex slowly recuperated it.
“Now, we’re rolling in the grass until you lighten up,” Adeline announced before laying down.
“What?” Alex asked but Adeline was already rolling. She whooped as she flung herself across the green lawn.
“Come on, Alex!” Adeline urged. Alex looked at her skeptically and Adeline gave her a deadpanned look, grass in her hair. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
And Alex couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of her at the sight and how her day had progressed. First, she’d been thrown in the air, taken James Bond style to a secretive school, and now her boss was urging her roll around in what looks like Google’s personal playground.
She couldn’t help it: she indulged herself.
Turns out there is something exhilarating about the world going upside down and right side up so quickly. The lines blurred and for a few moments at a time she could only hear the wind and her heartbeat.
Simplicity at its finest...at least until she felt her another bruise forming on her back. She groaned when she came to a stop and waved her arm like a white flag.
“Alright, I feel better,” she admitted. Letting her arm fall across her chest with her eyes closed. A shadow fell over her face and she peaked. Adeline was beaming down on her, making Alex jump at the sudden closeness.
“Good,” Adeline commented. She held her hand out and Alex took it. Alex was surprised by the strength and ease of Adeline’s grip with the department head being smaller than her. Adeline’s smile dropped a bit when she looked at Alex’s blazer. Alex looked down and held back a groan when she spotted grass stains.
“How about we send this to the campus cleaners while we go for a tour of the school?” Adeline suggested.
“The campus has its own cleaning service? Like actual professionals instead of a dorm laundry mat?” Alex asked.
“Of course,” Adeline said. “Too many kids washed their Balenciaga in normal machines, and we got too many complaints from parents.”
Alex couldn’t believe Adeline said the sentence with a straight face.
“And after the tour,” Adeline continued. “We can start the paperwork. That’s when you should really be nervous.”
Alex found that to be true an hour later when she and Adeline went to the top of the glass building in the center of the campus, the Spire (also nicknamed the Eye).
“You can see everything from up here,” Adeline told her as they stepped off the elevator. Alex marveled at the space.
Huge glass panels acted as doors to the offices with small seating areas tucked close to the red staircase. The staircase itself ran through the staggering office like an inverted ribbon that extended as a red band on the carpet leading to the next set of stairs. Alex walked over the glass panels randomly placed on the floor, making her stomach drop when she looked down. She wondered what the building looked with people bustling in and out of it instead of a few milling around here and there.
“Here we are,” Adeline announced when they reached a blue themed office. Alex sat down in the velvet chair in front of Adeline’s desk, her feet screaming in relief. The campus was beautiful but huge and Alex’s shoes reached their limit between the third dorm and the chemistry building.
“Jasmine tea?” Adeline offered. Alex nodded. Adeline had been great company all day with her constant, bubbling laugh and candid descriptions. Still, Alex also couldn’t shake the feeling that Adeline was watching her every move. She couldn’t tell what Adeline was judging her on. As pleasant as she was, Adeline was hard to read. Nothing was expected, even her office.
Alex figured it would either be pretty plain with a couple eclectic items or bright with a lot of personality. Instead, everything was a cool lapis color from the chairs to the carpet to even the desk. The only decorations were the occasional pictures and a random gold frame on the wall with a piece of glass in it. It gave the room a soothing atmosphere.
“Here you go.” Adeline placed a tray in front of Alex with a teapot and two cups along with a jar of sugar, honey, and steamed milk. Alex raised her eyebrow for a moment. Nothing was half-assed at this school.
Adeline walked over to the shelf by the door to get two stacks of paper and clicked a button that turned the glass door from clear to opaque.
“Just for future reference,” Adeline said as she sat down. “All the offices do that, so you don’t have students peering in during midterms to see their grade.” Alex laughed but it faded at Adeline’s straight face.
“Oh, they do that,” Alex said.
“Every year,” Adeline informed her while pouring the tea.
“Okay.” Alex clasped her hands together and decided to reserve her laughter until the end of the day. Adeline smiled as she placed Alex’s tea in front of her.
“Alright, first stack.” Adeline slid the smaller of the two stacks in between them. “This is your full contract. It includes all the details on your salary, your job description, holidays, etc. You were emailed a condensed version of the contract, but I want to go into more detail about your probation period.
“You will have a probationary period of two months, starting on the first day of school and ending in late November. You will have observations and feedback at the end of each month and will be required to turn in your lesson plans to me during the first month. The second month you will undergo a final observation before we inform you of whether or not you have passed probation. We have different workshops during the summer that you are welcomed but not required to attend. However, I will encourage you to attend as it will help familiarize you with your co-workers and the school.
“The car that picked you up today will pick you up for the rest of the probation period and it is non-negotiable. The reason for doing this is 1) ease for the teacher and 2) to give you an opportunity to understand the background of our students. Most are used to a certain lifestyle and anything less is unacceptable to them. While I understand your background varies from theirs and is totally acceptable, we’d rather the students not use something as simple as your car to ridicule you. We’d also encourage you to move closer to the school for ease of access, but this is not a stipulation that will affect your contract.
“Your benefits are partly in effect during probation and fully go into effect afterward. If you have any health issues, please visit our school hospital before seeing your local doctor. This way we can be informed much quicker and you have guaranteed use of your insurance. You are not allowed to have visitors or take days off during the probation period. Should you violate this, you will receive a warning. After three warnings, you will be let go. This also applies to any minor infractions as instructed in the work manual. Any major compromise of security will result in automatic termination. This also applies to any major infractions indicated in the work manual—any questions so far?”
“I-uh—no. No,” Alex stuttered, trying to wrap her mind around all the information. Adeline squinted her eyes before breaking out into another bright laugh. The knot in Alex’s stomach loosened a bit.
“It’s okay. It’s scary but I’m required to tell you the quirks,” Adeline told her. “You have a week to go over the contract before signing. If you have any questions about it or the work manual, you can email me at any time and I will respond. This does include 3 a.m. when I should be asleep but decided to binge another Spanish soap opera.”
Alex chuckled a bit, but it died as Adeline slid the contract to the side and pushed the second stack—which was three times as thick—in between them.
“Shall we go over the work manual?”