9.01

9.1

Weld, fresh off the plane, found the airport eerily empty. A lone staff member handled his bags, a stark contrast to the usual bustle. The lack of crowds and the closed shops hinted at something amiss. A group awaited him outside, led by a stern-faced woman.

“Weld, I’m glad you made it,” she said, introducing herself as Director Piggot.

As they walked, she explained the city’s plight. A recent attack by a villain group had ransacked the airport, leaving it mostly shut down. The city, already burdened by unemployment and frustration, was a “powder keg” ignited by the arrival of an Endbringer, a devastating event that had pushed the populace to the brink.

Weld, now tasked with leading the local Wards, learned of the team’s reduced size - Clockblocker, Vista, Kid Win, and Shadow Stalker. Three members had perished in the attack. A potential new recruit, a Tinker/Mover spotted speeding in a mechanical suit, might join them.

On their way to the PRT headquarters, Piggot outlined the power classifications: Mover, Shaker, Brute, Breaker, Master, Tinker, Blaster, Thinker, Striker, Changer, Trump, and Stranger. Weld himself was a Brute/Changer, a label he disliked despite its practicality.

The city’s power outage, a result of the attack, was evident as they flew over the darkened streets. Piggot briefed Weld on the local factions, starting with the Merchants, a group of drug dealers who had become a rallying point for the disenfranchised. They had seized control of the Docks, an area with reliable shelter, and were now attacking city infrastructure.

Next were the remnants of Empire Eighty-Eight, split into Fenrir’s Chosen, led by the ruthless Hookwolf, and the Pure, led by Purity. Coil, the Travelers, and the Undersiders were also mentioned, but deemed less of an immediate threat. Faultline’s Crew, a mercenary group with a Shaker 12, was also on the list.

Piggot emphasized the need to prioritize the Merchants and Fenrir’s Chosen, advising Weld to conserve his team’s strength. She then shifted to more mundane matters, informing Weld about his enrollment at Arcadia High School and his living arrangements at the Wards headquarters. Special arrangements had been made due to his unique physiology, which caused him to absorb metal on contact.

Piggot explained the PRT’s long-term plan to integrate parahumans into society, a plan that involved promoting rogues and making the public more comfortable with outliers like Weld. His popularity and clean record made him a prime candidate for this project, with the potential to become a prominent Protectorate member.

Weld, eager to improve his new team’s capabilities, proposed interstate training sessions with the New York and Boston Wards. Piggot, initially hesitant, agreed on the condition that it wouldn’t interfere with their patrol schedule and that Weld would handle all the paperwork.

Upon arriving at the Wards headquarters, Weld met his new team. Clockblocker, thin and freckled, wore a white costume with animated clock faces. Shadow Stalker, athletic and dark-skinned, was engrossed in her smartphone. Kid Win, in civilian clothes, looked like he’d just finished exercising. Vista, in pajamas and with bandaged fingers, appeared to have been crying.

Weld’s attempt at a motivational speech fell flat. Clockblocker, visibly exhausted, recounted the horrors he’d witnessed during his patrol, highlighting the city’s dire state. He criticized Weld for not mentioning the fallen Wards, a point Shadow Stalker echoed.

The team dispersed, leaving Weld feeling like he’d already failed. Vista, however, offered some solace, explaining that they were all tired and not in the mood for speeches. She did, however, point out that Weld should have at least acknowledged the deceased: Aegis, Browbeat, and Gallant.

Weld, left alone, began studying the files, determined to learn from his mistakes and prove himself as a leader.