Nina Clarke: ᴍᴀʏᴏʀ, ᴀᴜsᴛɪɴ ᴛx & sʜʏ ʙʟᴏʙ (commonlaw) wrote in remains_rpg, @ 2016-08-23 22:00:00 |
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Nina had beaten her alarm that morning, waking up half an hour before it was set to go off. But her phone showed no sign of news that the prior day's events had been reversed somehow, that their crime problem was still persistent throughout their city. Things were holding steady -- at least for twenty four hours, so far, which was often easier said than done -- and all she could do was hope they had a plan to move forward. -- NINA: Thank you for meeting me this morning. [She gestures to a modest assortment of breakfast foods on her desk, ready for her and Joel to share: bagels and croissants, butter and cream cheese, orange juice and coffee. On another plate are enough sliced strawberries for them.] I don't expect this meeting will be very lengthy. JOEL: No problem. [he takes one of the bagels and spreads some cream cheese on it.] What’s this about? NINA: The events of the last month and a half, of course. [There's a wry tilt to her tone; what else have they been talking about, lately?] I'd like to hear your thoughts on the situation, now that we've taken all the suspects into police custody. JOEL: [He takes a couple bites of his bagel, thinking through his response before he replies.] It was a mess, Nina. We had three times the amount of officers and soldiers on the street compared to the rogue numbers, and it still took too much staff time to round them up. [he pauses.] It doesn’t reflect well on anyone if you put that into a report. NINA: I agree with you. [She reaches for some of the strawberries.] And considering that this wasn't the first time the MC had a breach in their leadership, though I suppose the silver lining of this scenario is that this time, they weren't on our payroll -- From my perspective, I'd rest easier knowing the remaining members, registered or not, aren't going to choose the same path. JOEL: [he nods] I would too. Coldiron and his officers might be willing to play ball, but they still have a crew of men behind them. [he stops, takes a breath and a couple swallows of black coffee] What can we do about that? Have legal draft up some kind of contract? Feels a little unconventional and unrealistic. NINA: That's been covered to a certain extent in the amnesty agreements that were issued back in June. Of course, the President's administration knew that we were running the risk of a few broken agreements here and there, but that doesn't speak to the risk of someone feeding information that makes our jobs more difficult. [a pause, then:] Perhaps it might be a good idea to do some outreach with the MC. JOEL: What are you thinking? [he gives her a curious look.] NINA: Have you spent much time with any of the members outside of combined cabinet and council meetings? JOEL: Can’t say I have. They haven’t seemed like they were looking to be buddies with the chief of police. [he gives her a wry smile] I can clear some time to make an effort to change that. NINA: Perhaps I could host a dinner. Or would a brunch be more casual? JOEL: I’d go with a brunch, personally. NINA: All right. You, me, a few of the other high ranking officers from the APD, and theirs to start. If it proves to go well, we can organize a few more things. I may even have someone who can mediate, having been on both sides. JOEL: [he raises both of his eyebrows, before he nods.] Sounds good to me. Neutral space would be ideal also, given most of my men won’t feel comfortable in the Dog Park, and most of them won’t feel comfortable in the Capitol, I’m assuming. NINA: I was thinking that, yes. How about The Bar? Or the restaurant or doughnut shop? JOEL: [he thinks about the options for a minute.] The Bar. I think both parties would feel comfortable there. NINA: I agree. I'll set a date, then, and we'll attempt to bridge the gaps between us both. [a pause for more food, before she continues.] How's morale holding up for your department? JOEL: Better now that the rogue trouble’s been put to bed. Still have a handful that feel like complaining about procedure, and the patrols they’ve been assigned. But that’s just typical department things. [he pauses to take another bite of his bagel] Feels like we’ve cleared out most of the bad apples, though. NINA: Good. I'd like to get your guys working a little more with the soldiers to coordinate better coverage throughout the city, at least for a little while longer. I don't trust that our problems with rabblerousers are over just yet. JOEL: I wouldn’t trust it either. [he smiles wryly] If it were I’d be out of a job. [he finishes off his coffee] I’ll see what I can do about coordinating, so we’re not leaving weak spots in our protection plans. NINA: Thank you. [she pauses for one more bite of food, then adds:] Do you have any questions for me? JOEL: Just one. How have things been going with the government liaison? NINA: It's been going. [as a part of her cabinet, Nina knows that Joel has witnessed some tension between herself and Ms. van Eeden from time to time.] We're trying to bridge the gap of her lack of knowledge of Austin and my ignorance of the remainder of the United States. And we're doing so at the same time as we attempt to come together from different political ideologies. [she shakes her head slightly, a wry smile appearing briefly on her face.] But I could easily think of worse people with whom to work so closely. JOEL: [he laughs; it’s subdued, a quirked mouth and a soft sound more than a true laugh.] I guess that’s one thing to put in the win column. [he stands, his bagel finished and coffee empty.] Here’s hoping finding that middle ground keeps going well. [he pauses, grabs a strawberry for the road.] I think I’ve spent as much of your time this morning as I should, though. It was good to talk, Nina. NINA: You too, Joel. [she offers a grateful smile as he backs away.] Don't be a stranger. |