Leo stared up at a massive building, clearing at least ten-storey's, and couldn't help but let out a smile. This building was a PVP HQ, designed for People and Powered to work out of, together. It's outside was adorned with tough sheets of metal, designed to protect against any hit, broken up by bits of windows that lead to empty rooms made to capture unauthorized Powered's trying to enter. It was all painted a mix of green shades, all done by a renowned artist, Kleo Patoo.
He was bouncing with energy as he went through the front doors, looking around with wonder clear on his face. A larger version of Earth hung from a metal cable, both weighing at least ten times what he did, but it wasn't alone; banners waved in what little wind there was, showing face's know everywhere. Goldman, Lucy Skywoman, Neo, and Man-O-War were what drew his eyes, being members of Lucktown's Ace Squad. They were called in against World-Ending Powered Human's, and hadn't lost a fight once.
Catching sight of a clock, he realised he was almost late, hurrying to a counter with ten people already lined up. Bouncing on his feet, he pulled out his phone, messaging someone nicknamed Kablooey, an old friend of his.
You: I'm in line! RIGHT NOW!
Kablooey: rlly? u rlly want to work there?
You: Yeah, of course!
Kablooey: nothing i say will change that?
You: Of course!
Kablooey: so be it. rlly hope u have quiet days
"Next," said the receptionist, a woman who looked bored, carrying an approximation of a smile.
"Oh," Leo said. "I'm here for my first day, not really sure where I was supposed to go."
"Name." She took out a clipboard, going through it with a pen.
"Leo Jura. I was taken for a tour when I had my interview, but that was a week or so ago, I think."
"Hmm, I think I remember you. Steve said you were very excited, almost knew this building like he did. Here we are. First Response Unit. You need a guide?" Her look told him he had one option.
"Yeah, of course. June, it's one thing to know directions, but another to follow them."
"So I've been told. Now, let's run along. Mike, cover me!"
A teenager with a pimply face groaned, grumbling as he walked over.
"Last time, Laura," he said.
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"Come along, now," Laura said, walking in front of Leo.
***
"... And that's where Captain Hammer stood when he struck Wilt," Leo said, pointing towards a specific blue seat attached to a wall.
"I'd bet you're riiiiiight. Excuse me," Laura said. She turned to an open door, holding a hand towards it. "This is the First Response Unit, where you'll be working until you quit, something happens to you, or you're let off. I've got to get back to Mike before he tells. Hope your first day's quiet."
Just like that, Laura left him, letting him walk in at his own pace, stopping every few paces to gaze. Everything in here had a story, and he was confident he knew almost all of them. Almost confident. It was a large room, containing several trucks that carried hoses, ladders, stretchers, firesuits, transfusion bags, and so much more. He walked up to one, placing a hand on it's side, feeling bumps left by previous rescues.
Somebody laughing behind the truck brought him back to reality, sending him moving around, finding a group of people playing cards, watching TV, drinking (Those had to be non-alcoholic, right?), and two were even playing Pool.
Once someone pointed at him, it only took seconds for them to quiet down, sending hostile glares at him. "Your name," said one man. Even though he had been drinking, he wasn't showing it.
"Leo Jura, reporting for duty," he said.
"Right, I remember hearing about you. Didn't think you were so... young. Anyways, take today to get to know everyone, and maybe it'll be-"
Before he could continue, a blaring alarm sounded, and people started moving.
"Isaac, Peter, Joannah, take Leo with you. Henry, Fitz, Penny, you're with me." He reached to a walkie-talkie hanging from his chest. "Where is it?" he said.
"No time for staring," a man said, taking Leo by his shoulder, moving him over to some equipment. "Gotta be quick."
"Hurry up. Damage should be obvious. Peter, downtown, Penny, Uptown. Someone get engine's starting, now."
Leo held his group back longer than was needed, trying to find out how to put on the suit given to him. He'd done this, before, in his own room, practicing, but he was only halfway done when they started entering truck's.
"Come on." He was pulled into a truck, which started speeding as soon as it was safe to. "Damn, good job for your first deployment. Let me do the rest. I'm Isaac, leader of this group, and Peter's driving like my mother. Joannah's doing equipment checks, and I'll try and introduce you to as much as I can. ETA?"
"Ten minutes," a voice said over an intercom.
"Make it five. These are our weapon's, something you're not trained to touch, so don't. Next to them are our shovel's." Isaac continued talking, but Leo wasn't listening. His leg started bouncing, and he started gasping for breath.
Someone slapped him. "Hey. Listen to me." It was a woman's voice, must've been Joannah. "Take your time and breathe. Sit still, don't move, but keep breathing. Close your eye's if you have to, think of your comfort place. Now, once we get out, we're going to face destruction like your nightmares, but you have to be brave. No signs of panic, okay, be calm. Peter, time."
"I see it. Hold onto something."
Though Leo wasn't holding onto anything, Joannah held him still, stopping him from flying.
"Rubble," Isaac said, grabbing shovels. "Leo, take your time. Worst thing that can happen is you need help, too."
Once everyone held a shovel, plus some other equipment, they waited a second before exiting.