[Video]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, here he is, in a nice suit and trying not to look too stuffy. But come on, he's offering a professional thing here, and David wants to be taken seriously in a professional manner. Especially because he's not sure how this is going to go. But at least the man doesn't look nervous. Maybe? Okay, so maybe his fingers are twiddling a little at the bottom of the video, but David's trying, alright?]

Good afternoon fellow imPorts. I'm reaching out today because I want to bring forth an Initiative I'd like to begin, and am testing the waters for interest and potential external support, as well as other organizations of like mind perhaps worked with by imPorts that could assist me in my ends. Which in this case is a matter to concern imPorts who are classified by the government as 'Minors'.

Those of us who have been around since the situation with Jeopardy and all of the issues leading up to it may remember that there were movements to coordinate imPort efforts to battle against dimensional rifts and their affects. Those coordinated efforts involved not only government affiliated imPort teams, but other teams, as well as volunteers. But the glaring flaw with much of the situation was the way which imPorts who were minors at the time were basically told that they should not be involved in any official manner.

I can understand this on a governmental level. They don't wish to be responsible for the injuries done to what they see as children.

At that time I worked with a handful of these 'minors' to divert them to problem areas and make sure they had teammates to watch their backs, even temporarily. And I quickly saw one thing. No matter what the government deems as an 'appropriate' age to be involved in this, those of us with powers, we tend to get involved whether it's smart or not. I was a teen hero, and many of my friends here from home were as well. Many times we were told by adults not to get involved, and we did anyway. We lost friends, we got hurt, some of us got maimed and were forced to live with that.

We never had enough support. We never had enough training. And we were rarely taken seriously or seen as what we were by adults: teens who were going to get involved whether anyone liked it or not.

To that end I would like to propose this. There are young imPorts who will want to get involved no matter what anyone says. I seek to ensure that they don't do this alone, which puts them at greater risk. I would like to start an Initiative, though I admit I've no name yet, which supports our younger imPort brothers and sisters. This will be in multiple means. First and foremost, increased financial stipends for youths so they can take care of themselves better, as well as helping them plan out to use their funds if they wish for that. Secondly, access to better advisors for future career paths and educational support. I'm formerly a tutor here and would be happy to provide educational help, and have asked a few other individuals I know in education to help as well.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, I hope to provide training and support structures for those young imPorts who intend to go out into trouble whether adults think they should or not. This includes mentorship from former teen heroes who know how to face some of the pain, trauma, and stress a double life entails, training in self-defense as well as helping people get more minute control of active powers, and helping those that are going to go out anyway get protective gear as well as at least one, if not two or more people to have their back when they're working imPort business. The long term goal would be to associate with adult imPort teams with a secondary mentorship program those those young imPorts who would aspire to working with adult teams in the future.

So I suppose my question to young imPorts is whether you'd be interested in any of the fields of help I'd seek to arrange. To other imPorts, my question is whether you'd be willing and or able to provide financial or other means of support. And to people who have been here longer, are there other organizations with an interest in helping young imPorts that I could talk to for creating the core support network, providing a spread of support and services to make sure our youngest members have what they need.

[Okay, the formal stuff is done, and David seems to relax a little and gives a slightly goofy smile. Because wow, he just sounded like an adult X-Man speech there. Someone please tell him he's not full on channeling Scott Summers there.]

Basically, the to long, didn't listen version?

I want to help young imPorts get more financial, educational, and combat training support, and possibly help act as an adult mentor to one or more young imPort 'teenaged' teams. Looking for teens and younger that want help, people to add themselves as financial or supply providers, and definitely someone to tell me if there is some other groups out there that already do some of this that I can work with to take some organizational load off my shoulders.

[Okay, that... that's everything, right? Now he doesn't look so sure.]

Uh, I'll entertain all questions, comments, and concerns now.

Comments

[VIDEO]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Are you talking about a sort of mentorship program?

I could get behind this. In fact, there's facilities at Helix Station I was using for training Aegis Reserve agents.

[helpdesk_hero]

Not... not just mentorship.

[David sighs and tries very hard not to rub at his temples.]

Training, as far as they might desire it. I've seen too many young heroes get in serious trouble because they went out whether adults wanted them to or not and they didn't know how to properly protect themselves or work in a team.

They'll go out whether people want them to or not. I want them to survive.

voice

[onederfulhero]

I'd be willing to help. I came from a world where pretty much everyone had some sort of ability, heroism was strictly regulated by law, and it was... jarring, to say the least, to come to this world and find out there's no school or formal education system in place for young imPorts.

Voice as well

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well that's interesting.]

Nice to meet you. I'm David, and I'm glad for the help. Frankly, in my world heroes aren't completely uncommon, but formal education of minors with powers is not often sought after. Even for those of us born with powers, such as mutants like myself.

[codeoracle]

A coordination effort on multiple fronts. Admirable.


I don't know of any groups here, personally. If there aren't any, you might have some luck with backing if you develop a database prototype: something to manage the rollout of increased funds, match younger imPorts to mentors or sponsors.

If you front-load the heavy lifting, it's easier to get people to buy-in. That's something I can definitely help with if you need it.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Ah yes, the woman that is better than him with computers. Which, you know, continues to impress David. One of a few here, and he really likes it. Why was it, he wondered, that all of the best computer people he's ever had actual conversations with were women? With glasses?]

I can definitely see the value in a database system, especially one with several levels of filters, as well as means for people to add their own data to registration. With high levels of encryption of course. I don't want another incident like with Atlantech. However that is a lot of work for me to start with if I didn't have any positive response.

My life is very busy for me to be sitting down and throwing out some code and structure when I don't know if the need is there. Too many projects, and not enough time, or sleep.

text;

[hollow_man]

What I'm hearing is "like Xavier's but better."

You're right, though - kids will get involved regardless of laws or good sense. Best to be realistic about it and keep them alive.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Chamber? When did you get here? How did David miss that?]

I mean, I'm not always the biggest fan of how Xavier's operated. Especially after Scott took over. Things just seemed to escalate.

But yeah, realistic is what I am aiming for, especially as someone who died at Xavier's once.

Video

[moonlitpath]

I wouldn't mind helping sometimes- I'm also a healer, but I don't have much experience with that outside my pokemon. As much as being a normal kid's kinda nice, um...

It's also kind of boring.

[And if she's honest, she misses the action.]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Another healer wouldn't be a bad thing. It makes David feel... relieved. And she seems a bit... young as well.]

You have pokemon? I met a man with them before. And right there I see something important. I worked with that man and his pokemon in a serious battle and I'm an experienced field operative and fighter. And I not only didn't know what his pokemon could do or how to work with them. And maybe you don't know how to have them work with people who aren't using pokemon.

If you'd be interested, then I'd be happy to help you find other people your age to work with, and if this initiative pans out, to train with. Though maybe you could also tell me about pokemon? So I understand them better?

video.

[goldtoxicity]

Well, you already know I'm in.

[ though he's been on the opposite end. being forced to be involved by adults who absolutely ruined him. ]

Your one-stop shop for all your healing needs, right here.

[helpdesk_hero]

I know you are, and having you at my back matters, Josh. Thanks. And you KNOW I'm going to make sure you're properly compensated and thanked, and I'll make sure they understand that you only heal people when it's really needed. You aren't just a battery.

[chainlinks]

[All of this is still impressive to hear about. Ren feels like a lot of things happening here let to this. But he has to wonder;]

How many teenagers are here anyway? ...and how young is 'younger'?

[In a way they were being 'drafted' here so the idea of having young children here...not sitting well with him.]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Drafted here was absolutely the worst thing this world was doing, and David doesn't know what to do about it. Other than hurt over it.]

Honestly? I don't know. I run into them here and there. And sometimes it's hard to tell just how old people are. Different races and all of that.

If I had statistics, I would give them to you. And I've met ten year olds. The powers that pull us here are sort of careless.

Video

[notafraidofyou]

I mean, this is definitely better than the 'shut up and don't get involved' that a lot of the people our age have been getting. [Not really Tim, because he's been sanctioned by his adults for years, and to hell with everyone else, but... most of those adults are gone now, and he is not going to take a backseat if something comes up again.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Shut up and don't get involved didn't work on me when I was a minor. Can't see it working on people who are more interested in hero life than I ever was.

[He had NOT wanted to be a hero. It had just been something he became.]

Then again, I got dragged into it in part because my race had to learn to protect ourselves from others. Learning to fight was something we didn't have a choice for.

video.

[marxionette]

[ this gives her pause.

its been mentioned before, of course. but the world she knows - almost everyone taking a stand against what's wrong with the world are children. are they supposed to have some sort of guidance? ]

Is it... not normal, for young people to fight like this? I've never really understood why people get upset when we join the fight.

[ but she's also a clone created just for fighting.. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

No. It's not normal in the day and age this work most readily mirrors. At least, not in worlds I'm familiar with. Which means adults are a bit more disdainful of what some of us had to do.

[Video]

[t0uch]

[Nashir hits the video button despite the disdain he has for modern tech and video feeds in general. Hopefully, the visual medium will help convey how seriously he's taking this and how deeply he wants to help. Though he's only fifteen, his eyes have a haunted quality to them that speaks to experiences with what it's like not to have any mentors in this situation.]

I wouldn't be adverse to helping. Although my grasp of the telekinesis I was given upon arrival is shaky at best, and I haven't been here long, I could offer up some help. Back home, my default power is to see the deaths of anyone I touched. [He says it like it's normal, not because it is, but because it's besides the point and he's only mentioning it in order to establish his credentials for this.] I served during the Great War, so while I'm not an expert of any official kind, I can help younger imPorts here or ones who are simply new to dealing with the stress of having these responsibilities thrust upon them. And for better or worse, I have a great deal of experience coping with violence and death.

I cannot offer much help in terms of training or financial support, but in my opinion, having emotional support to turn to is something sorely lacking in most of our lives, and not devoid of value.

[helpdesk_hero]

I'm quite frustrated at the moment that the telekinetic that I had lined up as a mentor is no longer here. But I know another, if there is any chance you want help from someone who knows how to use the power, as basic training.

[Judd could be very helpful for the guy. But the other power, he shudders at the very thought of it. It was almost like Blindfold. The futures she saw were never good. Never happy.]

It always bothers me, just how many people your age have been through things like that. Then again, I know how it happens. It happened to me. But I would welcome the assistance with more people talking about the practical steps of living with PTSD. My psychology background isn't always as practical for that.

[And he doesn't think other people should have to deal with his own level of trauma.]

Emotional support from people your own age matters. I wish I'd been smart enough to reach out to other people when I was your age.

[ video ] »

[divaricate]

I can help via financial support, and if you have enough people who need help with any psionic or magical powers...

[helpdesk_hero]

Ah, that is very helpful, Wanda. While I understand magic in theory, quite deep theory, I have no practical applications of that. And even without psionics, there are some that might benefit from training with controlling other energies, as that is often mind over matter.

[The adults are being reliable, and he's so damn relieved.]

voice; un: Julian Delphiki | Bean

[justlittle]

Finally, someone who won't turn us away just because we're young. I also helped mobilize a team of underage imPorts during the Jeopardy crisis. I would be very interested in your endeavor.

[helpdesk_hero]

I'd be very interested in your assistance. We haven't talked much, Mr. Delphiki, but in the times we have, I've seen you to be vastly more intelligent than even many supposed adults I've interacted with.

And we geniuses get ourselves into our own sorts of troubles.

video;

[recommendations]

I see you are already speaking with my teacher, All Might. I am from the same world as him, so if there's any insight I can lend to your project, I would be happy to. I was attending the Hero Program at the high school where All Might was a teacher. During my last stay on this world, nearly a year ago, I had been interning with the Justice League as a trainee hero. If there is a team dedicated to heroes of my age learning and helping each other to grow, I would want to help with that as well.

[helpdesk_hero]

Wait, his name is actually All Might?

[David needs a moment here. And once he's had a second or two to think, he nods.]

I would be very interested to have that team helped by someone who interned with the Justice League. As well as who has experience with being trained since their youth. You're in a better position than most to tell me when I'm going wrong and when I'm failing in other aspects of the program.

Though with the interest I'm seeing I'm going to have to figure out a name for this.

video;

[rebelarrow]

I might not fully approve of juvenile's involving themselves in such fights, but I also understand the motivations that would drive them to do so.

[Judd thinks of Sienna, and of how he might behave himself if he were their age and not as conditioned by Silence.]

I'm willing to assist with training, though I must admit that with the exception of my niece, I've only ever trained adults. My brother was the one to train juveniles. [A pause.] I've trained Changeling wolves, so my expertise isn't purely mental.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, Judd is definitely someone he doesn't mind going to. Because if nothing else, David trusts Judd.]

Perhaps not in all cases, but maybe I could ask you for at least speaking to telekinetics? I had an instructor and mentor lined up, but he's returned home. He was... well, not a friend exactly, but very capable.

And if not training, perhaps a guest lecture on the importance of self control and knowing when it's important to go to others for help?

[Video]

[eightfoldlight]

Oh, truly! This is a phenomenal idea. My life has been saved many a time by those this government would call 'minors.' I'd no idea they were prevented from doing more than purchasing casual dangerous goods.

[ She smiles. ]

I shall offer my time as a mentor.

[helpdesk_hero]

Now now, I've got to say, some of those dangerous goods are highly addictive and can kill. Cancer is still a thing. I agree that minors shouldn't smoke. But that's easier to stop them from than heroics.

[But the more important question comes down to this.]

And you would be? Forgive me, I don't know everyone.

Video

[callmesuperboy]

I'm in. I've got some experience with being young and powerful and with teams. And I am willing to throw some money at the idea, too.

[ Have a grinning Kon, the sky his backdrop, as he flies, his shirt visible and emblazoned with the brighter red 'S' on the black fabric. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

I figured you'd help me out, Kon. And not just because you want my company.

[Totally teasing. But mostly, he's looking at Kon as a senior mentor. The guy clearly had a more successful career as a hero than David had.]

[Video]

[kid_flash_found]

You know I'm in. For whatever good I can do.

[helpdesk_hero]

You can do a HELL of a lot of good, Bart. I know you can.

[fridgeflower]

Nice virtual turnout. Got a good surprise or two in there, huh? [ Chamber.

Anyway, he already knows where she stands on this, so... ]

Don't limit Josh's scruff dreams. A man's gotta work through his own goals.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Yeah, Jono's here. Who would have guessed? Lose some Hellions, gain a GenX.]

More than a few. Remind me to sleep when I'm making my next suppressor.

Also, his dreams are pipe dreams. They aren't going to happen.

( video | un: mrs.s )

[aeva]

Hi. ( she offers a very polite smile ) I've only been able to read about the events you've described, I haven't been here long but I would like to help what you're doing if I can. I started working at HOPE and there are rooms there that could be used as a safe place for your training. I'm also working to help those with more will-based powers to control and develop them.

I don't know if it's entirely what you're looking for but you're right that everyone should be supported with their powers.

( she doesn't know about being heroes, it's not a thing in her world so she doesn't offer a comment on it )

[helpdesk_hero]

HOPE? I haven't heard of the organization before. Could you explain it to me?

[He's very pleased to hear there are others working that way already. But he's going to embrace the help.]

Private Text

[bodilesswarrior]

I'm glad they've got someone responsible onboard.

And thank you, for encouraging Bart.

Re: Private Text

[helpdesk_hero]

By 'They' do you mean me? If so, thank you. If not, I'm glad.

And why wouldn't I encourage Bart?

[bifroster]

You already know I'm on board! But I didn't even think of the financial aspect of it.

If anyone needs help managing a budget or getting through complicated forms, I can help with that. Been stretching every government-funded penny I can since I started college.

[helpdesk_hero]

That much I've actually got consultation for. I know a few good money managers at this point.