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? Topic: We Are Brockton Strong
In: Boards ? Places ? USA ? Brockton Bay
Apex (Original Poster) (Verified Cape) (Protectorate ENE) (Brockton Strong) (Endbringer Slayer) (5/15 Survivor)
Posted On Jun 3rd 2011:
Hello, Brocktonites, PHO users, and the rest of the world. Apex here.
As you likely already know or have heard by now, on Sunday, May 15, 2011, Leviathan assaulted Brockton Bay.
The Bay, our people, and the assembled Endbringer task force from all over put up one hell of a fight. Heroes. Villains. Intensely courageous unpowered individuals. Many lost their lives. The city was devastated by repeated tsunamis, the battle itself, and Leviathan doing what it could to both upheave and sink the city beneath our feet simultaneously.
We stopped it, and we killed it. The first Endbringer ever killed in the world. A creature of nightmare that's ended the lives of millions worldwide. Lying dead in the rubble of the city I grew up in.
A monumental victory with a terrible cost.
The last few weeks of life here have been extremely hard for absolutely everyone. The city and her people are hurting. We've all seen it, and we're all living it.
I was inspired by our victory. I talked with the leaders of the protectorate, the PRT, and even the White House and the Cabinet. I made the argument that that day, 05/15/11, Brockton Bay stopped existing as a city in New England. It became more than just another disaster area and a statistic. It became a place I see as special and unique. This is the place where unspeakable evil was put where it belongs: behind us, in the past.
The unity and sacrifice that is a battle against an Endbringer inspired me in many ways. It made me start to think about how things were, are, and how things will be moving forward from that day. I decided that I was going to try something new and launch a new personal project.
It started with nothing but an idea, two people, and a formerly shuttered building. We're now hundreds of hardworking and compassionate people, and growing daily.
We are Brockton Strong, and our goal is simple: We are rebuilding this city and her people. One brick and one person at a time.
Our home base and headquarters are the old Brockton Bay Fire Station Northeast. We have independent electricity, clean water, food, medicine, supplies, and more.
What We Do & Who We Are:
Right now, we are a central hub for aid and reconstruction efforts. We have a rapidly growing community of people living and working here to gather and dispense supplies, rebuild infrastructure, and keep people safe. We give out food, water, and other necessities to anyone who comes to us and asks. It doesn't matter who you are, and there are no strings attached.
For anyone who needs more than temporary assistance, such as those who need a place to live, a team to work with, or who seek safety and security, we ask you to join our community. We operate on a very simple principle: everyone contributes, and everyone is taken care of. Here you will see a superhero scrubbing dishes in the community kitchen. You will see a supervillain helping rebuild a home. You will see young and old, rich and poor, all doing their part to make life here better for everyone, one step at a time. This is a place of fairness, of shared work, and community.
Our Rules and Sanctuary:
There is a very common question we get, and it's important to get it straight. We are a non-profit, non-governmental organization. While we have close ties with, and have members from the PRT and the Protectorate working with us, we also have people with criminal histories, and our doors are open to villains. Our rules apply to everyone, no matter your history or affiliation.
We have a short list of rules that apply to everyone, and an additional short list of rules that apply to parahumans. They are pretty straightforward and common sense, but I'll paraphrase them in two bullet points.
>>Zero Tolerance: This is a no-fighting, no-drama, no-cape-politics zone. We are all here to work, help, rest, and heal. Any individual or group that attempts to use our space to sow discord, foment violence, harvest data, spy, or otherwise cause unrest will be immediately removed and banned from our services. We are a community of trust and mutual respect.
>>Sanctuary: Brockton Strong is a sanctuary. We don't report people with warrants, and we don't turn people over to authorities for past deeds. We are focused forward and on the future. However, if you commit serious crimes -within our sanctuary- such as robbery, murder, bodily harm, and the like, then you -will- be arrested by our security and turned over to the proper authorities.
We're all here for the same reasons. To build something great out of the ruins of the city. Brockton Strong isn't a person, it's not a place, it's a movement and a belief that we can make a better tomorrow for everyone.
Brockton Strong Mission Statement & Goals:
Mission Statement: To provide immediate aid, long-term sanctuary, a framework for support, and community-led reconstruction in the post-Leviathan Brockton Bay. We firmly believe that by working together, regardless of an individual's past, we can build a stronger, better, and more resilient city for all.
Goals:
>>Relief: To provide essential needs goods and support to any of the people in need within Brockton Bay. We are the primary labor force managing, transporting, and distributing relief supplies. The vast majority of these supplies are provided by the U.S. Federal Government courtesy of the Endbringer Relief Act and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We are directly, contractually engaged with those agencies to provide those services. Additionally, we also pool our own resources and supply our own relief efforts and supplies, but again, we're a tiny splash in the pond relative to what our partners provide.
>>Reconstruction: To organize and lead reconstruction efforts for the city's infrastructure and housing, with a focus on sustainable, affordable, and community-driven projects.
>>Security: To establish a neutral and highly effective security presence that protects the Brockton Strong community from threats and maintains the peace within our operational area and workplaces.
>>Unity: To foster a culture of compassion, cooperation, and mutual respect, where heroes, villains, and civilians can all work side-by-side towards our common goals.
>>Self-Sufficiency: To build a self-sufficient community for our members that is not dependent on outside organizations, allowing it to maintain our mission statement and goals, and to serve as a beacon of hope for the residents, the city, the nation, and the world.
We are partnering with some companies to sell merchandise: Primarily clothing and accessories, but talks are ongoing for toys, collectables, and art pieces, as well. The proceeds from the merchandise we are selling go towards purchasing relief supplies, reconstruction materials, tools, and equipment to assist with those things and operational costs. A portion of sales proceeds goes to direct material support of our workforce, in the form of what we think of as "luxury" goods, such as purchasing comfort foods, entertainment media, and better equipment for our headquarters to improve the standard of living. Additionally, we are intending to set up a trust fund for our community, if the funding is sufficient to allow for it. The goal with the trust is to support members of the community we have living and working here with longer-term needs and goals. Providing for the unhoused, sole survivors, people with special needs or disabilities. A portion of the trust is set aside for education and development, for both minors and adults.
You can find the details of our organization, our public legal documents and certifications, as well as the exact details of how the proceeds of revenue and donations are allocated, all [HERE] on our website. If you are interested in formal engagements with us or have business inquiries, contact details are on the website.
[Image Attached]: A professional photograph of the Brockton Strong flag flying over the roof of the station, the sky bright blue and sunny in the background.
[Image Attached]: An aerial photograph of the present-day Brockton Bay, with the station's location clearly marked, relief supply locations citywide, and relevant landmarks in the northeast of the city to use for orientation.
[Image Attached]: A professional photograph of Leviathan's corpse lying flat in several inches of water behind an armed cordon. Apex is standing on all fours, her huge upper arms planted on top of the body, and her back half trailing down, legs standing on the pavement. She looks regal, poised on top, and Alexandria is floating next to her right shoulder, Legend floating to her left shoulder. The front of PRT ENE Headquarters is directly behind the three.
Edit: Corrected a few typos. A donation link has been added to the website due to popular demand. We'd love to see you representing the organization with merchandise, but we understand some people simply wish to make a charitable contribution directly.
Edit: We understand that the website's availability has been touch-and-go. We have experts working on it, but traffic is intense. Our merchandise partners are also reporting high order volumes. All orders are logged, and we are reaching out to other companies to try and meet demand. If, for any reason, an order can't be filled due to excessive demand or fulfillment times, full refunds are available. Thank you all for your support and patience!
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?TurtleMuffin (Moderator) (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
This post is now top stickied in the BBay Board. I met with and spoke to Apex in person and with the other PHO SuperMods before this post went up. The PHO Moderation Team reached out to official PRT contacts to verify the authenticity of the claims. We have decided, with unanimous support (a very rare thing, I will add), that we wish to show our support for all 5/15 Survivors and the city.
THEREFORE: We are supplying a list of VERIFIED, trusted disaster relief organizations for anyone who wishes to donate to or otherwise support Brockton Bay.
The North American Endbringer Relief Organization: [LINK]
Habitat & Humanity Society: [LINK]
The Federal Endbringer Relief Act Webportal: [LINK]
Federal Emergency Management Agency (Volunteer & Work Program): [LINK]
Finally, BROCKTON STRONG has partnered with a large third-party company to sell officially licensed merchandise. The merch is sold by the company [LINK] at cost, and the profits are sent to Brockton Strong to support their work. You can purchase their merch [HERE], [HERE], and [HERE].
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS:
International support for Brockton Strong is available with these partner organizations:
Europe: [LINK] [LINK]
Asia: [LINK] [LINK] [LINK] [LINK]
South America: [LINK]
Ocecanic: [LINK]
Africa: [LINK] [LINK]
PLEASE NOTE: The PHO mod team will be keeping a VERY CLOSE track on all URLs, Links, and externally hosted content. ANY attempts to circumvent, phish, misrepresent, or otherwise interfere with, or profit from donation drives on the platform, donation links to these relief organizations, OR to advertise or sell UNLICENSED BROCKTON STRONG merchandise will be blocked and removed. People doing so will receive an immediate permanent ban from PHO. We have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for disaster profiteering on this platform. We have automation tools already set up and running, so please do not think you will get away with pulling a fast one on us.
[Image Attached]: A slight woman standing next to Apex, who dwarfs her and makes the image composition odd. Apex has one lower arm draped over her shoulder, is sticking up two tentacles from her hair over her head like bunny ears, and is throwing a V towards the camera with her other lower hand.
?Char
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
There's no way that bottom photo is real.
Edit: FIRST!!!
?local_mayor (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
My home and everything I owned were destroyed and swept out to sea by one of the tsunamis. I spent the first 72 hours in the Endbringer Shelters. I am thankful to our govt for building them for us, but they are not made to be lived in. Someone I met in the shelter told me there was a better place open on the 4th morning. I went there with nothing but the clothing on my back. It was the fire station, and I've been here ever since.
There isn't any other place in the city I'd rather be. Everyone works. Everyone contributes. Everyone benefits. We need to post five job tickets a week. In return, we get food, REAL FOOD, not out of a can. Clean beds, toilets, showers, a dry place to sleep and relax. And most important, it's safe here. Some people have tried to break in, steal from us, attack our people. Apex, all the capes, and all the sec team DROP THE HAMMER.
We only need five tickets. It's like 20-30 hours of work, varies on the jobs you pull. I don't know a single person here that's working less than 60 hours a week. Not because we have to. Because we want to. The team recognizes us and hooks us up for our hard work. Its not a financial incentive to pull bonus shifts. No OT. It's the recognition and respect of the people around you, being able to request a special meal you've really been craving, or soaking in the hot tub to work the knots out.
This is our FUCKING HOME.
That endbringer is DEAD.
BROCKTON STRONG!!!
?AlpehandChill (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Yeah im here too. Left twice. First time was greener grass for southside bay. Came back. Second time I left it wound up being a fking trap by the merchants, I ran the fk away from that s first chance. Aint leaving again. Washing close and drying shoes and boots sucks, but I got food and a bed and nobody trying to grape women and girls here. Cant say the same about other parts of the city. Laundry gang got our own boom box now, sucks less when you got friends singing w you.
ne way, yea BROCKTON STRONG
?XxVoid_CowboyxX (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
OK, first off.
HOLY FUCK THAT PICTURE!! HOLY FUCK THAT BADGE!!!11
ENDBRINGER SLAYER!!!!!!???
Second. I been seeing these BROCKTON STRONG shirts all over the city at the relief centers. I had NO IDEA what was up with them, but the logo is BADASS. Now that I know??? I'm going over there and helping out! I might get to meet the people who saved the city? Sign me the GKJSGDH UP!
?RUSHPANDA
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Try not to have a stroke on the keypad, doober.
BS is cool, I guess. Ain't live there, but the logo slaps, so I bought a shirt. $25 to give two big fingers in the air to an EB? Worth.
?LAW_WRITER
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Been living in the Bay 17 years now. Place has always been rough, lot of crime, lot of gangs, LOT of villains for our size city.
That was before the ABB blew up the city and put us under martial law.
That was before E88 started leveling blocks because someone called CPS on them.
That was before that freak monster showed up and smashed half the place to rubble and dropped a lake in downtown.
This is exactly what the city needs. An organization with muscle and presence to take action, and the actual heart to do it for everyone. My family has been living in the flooded, moldy ruin of our home. Tomorrow we're packing our bags and heading to the station. We want to help. Thank you, Apex. Thank you, everyone else in BS.
? BaylifeBoogieBoarder
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
One thing for sure is real true in that post. This city is an entirely different place after 5/15. No power to be found. No clean water. Food was gone from every busted storefront and most homes in a matter of days. A foot of water in the streets, and the streets themselves are torn to hell. People are scared. I don't know who's with Brockton Strong, but if they are actually helping people and making a difference, I don't give a shit. Better than sitting around and waiting for help to arrive.
?Glass_House (Rumor Engine) (Verified Reporter) (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I have so many questions right now, before and after reading this. Way more after, actually.
How did Apex have this fortified base if they're a relatively new cape on the scene? We're talking like... what, a month? Two months tops? Is it actually owned by them, or is this a squatting situation?
How did Apex go from a villain to a hero and verified member of the Protectorate? When did that happen, exactly? Were they Protectorate before or after being involved in killing Levi?
Word on the street is that there's a lot (all?) of New Wave at the station. And villains, too? Empire? Those two are like mortal enemies with a lot of bad blood and history. How's that working, exactly? And is it just a time bomb waiting to explode? Not saying I want that, but you know, questions.
New Wave released a statement shortly before the Levi attack that Panacea was taking an 'extended leave of absence' and 'potentially changing directions with her career.' I have multiple eyewitness testimonies that she was on hand as Panacea after the attack, healing people, and then was also seen in her Panacea costume at the station. Is she back from her LOA? Can we get an official statement on that?
The station and Brockton Strong have an open-door policy for guests, right? Can I come over and conduct interviews? We're off-air due to the lack of power, but I'd love to act in my official capacity as a BB11 reporter and get some statements from Brockton Strong. Wireless is up, thank God, so I can post stories online and here.
?Glory Girl (Verified Cape) (New Wave) (5/15 Survivor) (Brockton Strong) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@Glass_House
DM me and we'll schedule a time, or several times. Let's discuss offline. I'm sure there are lots of people here who want to tell their stories and talk about what we're doing here. A lot of passion, I'm sure it will make for good reporting material.
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?flame_dancer
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@Apex
Open to all, huh bigshot? I'm sure the S-class villains can't wait for some new chow to munch on. Why don't you send an invitation to Nilbog, or the S9? Come on in, we'll whitewash your image for you, you can play patty cakes and make a house for someone, he he he he! Is this a FUCKING joke to you? This place is HELL and you're inviting criminals and villains in and offering them shelter and protection?
Are you TRYING to get everyone killed???
Make the city a better place MY ASS.
?TurtleMuffin (Moderator) (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@flame_dancer
Issuing a warning, this is edging close to both personal attack and call to violence infractions. You may DM me if you have any questions or comments.
?flame_dancer
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@TurtleMuffin
You can take your warning and shove it up your clearly biased, posing for pictures ass.
?Alathea (Wiki Warrior) (Moderator)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Nah, we're not doing this. The comments and 'concerns' you laid out were edge cases, but we're not going to start flame wars with the mod team, much less ones doing their jobs in an honest-to-god Endbringer disaster zone.
Enjoy the 72-hour suspension from posting. Chill out, read the room, and see what other people are saying about the things you raised. You can come and contribute after you've had a break. The next clap back at the mod team is going to be a ban, so consider that before posting.
?XxVoid_CowboyxX (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Mod team ain't for play-play today, daaaang.
If I volunteer for Brockton Strong, can I get a badge?
?TurtleMuffin (Moderator) (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@XxVoid_CowboyxX
We're discussing it internally and with BS. DM me or another mod and we'll add you to a response list when we figure things out.
?Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I've visited Brockton Strong HQ. Apex, New Wave, the other capes, and the hundreds of people working for them and volunteering are helping make a big dent in the list of everything that has to be done to keep people healthy, disease-free, and safe.
Absolutely everyone I've met there is working their butts off around the clock, and the BS management team, if that's what it's called, works super duper hard to provide not just a place to live, but a place you'd want to live and spend time at.
I was being stubborn, but Apex worked hard to get through to me, and she taught me a valuable lesson while I was there. That it was okay to cry about the people we've lost, but maybe more importantly, that it was okay to spend time with the people we still have and laugh with them, watch a movie, and not work.
It's not just Brockton Strong that's working hard; it's everyone who is trying to help. Everyone here at the PRT, Protectorate, and Wards is working double shifts, or more. We want to help and do everything we can. You tell yourself that you don't need a break, that one more hour, one more job won't kill you. You feel guilty about sitting around and relaxing, and trying to recover physically and mentally.
I didn't want to go, because I thought I might have fun with the people I know and love, and if I was having fun, I'd somehow be doing wrong by the people in need and those who passed away.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Thank you to Apex, Glory Girl, Eclipse, and Skitter who showed me it's okay to cry *and* laugh. I have two Brockton Strong shirts, and I wear them every single day. I can't wait to come back over.
BROCKTON STRONG!
?LAW_WRITER
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@Vista
Amen. <||>
?RUSHPANDA
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@Vista
I was gonna make a joke, but then I started tearing up reading your post. Keep it real girl, and I'll flame you later.
?E_FITZ_DWU (5/15 Survivor) (Brockton Strong)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Just popping in to comment on my lunch break.
Whole Brockton Bay Dockworkers' Union is a part of BROCKTON STRONG. We wear our shirts and bands as proud as we carry our union cards. BS, before they even was calling themselves that, CAME TO US direct. Union managers rounded up every last one of us salty fucks left alive, sat our asses down, and told us: we got a contract with the feddies, paying a damn good wage and making sure every one of us and our families be taken care of. And it was thanks to these folks over here.
Imagine the looks on our faces when they walk in, and it's a six-legged, six-winged beastie the size of a big rig that can lift a forklift with a pinky, and a twig of a girl wearing black spandeez, looking like she came out of the Halloween store.
Lot of us talked. Pointed. Rolled eyes and made jokes. Bosses weren't laughing, no sir. Said we had a job to do, hard ass work, and not enough time to do it in, but we get three meals a day, roof over our heads, people to watch the kids, and a nice paycheck too. That shut a lot of people right up quick. We got to work.
Then one night out at the yards, that twig girl dropped a biblical plague a locust down on these local crackhead gang fucks who was trying to boost our shit. Couple nights later, some all-black spooks came with gats, and that big blue monster-lookin-ass drops out of the sky from nowhere, yanks every one of the guns and tells them real polite they can leave, or they can eat pavement. Off they went, too.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
There ain't a single person in the DWU who don't pay their respects to Big Blue and Skitter when we see them around, or come past. Or the rest of Brockton Strong.
Same with the rest of em. And you know what? None of them do that shit where they treat us like ignorant mooks there to move boxes and work a lift. Real respect, all around. Big Blue said it right. This ain't a place or a man or woman. This a family.
People keep asking us, they say, hey, DWU back?
Yeah, I'm thinking we back all right.
DWU LOCAL 331!
BROCKTON STRONG!
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?DigDoug14
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Brockton Strong? More like Brockton Commie. Everyone works, contribute to the hive, what a joke! Buzz buzz, little bees doing what they're told. How long until the supplies dry up and it's "Everyone works, there's the bread line?" When are the gulags going to show up?
Stick with a real business. Get a legit job, with benefits on a contract you can take to court, and not the hug circle to discuss your feelings. Fortress Construction is hiring. We got a plan. We got contracts with the city, with corporations, with local businesses and with the government.
No cape crap, no theater, and a bunch of drama that's going to explode. You show up, you clock in, you clock out. They even provide everything B.S. claims, but you don't hear us crowing and flapping our wings about it.
At least you named it appropriately. B.S. is right.
?SlicerTech (Veteran Member)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@Apex
TOO LONG AND DIDN'T READ.
People tried this neutrality crap, this hero and villain smoking the peace pipe crap. Been done before, all over the globe. Never works out. People are greedy, dumb as fuck and short-sighted. SAME WITH CAPES, except WORSE.
Cool you all killed a ebby. I bought a shirt. Check that politics and shit at the door. We got a system already, works fine.
?whisper_in_the_dark
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
A little birdie told me they got Menja in their ranks over there.
You know, the literal nazi cape? The literal nazi cape that was in the literal nazi cape group that ravaged the city for decades, and then had PURITY who went off the chain and started pretending to be Miss WMD on northside?
My mom died in that Purity attack. Fucking dead. Blown to bits she got hit with a building toppling through her house.
So fuck nazis
Fuck Shitpire DookieDook
And fuck anyone playing footsie with them too
?XxVoid_CowboyxX (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@whisper_in_the_dark Oof, if true.
Wait, with what that DWU guy said, does that mean Skitter was the co-founder of BS? Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. AND SHE'S A WARD NOW? When did that happen!! This thread has more plot twists than 2Fast2Swerve!
?Skitter (5/15 Survivor) (Endbringer Slayer) (Brockton Strong) (Wards ENE)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Hi. That's right. Apex & I were the only two at first. Also a member of Wards ENE, yep.
To the person asking about S-threats and villains. I was a villain when I joined. It was only because of Apex that I wound up joining the Wards, and now I'm happy I did. People can change. Sometimes they aren't who they're made out to be, too. And we don't just let any parahuman in. We interview the capes who come to us and it's decided on by a group. We're not the place for people who are severely mentally ill or serial killers with powers, that should be obvious.
We aren't a get out of jail free card either. If someone's coming to us just to try and duck heat, that's a very different situation than someone who wants to work at improving the city for everyone, and maybe try and earn redemption. If not from the law, then for themselves. All parahumans are considered carefully on a case-by-case basis.
Menja is a member of BS. She works hard. She helps people every single day, and she keeps people safe with the rest of us. I'm sorry that your family was killed by people she used to associate with. We're not the justice system. We don't exonerate or pardon people. Our stance is very simple. If people, yes, including villains, are working with us daily to improve things, then they aren't out doing other things, like hurting people or doing crimes. That is an improvement over them not being here and instead off doing whatever.
When we say we're trying to make this place better, one person, one brick, one step at a time, that's exactly what we're talking about. I like to think that people are not too different than other complex problems, like building a house from scratch. Break it down into steps, and get started, one thing at a time.
Hope that helps answer some questions.
?Kid-Winning (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (5/15 Survivor) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I wasn't happy when Skitter joined. It was a surprise to all of us when it happened. I've gotten to know her better in the weeks since. It's still hard for me to forget being attacked by her swarms. Probably will be for a long time.
But I don't doubt for a minute that she has my back, or any other member of the team's back. She kicks ass, and we're a stronger team with her here.
PRT, Protectorate & Wards have always had policies to allow almost any Villain to make the right decision and work towards righting their wrongs. It's been that way for longer than I've been alive. There's sometimes controversies with people joining who have a really bad rap sheet, but we get past it. Sometimes those same people show their ass and prove themselves to be bad actors. They get dealt with.
Brockton Strong really isn't doing anything terribly different, they're just a few steps removed. They're maybe more open, or easier to join, or it's easier for someone to tell themselves that maybe if they don't want to be a villain anymore, than at least they don't have to be one of us goodie two shoes. They can just sit in the middle, instead. But BS also isn't tied to the justice system like we are, and like they've said, they don't pardon or parole people, or change their legal status. They just allow them to work and have shelter, and maybe later, if they want to try and address their legal issues, they can have already climbed some rungs on the ladder towards proving themselves and their intentions.
I've been there. They're good people. Let's give them a little space and see what they can do. Maybe it works or maybe it fails, long term. But in the mean time, they're literally saving thousands of lives every single day. I think that means they get to have some benefit of the doubt.
?TrashLord
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Well this thread is disgustingly wholesome. At least there's some interesting news and gossip here and there. Otherwise? Yawm.
?GstringGirl
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
OK, I'm a little nervous typing this, which is so silly.
I'm so inspired by reading this story and hearing this news. About everyone coming together after their home was destroyed. About trying to be accepting of people with a past they can't get away from. About making the world a better place, a less scary and less terrible place to live.
I really really want to show pride and support for Brockton Strong! But I have pretty...bad disabilities, and none of the clothing would fit me. I live in an assisted living facility, and I don't know if I could use some of the accessories like the bracelets and button pins with my situation. Is there someone with Brockton Strong I could talk to about trying to get something else to rep the movement with?
Also... Apex, you're like a real life hero to me! I know you're an actual hero, but I mean more like, you know, a personal idol. Not like, in a creepy way!! Just that you're living your life, you're helping people, you're a hero, and you're doing all of that while you look so different than everyone else. That hits so close to home, and I'm going to work even harder in PT so I can try and be just like you some day!
Ahhhhh I'm crying I gotta post this before I chicken out and delete it!
?NW_LaserDream (New Wave) (5/15 Survivor) (Endbringer Slayer) (Brockton Strong)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
@GstringGirl
Heyyyyyy! I'm "the boss" of branding and merch here, even though it's several of us who work on it together! You hop in my DM's when you want, and we'll figure out something that's perfect for you, and get it sent on your way on our next trip into civilization where postal service exists! Haha!
Also, we'll need some contact deets because I know for SURE someone will want to talk to you!
?ALogistDarkly (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Biology PhD candidate here once again, BBU. This latest image, in front of the PRT building, presents numerous new morphological details. The phenotypic divergence from my initial observations during the Fugly Bob's incident is profound.
The overall scale appears significantly greater, and this is a *very* short timescale for the kind of development we're seeing here between these two photos. She's both larger, but there's also significant muscular development. Is she still growing? The cranial morphology has been entirely re-patterned, and the proportionality of her body plan has been fundamentally altered.
The shift from a bipedal stance to what appears to be an obligate quadrupedal posture is a fascinating evolutionary leap. The dramatic re-orientation of her tail suggests a fundamental change in her primary mode of terrestrial locomotion.
This is wild stuff.
Apex, if you're reading this, I would still give anything to meet you.
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?Sinderella
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
BROCKTON BAY WILL NOT FALL!
BROCKTON STRONG!
?Shigerusan_71 (Kyushu Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I apologize for bad English. I use machine translator. I am survivor of Leviathan in Kyushu, very bad day for us. Death of Leviathan announce on national television. I was overcome with strong emotion, looking online for more information.
Assistant help, she is good with English. I find this thread. You are very brave people. You are not forgetting this tragedy. You are building again. This makes me have great hope for the world. My company in Minato, Tokyo, is shipping 50.000 of Brockton Strong shirts to wear with honor.
I am cheering for your future endeavors.
[Image Attached]: A middle-aged Japanese man wearing a nice three-piece suit in front of a modern office building. Behind him, a group of employees throwing an arm up and cheering. They are holding a hand-painted banner that says: "BROCKTON STRONG."
?Alexandria (Protectorate LA) (Verified Cape) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
A few clarifications:
-PHO is an independent web platform and is not managed by the PRT, Protectorate, or Wards. We are receiving a lot of traffic concerning matters for the PHO team.
-Endbringer Slayer badges are being granted by the PHO mod team to the participants of the 5/15 Leviathan battle in Brockton Bay. We've provided a full roster of all PRT, Protectorate, and Wards members who participated. I have been informed they are being posthumously awarded and added to all the wiki pages for everyone who participated and lost their lives. Non-PRT individuals, or their surviving family or friends, will need to contact the PHO mod team directly.
-The images in the original post are authentic.
-Apex and Skitter both joined the teams managed by the PRT ENE division after they participated in the battle with Leviathan.
-The PRT ENE division is seeking parties interested in relocation to Brockton Bay from elsewhere in the U.S. Speak with your local PRT division's administrative team if you are interested. Please note: Brockton Bay is a Major Disaster Declaration zone. As Apex stated in the original post, life there is both difficult and hazardous, and will be for some time. Do not request a temporary relocation or department transfer if you are adverse to severe and demanding conditions.
The Los Angeles Protectorate and Wards teams proudly stand in solidarity with the city of Brockton Bay.
[Image Attached]: Two teams are posing in front of the LA PRT HQ building. The Wards are in front, and the Protectorate stands behind them. Alexandria, Arbiter, Rime, Usher, Auroch, Flambe, Leister, Vantage, and numerous others are all present. The Brockton Strong flag is suspended from a cable behind the group.
?P_eye_girl
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Wow.
?Clockblocker (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE) (5/15 Survivor) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I'm printing that photo on a poster and hanging it on my wall.
?internet_philosopher
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
I understand the idea that Apex is proposing here, but how can this actually work in practice? The post states that Brockton Strong has members of the Protectorate and Wards working directly with them, but also has a policy of amnesty for people with active warrants and villains. Isn't this a direct conflict of interest? A hero's duty is to uphold the law and apprehend criminals and villains.
If a member of the Protectorate encounters a known villain within this "sanctuary," is it a dereliction of their duty to let that person walk free? It's one think for a private citizen to offer amnesty, but a hero has both a legal and a moral obligation that they can't just set aside. The entire system seems built on a legal paradox. I don't know how it can avoid an inevitable fracture.
?Glass_House (Rumor Engine) (Verified Reporter) (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Solid questions, I_P.
?Reave (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
PRT Statement Regarding the Brockton Strong Organization
The Brockton Bay Field Office of the Protectorate and PRT is aware of recent community discussion regarding the Brockton Strong organization and its operational policies. We wish to provide clarity on our position while our full internal assessments are underway.
The Brockton Strong organization, while independent, operates within a region designated as a major disaster declaration. As such, the PRT acknowledges the necessity for extraordinary measures to mitigate the immediate humanitarian crisis and prevent the further strain on limited public safety resources.
Regarding the matter of criminal amnesty, the PRT and Protectorate are currently treating Brockton Strong's policies as a provisional extension of the Endbringer Truce. This is an ad hoc measure designed to prioritize the collective safety and reconstruction of the city in the wake of an unprecedented disaster. It is not an endorsement of specific individuals, but a temporary allowance for the cooperative efforts of a diverse group in a time of crisis.
It is important to note that this is a temporary and evolving policy. All individuals with active warrants for serious crimes remain subject to apprehension should they violate the terms of the sanctuary or engage in further criminal activity. The PRT will issue a more comprehensive policy statement in the near future.
?internet_philosopher
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Interesting. I'll be looking forward to seeing the details when they're released.
Wasn't trying to neg Apex, Skitter, or BS. Just didn't really see how things could work. This makes some sense.
?Legend (Protectorate NYC) (Verified Cape) (Endbringer Slayer)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Protectorate NYC will not admit defeat. We will simply congratulate our West Coast peers on their timely production and posting.
[Image Attached]: A huge crowd of both Protectorate and Wards members from the iconic New York City teams is all assembled and cheering on top of a skyscraper. Many are wearing pieces of Brockton Strong flair and merchandise, and there's a huge Brockton Strong flag flying with the NYC skyline in the background.
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?XxVoid_CowboyxX (5/15 Survivor)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Oh my GOD!! Two Triumverate posts in the same thread!?
I feel like time and space might collapse if we get Eidolon to post on this thread!
?Alathea (Wiki Warrior) (Moderator)
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
It's a subject of fierce debate with the mod team whether or not Eidolon has a PHO account, only uses alt accounts, or doesn't use this part of the site at all.
?GstringGirl
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
Sorry this is rough! I got caught up with everyone else's posts and sort of rushed in places!
[Image Attached]: A photograph of a colorful drawing. It's a picture of Brockton Bay as pictured from the bay waters, with BROCKTON STRONG in the sky, in a rainbow of colors and sharp, angular font. The entire drawing looks to have been made with alcohol markers.
?randomname1222344
Replied On Jun 3rd 2011:
[Image Attached]: A young man in his late teens, posing with a neon green BROCKTON STRONG tee in front of a school.
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? Private message from GstringGirl:
GstringGirl: Hi, um, LaserDream told me I could DM you.
GstringGirl: Sorry if thats a bother i bet your super busy
Apex: You’re good! We just talked a moment ago. She’s going to be doing a couple laser engravings for you, and I’ll get them shipped out to you. I do need your address, though.
GstringGirl: God this is so embarrassing. You won’t tell anyone?
Apex: Cross my tentacles and hope to die!
GstringGirl: ok…
Sveta Patient 214-53
PRT Eastern Seaboard Rehabilitation & Containment Center - Philadelphia
1254 South Kensington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Apex: Is Sveta your name?
GstringGirl: yea
Apex: Hey Sveta! You’ve got a really pretty name! I’m Morgan.
GstringGirl: Omg stop im going to die lol
Apex: Can I ask you a personal question Sveta?
GstringGirl: ok
Apex: I went back and read your message on PHO. I know a little about where you live. You know what it’s like to look different pretty well, I bet.
GstringGirl: i um
GstringGirl: yea
Apex: Don’t sweat a thing. Girl, I KNOW. And I got a whole bunch of friends who live that same life, every day. Some are good guys. Some are bad guys. I wouldn’t trade my friendship with them for ANYTHING. There’s nothing WRONG about me, about them, or about you. No matter what anyone says. People who say otherwise? They don’t -KNOW- any better. We’re just different. Still people!
Apex: Lot of us got to deal with challenges because of the way we look or how we are different. Sometimes, maybe a lot of times, it can suck. Before I looked like this, I did cape stuff. I really miss being able to run and jump across roofs! Now when I do that, I flatten buildings. LITERALLY LMAO. I have to wiggle through doors. Some buildings I can’t even go in, they’ll just break.
Apex: Its easy to get stuck in a loop thinking about the bad parts. Laughing at myself helps for me. My sister says my ass is so fat I break sidewalks, and I laugh with her, because it’s funny and it’s true. Things can get really bad for us. But they can get better, too! Have to keep that in mind, even if you have to force or trick yourself into doing it.
GstringGirl: it is hard to deal
GstringGirl: esp when you feel stuck in the same place 4ever
GstringGirl: but ill try morgan
GstringGirl: if u can do it than others can too
Apex: God damn right!! I got faith in you Sveta. You’re not trapped or stuck forever!! You just need a plan. Maybe it will take foreverrrrrr. Maybe there’s a million steps. But as long as you are working on that next step? You’re moving! Same thing we’re dealing with here, Sveta! Rebuilding an entire city is even harder than just building a brand new one!
Apex: You know what we say to that???
GstringGirl: One step at a time?
Apex: Sure, but that’s not as fun to shout, is it?
GstringGirl: oh lol im dumb
GstringGirl: BROCKTON STRONG!!!
Apex: BROCKTON STRONG!
GstringGirl: lol im going to get yelled at for yelling
Apex: If they say anything to you about yelling that, tell them you’re just that excited about improving your life!
GstringGirl: lol ill try
Apex: Do you get visitors?
GstringGirl: Not rly, just doctors and staff. No fam because… you know. C53. I got one rly good doc who visits when shes on rotation here. Shes been helping me and actually comes in my special space to see me and work with me
Apex: Damn, she sounds awesome
GstringGirl: yea doc yamata is great i love her the best out of the ones that rotate
Apex: …
Apex: Is her first name Jessica?
GstringGirl: yea lol she makes me call her that. Why?
Apex: LOL She’s my doctor too! Or was. Maybe still is, it feels like a lifetime ago since I last saw her. Damn. Guess Philly really isn’t that far from BB! It’s like… three hundred something miles? Not THAT far, really!
GstringGirl: Why’d you ask about visitors?
Apex: Oh, because I was thinking about visiting, duh.
GstringGirl: Oh man… Id love that but I dont think i could. Ppl have to be in a special suit to like actually come in my room itself. Its uhhh dangerous for other ppl to be around me.
Apex: How dangerous?
GstringGirl: i uh
GstringGirl: theres been accidents where people
GstringGirl: sorry
Apex: It’s okay, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. What I was trying to say was… More dangerous than an Endbringer?
GstringGirl: god no lol not even close i just cant control my strength real well sometimes
Apex: Hey, no kidding? Same here! I have to be super SUPER careful all the time. And my power? Same thing! Sometimes it just goes off and does things I don’t want it to do! I’ve scared myself so bad Sveta that I legit have given myself nightmares. OF MYSELF.
GstringGirl: oh wow… you really do know then
Apex: Yeah! Sure do!
GstringGirl: howd you get better at not breaking things and… hurting people?
Apex: Girl, let me be real with you. So, SO many tears. Then being fucking angry at being sad about breaking something, then being angry at being angry, then being depressed. AROUND AND AROUND, LOL. Real talk? Practice. All the time. All day, every day. Being patient with myself when I fuck up. Forgiving myself when I get emotional. Doing my best to be mindful of how I feel in the moment.
Apex: Learned most of the stepping stones from Jessica, but had to make it mine and figure out how to fall less than walk. I still make mistakes, even now! One secret, don’t tell anyone?
GstringGirl: yeah promise lol
Apex: I have like a bajillion eyes. And not just my big ones, but others I stick around my body in weird places. I’m going to guess you probably can’t do that, I don’t know anything about you than what we talked about right here. But like, maybe try shutting everything else out, clear your head, and just pay like SUPER close attention to what you feel from what your body is telling you.
Apex: Try using a different sense than normal, if you see, feel. If you feel, see. One other thing someone told me, is try and do something by picturing or thinking of what you’re trying to do, instead of trying to think about HOW you are doing it.
Apex: When I first changed, I couldn’t pick up a fork to feed myself. Literally.
GstringGirl: wow
Apex: I kept trying to think about how to pick it up, and nope, it just wouldn’t work. Then I got that tip from a cape friend, it’s how they learned to use their power. Instead of thinking about how to pick up a fork and how to scoop rice with it, I just thought about using any old tentacle to stick rice in my mouth. Boom. Delicious.
Apex: Anyways. If you’re not more dangerous than an EB, chances are we can probably hang out! If Levi couldn’t knock my ass out in a fist fight, I should be alright? If it’s like, gas or fire or something that’s an issue, we can figure it out. I’d love to come say hi, if you’ll let me?
GstringGirl: omg lol of cocurse I want u to visit, mayb your right
GstringGirl: i can talk to my docs and see what they think
Apex: Worst case we just chat through the door, or whatever. I know a guy who is about as close to indestructible as you can get, too. I don’t even think he needs to breathe or anything if he doesnt want to. We’ll figure something out, bet on it.
Apex: I gotta head to DC for a bunch of SUPER BORING job crap, which isn’t far from Philly. Maybe stopping in for a visit could be the highlight of the trip! I’ll make some calls, talk to some people on my side of the PRT.
Apex: What do you think? You wanna try?
GstringGirl: omg sorry im cring again
GstringGirl: yes please id love that
Apex: I’ve got a humongous ass, and I’m good at making shit happen, Sveta, even if that something is just being big, loud, obnoxious and BLUE. Hahahah
Apex: Attaching my number, if you have a phone. Call or text. Tell you what one of my idols told me: might be busy, might not be able to pick up or respond right away, but if you call or message, I WILL get back to you when I can. Bet.
GstringGirl: yeah i can make calls and text, just… never do bcuz nobody to really talk to outside the web and some games
Apex: Well thats real easy to fix. Text me when you get a chance. Gotta go for now! I’m about to land and drop the group I’m lugging around on my back off.
GstringGirl: wtf uve been texting this whole time while flying???
Apex: YEAH LOL Don’t tell my bosses or the cops, I only got a learner’s permit to drive, hahaha.
GstringGirl *New Message*: Sent you a text, don’t crash rofl. ttyl morgan!
