[OOC] First Contact in the Situation Room

[HeySeuss]

TL;DR

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- Modern-ish setting. Jan-Feb 2021 is the start of the new administration and it is walking into a crisis.
- First contact; alien civilizations are starting to talk to Earth.
- The RP starts around the time that the military, intelligence agencies and NASA are able to feed coherent information and analysis to the White House.
- The characters are the American government - vital roles include the President of the United States, the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Press Secretary, other cabinet members, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, the minorities in both chambers...and others as people make a consistent argument.
- The intent of the plot is how the organs of American government grapple with the facets of the potential crisis. Aliens, multiple types, are communicating with Earth.
- We are keeping this down to the American government, with other governments effectively NPC'ed as a matter of perspective. Characters are the organs of a government, grappling with the immense consequences of first contact with extraterrestrials.
- Inspirations; Arthur C. Clarke, David Brin, the Cuban Missile Crisis and so many others. Ironically, we talked about "West Wing" in the brainstorm between co-GM's, but also referred to "The Best and the Brightest."
- Chat here.

In Character

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For most people, first contact is something seen on TV, or argued about on the internet. And while society has a huge argument and speculates, there are people who have greater access to information on the inside, but are still fallible, mortal, and capable of making mistakes. Nonetheless, on their shoulders ride the decisions, though not always the consequences.

Multiple alien civilizations have reached out to the governments of Earth, at first, and while a lid is on the information, it's starting to leak out. The clock is ticking, and decisions have to be made. Unilateral negotiation with the ET factions, or consult with allies? Bring in the Russians? The Chinese? Put it to the Security Council? What about the General Assembly? How much information gets released? What are the aliens doing? What are their intentions? Do we brief the press, stonewall or go fully public?

These are only some of the questions. The decisions shape the events, though they do not fully control them. The unexpected happens. Decisions matter, but consequences aren't always apparent. You inhabit the world as it is.

Out of Character

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Hoo dangy, it's a big RP idea, which is why I brought in two Co-GM's, guys that I brainstormed with. The idea is to create an RP that is more about sweating bullets and trying to get it right, the sort of cabal/factional infighting that can occur within a government and how dicey these pressure situations can get.

When thinking of this RP, we talked about the Cuban Missile Crisis, Desert One, the Manhattan Project and other major decision points that had a huge influence on events to follow. The RP isn't about tanks and bullets, but it is about strategic position, trying to glean out the intention of multiple alien factions and other human ones in the delicate business of figuring out how Humanity enters into the wider interstellar civilization and on what terms.

If you have a yen for playing this sort of situation room/political thriller/sci-fi juxtaposition of an RP, come and get us! We'll be in the Discord for the RP and we're looking for creative partners!

[HeySeuss]

Currently, the President is an NPC.

Andrew James "AJ" Shepard, an experienced federal prosecutor and senator from Colorado, Republican. Just won the presidency against Joe Biden's VP, who we haven't named yet, because Joe Biden died from the pressure of office at his advanced age. (Sorry Joe, I actually love you bro.)

Your characters joined the campaign at various times...or, unexpectedly, the President-Elect reached out to people as if forming a crisis cabinet, ignoring party lines and conventional thinking and picking people for raw capability. This results in a diverse cabinet, including some democrats, and some holdovers, similar to Robert Gates and others staying on in 2009 during the worst of the financial crisis.

The press is speculating as to why, but has so far not cracked the code.

Of course, during the transition, people are fully briefed and realize what they are dealing with. There is proof out there of alien life in the form of a probe that arrived in the Solar System whose communication was deciphered by scientists, which led to the 'initiation of communications protocol" by the probe, which instructed that Earthly authorities, "Reporting receipt of response. Stand by for followup communication."

The intelligence and science types are doing every sort of analysis possible even while initiating communication through the probe. The secret is burning people's consciousness, and someone is bound to let the cat out of the bag.

Then they were told that followup communication will ensue, standby.

Your characters are thrown into this.

@Byrd Man@Jester@Darth Shadow@CaptainBritton@Romero@Ferrocerium

[thedman]

I'm interested, although i'm not sure if i'll be able to join, at least for right now.

[HeySeuss]

I'm interested, although i'm not sure if i'll be able to join, at least for right now.

@thedman

If you can, awesome! We're pretty flexible on roles right now, except President.

[thedman]

Well, right now I have finals and all that, so i'll be a lot more available after school ends (which is a week from now, so not that bad). Maybe I can put those Global Relations classes to use.

[HeySeuss]

Unless the planets are all flat, in which case interglobal relations are a lie. Some dude is going to drop acid and fly in an unmanned rocket somewhere in Arizona, Nevada or Utah to prove this all soon.

[thedman]

top 10 secrets the government doesn't want you to know

[HeySeuss]

I am taking the role of WH chief of staff. There's a narrative involve because this guy interned (and staffed) for Senator Edward Kennedy and is himself a US Senator...probably from Massachusetts or New Hampshire.

[Byrd Man]

Character Sheet

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Name: William "Bill" Birch

Position: National Security Advisor

Age: 60

Sex: Male

Physical Description:

Bill is 6'2 and thin. His salt and pepper is hair always combed in a left-handed part. He wears metal-rimmed glasses that are so thick they distort his hazel eyes.

Brief Bio:

Born in the early 60's, Bill was the youngest son of a conservative upper middle class New England family. He attended Yale and studied political science and international relations. He joined the State Department in the latter days of the Reagan Administration, serving as a junior staffer in the South and Central Asian Affairs at Foggy Bottom. There, he witnessed the diplomacy involved in the Soviet-Afghan War and was among those that thought US involvement should not end after the Soviet retreat. As an Assistant Secretary of State during the Bush Years, Bill helped the White House build its multi-national coalition for the Gulf War. After the '92 election, he took a job with a prominent Washington think-tank, the Committee on Global Affairs, and gained a reputation as an expert on US national security in foreign relations in the post-Cold War world of the late 90's.

In 2000, Bill served as a foreign policy advisor for John McCain's ill-fated presidential run. The backing of the wrong horse led to Bill being left out in the cold as George W. Bush won election in a contested race and filled appointments at State with other people. Bill took a job as a professor at Columbia University. That would be a short lived job, however. After 9/11, Bill was brought back into the cold and joined the Department of Defense as a special advisor to Secretary Rumsfeld on international relations as the US prepared to invade Afghanistan.

As the talk inside the administration shifted from Afghanistan to Iraq, Bill was asked by the White House to be among the figures leading the charge. He famously went on Face the Nation one Sunday and told the American people that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. His work in the region during the First Gulf War mixed credibility among the diplomatic community helped the Bush White House gain support for the eventual invasion. That interview on national TV would end up being used against him when it was discovered that Iraq did not have any chemical or nuclear weapons. He quickly became one of the faces of American folly in Iraq, one journalist entitled their book on the run-up to war "Without a Doubt", taken from a quote Bill gave in the nationally televised interview. Bill resigned his position just before Bush was sworn-in to a second term.

Going back to the think tank-world, Bill was a senior fellow for The Institute on American Affairs. With his reputation still marred, he served sub rosa as foreign affairs advisors to Republican presidential candidates McCain and Mitt Romney in their unsuccessful runs against Barack Obama. When a third Bush ran for president in '16, Bill was not asked to contribute to his campaign.

Seemingly out of the blue in 2020, Bill was offered the position of National Security Advisor by the president-elect. The move drew a lot of chatter from Washington insiders and people who still remembered how Bill's last job in government had gone. While puzzled at the offer, he still accepted. Shortly there after he was let in one of the biggest secrets of all times: Man was not alone in the universe.

Issues/Agenda:

Work style, Bill believes that issues should be approached from all sides and discussed. After the fiasco that was 2003, he has taken the position that he will question major policy decision many times to see if it holds up and will stand his ground if he does not believe in an idea.

On the topic of foreign affairs, Bill is very much of the belief that American hegemony over the world is key to global security. He sees the US as the world police and believes that the US should be the only contact for the new alien people who have come to Earth. He is strongly for keeping the rest of the world, friend and foe alike, in the dark about what is going on. He also subscribes to the concept of Realpolitik in regards to dealing with less than ideal people and situations. To Bill, pragmatism is always the number one rule when it comes to furthering the nation's goals.

Politically, he is a conservative in fiscal policy and advocates free trade and lower taxes/less social programs. As a secular New Englander, Bill does not agree with the evangelical right and their ultra-conservative outlooks on abortion/religion/gay marriage/whateverelsetheyhate

[Mao Mao]

Name
Benton Haynes

Position
Press Secretary

Age
Thirty-four

Sex
Male

Physical Description
Benton is a 6'3 and thin individual with his light blue eyes and brown hair. He often dresses professionally with his dark navy
blue suit and his light purple tie. And he began to grow a beard where he plans on keeping it thick to keep more professional
with the press.

Brief Bio
Benton Haynes grew up in Seattle with his parents who were originally from Portland. His parents kept him homeschooled for most
his childhood until the beginning of high school. Transferring to a public school environment was a surprise for Benton as
he didn't socialize with the other kids as much as he should have. And he was often picked on because of it. He found comfortin
writing during his first two years of high school. Often writing short poems or lengthy stories during lunch time to keep
himself busy. Eventually, he made friends, but kept on writing. Benton's twelfth grade English teacher took notice of his
writing and encouraged him to seek a degree in the field. With that in mind, he graduated high school and got accepted to the
University of Washington to earn his degree in journalism.

Once he obtained his degree, he was hired as a journalist for the Washington Post. Benton worked with the Post for a few years
before he quit to pursue work in the political field. He began by maintaining Wyatt King's campaign for U.S. Senate in
Washington, helping him secure the spot for Patty Murray until 2010. After the election, Benton moved to Washington D.C. to work
as a senior adviser for Joe Biden's campaign; however, he identified as an independent. When Biden won the 2016 elections, he
was assigned the position of deputy press secretary for a year until the resignation of the former press secretary. Shortly
after taking over the spot, he went on to sever for three years. The sudden death of President Biden and the victory of
Republican Andrew Shepard thought it spelled the removal of Benton Haynes.

To the surprise of the media and Haynes, Shepard was one of the few holdovers that survived the change. Regardless, he was
working on addressing the press about the election until he was called into a sudden meeting. After the meeting, his deputy
press secretary substituted for Benton on that day. He released a short statement saying he had a sore throat; however, the
truth was that he fell ill after learning that aliens were real and tried to contact with the American government.

Issues/Agenda
Being a press secretary caused Benton to double check the facts since one misinformed statement will be a field day for the
media. And he understood the reporters and journalists since he was one of them in the early 2000s. He also acknowledged the
return of yellow journalism during the '16 election and the midterms of '18. Thus, he knew how to keep the media in control
while giving them whatever they desired. He believes that the media will do more bad than good if they find out that aliens
contacted the government. Thus, he supports the policy of keeping the press and citizens quiet about the presence of aliens.
However, in the terms of foreign affairs, he believes that there should be a UN Security Council meeting about the possible threat.

[CaptainBritton]

Name: Abraham Randolph Farran
Position: Secretary of Defense
Age: 66
Sex: Male
Physical Description:

Likeness

Abraham Farran is an individual with a more elongated stature and leaner build, standing at about 5’11”. He often wears suits of black with dark colored ties, a precedent set mainly by previous SecDefs, with a SecDef sterling silver lapel pin on his right lapel and a US flag pin on his left lapel. His hair is a wiry light grey, most likely previously blonde, and his eyes are dark blue.

Brief Bio:

He was born Nov. 16, 1954 in Alcoa, TN, going on to achieve the equivalent to a secondary education before making the decision to attend VMI in Virginia. Halfway into his degree, he was nominated to West Point, eventually graduating with honors in the class of 1978, being awarded a degree in Military History and in National Security Studies, additionally having achieved the qualifications to receive the Air Assault Badge and the Airborne Badge, qualifying him to be in either of the airborne divisions of the US Army.

He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in late 1978. As an infantry officer, he participated in maneuvers with allies in both Europe and Africa throughout the 80s, achieving a promotion to Captain within the decade. As part of the 101st Airborne element deployed in Kuwait in 1991, he led his company in the operation to cut off the supply lines and stop the retreat of Iraqi troops from Kuwait, forcing their capture, earning him the rank of Major. Later within the 90s, he helped orchestrate humanitarian missions in the Balkans, Africa, and the Caribbean, as well as being part of the NATO forces in Kosovo ensuring security during the elections. For his efforts, and the retirement of an upper echelon commander, he made Lieutenant Colonel.

After the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, his regimental commander was promoted, giving him command of the entire regiment and the rank of Colonel. His unit in the 101st was deployed in the ISAF invasion of Afghanistan, with the division being one of the first non-SF units deployed. Later in 2003, his regiment was part of the spearhead force into Iraq. After the fall of Baghdad and the sense of somewhat stability, the 101st was rotated back in and Abraham made Brigadier General, transferring to the staff at Fort Bragg, NC, where he would eventually make Major General and then Lieutenant General, assuming multiple positions within the XVIII Airborne Corps, eventually coming to command it.

He retired from the US Army in 2012, a year later taking an advisory position in General Dynamics, making connections with multiple companies in the military industrial complex. In 2021, he was offered a position in AJ Shepard’s administration as Secretary of Defense due to his knowledge concerning combat situations, national security, and the workings of the military industrial complex.

Detailed Bio

Abraham Randolph Farran was born November 16, 1954 in Alcoa, TN to Kenneth Farran and Helen Farran. His father was a former US Army Air Corps bomber crewman who then worked as a forge operator for the Aluminum Company of America (now Alcoa, for which the town is named), and his mother was a secretary for Alcoa’s campus offices, though despite the lower middle class upbringing, the economic conditions in the Tennessee Valley ensured Abraham did not grow up with a TV set, but an ear for the radio and an eye for literature.

He attended the Alcoa School (now three separate schools), earning the equivalent of a secondary education before considering his career. With the war in Vietnam drawing to a close, and the military life being highly televised, Abraham made his desire to enlist clear, much to the disdain of his veteran father. To placate concerns, he agreed to instead seek a career by way of officer, being admitted to the Virginia Military Institute in 1972. He attended the school for two years with primarily academic honors before being nominated to the US Military Academy at West Point starting in 1974.

While at West Point, Abraham excelled in the academics field, especially in his chosen major of history, and his chosen minor of national security studies. During his training, he excelled in his field maneuver training his second year, and went on to be permitted to attend the US Army Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, KY his third summer, and the US Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA his fourth and final summer, receiving both his air assault wings and jump wings and earning himself a position as an officer within the 101st Airborne on graduation. He graduated with honors part of the class of 1978.

Becoming an infantry platoon leader in 2nd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, he served in multiple training maneuvers with NATO and UN allies, primarily in Egypt and Germany, throughout the entirety of the 80s without incident. Promoted to first lieutenant, then captain, and on the cusp of major, he had just past his first decade of service. However, the Gulf War began just before his orders went through. He led his company as part of the 2,000 man element of the 101st Airborne which crossed into Kuwait in January 1991 to cut off the Iraqi supply lines by way of Highway 80 and the connected Highway 8, the six-lane route which would become known as the Highway of Death due to 2,000-2,500 vehicles of enemy origin being surrendered or destroyed in the 100 hours that the operation lasted.

Abraham received his promotion at the conclusion of the operation, and would remain as executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 502nd PIR as the 101st remained within the Iraqi sphere. Soon redeployed, Abraham would have a hand in planning and supplying humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Haiti throughout the rest of the 90s. He made Lieutenant Colonel in 1995, receiving command of the entire 2nd Battalion, 502nd PIR.

Deployed to Kosovo with other units of the 101st, he helped maintain the sovereignty and stability of an independent Kosovo whilst they underwent their first election cycle in 2000. He was commended for his efforts as the unit withdrew back to the United States. A year later, on September 11th, 2001, the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked, filling Abraham with disgust as he and his unit were put on standby. As the Colonel above him was moved up an echelon to become brigade commander, he received a surprising promotion to Colonel, given the entire 502nd PIR.

The 101st, including his 502nd PIR, would be one of the first non-SF US units to cross into Afghanistan as part of ISAF. Participating in initial establishment of FOBs, they were the springboard into Operation Anaconda, shattering the open hold on the region by the Taliban. The entire 101st was retasked in early 2003 to Kuwait, before being part of the tip of the spear into Iraq, going directly for Baghdad. Surrounding Najaf along with elements of the 3rd Infantry Division and 1st Armored Division, with support from RAF strike craft, the 502nd formed an infantry screen to guard the “Thunder Run” (a large armored push) of the 1st Armored’s 70th Armored Rgt. which eventually caused the city to fall, with other assets of the 101st blocking the escape along the highway to Baghdad.

Airmobile assets of the 101st, including a company of the 502nd PIR, pushed into Baghdad as the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Marine Division, and 1st Armored Division all executed the largest “Thunder Run” of the war, in which Baghdad fell in only nine days, finally being cleared on April 12, 2003. As Major General David Petraeus was promoted the following year, and the Brigadier General billet above him was open, he was briefly promoted to command the entire 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne before the unit rotated in for an extended stay in the US. He made Major General the following year and was transferred to the staff of the Garrison Command, Fort Bragg, NC, becoming commander of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security of Fort Bragg, where, despite his disdain for a non-combat position, he excelled at management.

In 2007, he became Deputy Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps, remaining at Fort Bragg, before eventually replacing the retiring Lt. Gen. John R. Vines as Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps. He remained in the position until 2012, when he retired and was eventually hired by General Dynamics in an advisory position for an undisclosed six-figure salary, where he worked until 2021, when, in light of his recent combat experience, extensive national security knowledge, and connections with companies in the military industrial complex, he was offered the position of Secretary of Defense under AJ Shepard’s administration.

Issues/Agenda:

Abraham often did not make his political views clear, especially when serving. But as his name has reached headlines as the newest nomination for Secretary of Defense, more and more has been revealed. He’s a conservative and a Republican at heart, generally a moderate on most issues save national security, where he suggests a level of caution. He generally has been opposed to the drawdown of troops abroad under previous administrations which led to increased volatility in the Middle East region and vulnerability elsewhere, namely the removal of peacekeepers in Iraq, the decrease of advisors in Syria, the complete withdrawal of armored assets from Germany, and the stagnation of Pacific bases.

He is religious, albeit not fanatically, and is a member of the American Episcopal Church, the American sect of the Church of England (Anglican Church). He attends church every sunday, generally at the Washington National Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of Washington, where he is active in the community and makes monthly donations.

Abraham is a diligent worker in his field. His overall interest in national security studies and management which have been with him since his days at VMI and West Point drive him to work harder and smarter to improve and simplify the management and allocation of assets within the US Armed Forces.

[HeySeuss]

At this juncture, Secretary of State is far and away the most important role here. Their outlook will influence a lot of things as one of the principals, and the primus inter pares among the principals, in this scenario. VP will also be vital.

[spicykvnt]

Ooooh I'm interested.

[HeySeuss]

Ooooh I'm interested.

@Stormflyx

I put the first post up, but we're still very much recruiting. Secstate and VP are needed.

Edit: As a note, bear in mind that there are international consequences to the choice of venue, as well as the press reaction. The press, of course, tends to complain no matter what is done, but it's also true that the message can be controlled and that certain voices are more important than others in that sphere.

Also, though this is the chief of staff's role more than anything, congressional/senate leadership typically is advised of this in order for them to start spearheading it as well.

It's a lot of communications. It's good to get this started, because it was a fun idea being brainstormed by three friends where we were kind of looking at a presidential admin RP and we thought it'd be more interesting to have a crisis. Then we went way afield for a crisis that would allow all kinds of shit to happen.

[Gunther]

mmmm...Interested, but don't know. Actually with school ending in just over a week, I should have time for something of this size. I don't know what role to take. If you want to give me a role, HS, I can do whichever role you need me for; VP or SecState. CJCofS is probably right up my alley, but I'm a politics guy too.

[Byrd Man]

mmmm...Interested, but don't know. Actually with school ending in just over a week, I should have time for something of this size. I don't know what role to take. If you want to give me a role, HS, I can do whichever role you need me for; VP or SecState. CJCofS is probably right up my alley, but I'm a politics guy too.

@Gunther

Yes. Yes, thank you.

[Darth Shadow]

Secretary of Treasury

Character Sheet

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Name: Hyo “Hill” Araki

Position: Secretary of Treasury

Age: 65

Sex: Male

Physical Description:

Besides from what appeared in the picture, Hyo also appeared with only 4 fingers on his left hand. Due to a terrible traffic accident, the doctor wasn’t able to save his pinky. Except for having these strange moments when he could still feel the pinky existence, there are no mental or physical problems that stopped him from working.

Brief Bio:

Born during the Baby Boomers period (19/11/1955), Hyo was the son of a modest Japanese immigrants family that reside in Califonia. Through dedication and hard-working, Hyo was able to attend Harvard with scholarship in economics and graduated with double majors in economics and social sciences. After graduation, he found himself to be employed by the IRS, an agency that is responsible to find out those that try to evade tax.

The job was easy at first, All that Hyo was responsible to do was rooted out corrupted components within the system. And like a gardener cutting weed and using pesticide, Hyo did that well. Excellent to be true. So it was no surprise for him to rising through ranks. But with more power, Hyo found himself to be dealing with more powerful entities, those that collapse of one will result in at least the fall of thousand others. But still, a patriot for the country that he in love with, beings to file those that failed to stay true to the laws that governed the US. He earned his name as one of the plaintiffs in the Keating Five Scandal trial as well as responsible for a dozen or two cases of companies/corporations' tax evasion.

Despite having a knack for filing bankruptcy as well as tax evasion case, Hyo was also one of a few that advocated for higher deposit premium. But, the public opinion isn’t very fond of the man. So pressure from the Office as well as the people, choose to restrain himself from diving into the political race for the position as the Secretary of Treasury during the Obama and Joe ’s terms (despite having a strong voice within the department, Hyo is only the head commissioner of the IRS). The only time that Hyo was really into politics was during the Andrew James “AJ” Shepard’s political race. Although his motive may be questioned and opened to the public’s eyes, Hyo knew that doing this would solidify the nation’s economy after Joe Biden’s death. And just right after he became the Secretary, an "x" factor appeared out of the sky.

Issues/Agenda:

Although doesn’t fond of and categorization of one’s philosophy, he could be as a called Democrat but himself to on with the Republicans’ side on some affairs.

On the economy, Hyo is favored toward a strong federal state as well as an increase of interactions between the government and the private sectors. In regard of spending, Hyo is in favors of improving the nation’s infrastructures, technologies, and educations while cutting the fund of the army in general.

In regard of the alien affairs, Hyo takes a strong stand in having an independent economy and refuse to let these strangers own companies or properties. Although cooperation is supported.

Miscellaneous

• His jokes are so bad, that it is much better for someone to cut it before it begins. BURN IT BEFORE ITS REPRODUCE!!!
• He has two little devils in his house, and they also have their own two little devils.

[Gunther]

Brienne Sylvester

Appearance

_{courtesy: Angela Paxton}

---

Name: Brienne Sylvester
Position: Vice President
Age: 54 (DOB: 2/14/67)
Sex: Female
Physical Description:

Bri Sylvester is 5’7” tall and weighs 138 Lbs. She has shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes. She is physically fit and dresses conservative.

Brief Bio:

Bri was born and raised in McKinney, TX, an affluent northern suburb of Dallas. Her father served as Attorney General of Texas for over twenty years. Brienne graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1989 and served as a Quartermaster officer in the US Army for five years, finishing as a Captain. Lt. Sylvester was airborne qualified and served with the 307th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. As a young Second Lieutenant, she missed the Airborne Division's deployment to Panama in 1989 in lieu of Quartermaster Officer Basic Course at Ft. Lee, VA. She did however deploy with the 82nd Airborne to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and 1991.

Upon completion of her tour as an army officer, Brienne then attended Baylor University School of Law where she received her JDL in 1997. Brienne, a member of the Texas National Guard served as a JAG officer from 1997 to 2012 when she decided to retire as a Lieutenant Colonel to focus on her political career. Brienne worked in the Public Defender’s office in Dallas for three years after leaving Law School and then was recruited to the Prosecutor’s office. Brienne made several contacts in the political arena while working in Prosecutions.

In 2000, she ran as a Republican and was elected to the State Senate where she served for four years. In lieu of her last two years in the state senate, she ran for the position of US Senator and won in 2004. She held a position in the US senate for sixteen years until she was invited to run as President Andrew Shepard’s running mate in the 2020 election.

Brienne Sylvester is married to Robert Sylvester, who worked as campaign manager and aide to the Governor of Texas. Robert has resigned his position to help his wife with her career as the Vice President of the United States. They have four children; Margaret (25), Robert Jr. (23), Cynthia (20) and Kyle (17).

Issues/Agenda:

Brienne is a fiscal conservative who would like to see a balanced budget amendment created during her time as Vice President. She offered several attempts while serving as US Senator. Bri is a hard-working person requiring very little sleep. She can be an extreme sports junky at times not backing down to a challenge. She is a strong supporter of the second amendment and immigration reform. In the international arena, Brienne would like to see relations with North Korea and Russia to improve yet views the NATO alliance as an important organization necessary in the next decade of global politics. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

[Gunther]

I've read over the character sheets in the Character's tab and copied the IC to a word doc so I can begin reading. Hopefully, I will have time to add to the IC this evening. At a first glance, this is VP Sylvester's impression of the other administration members mentioned.

Michael Gerard, 43, WH Chief of Staff - The VP is suspicious of the CofS and questioned the President's decision to bring him on. She has her eye on him, but respects his opinion regardless.

William "Bill" Birch, 60, NSA - The VP respects Bill's experience in Washington Politics and for most part trusts his advice. She does check some of what he says due to his storied past. She is overall warm to the NSA.

Benton Haynes, 34, Press Secretary - The VP prefers that the Press Secretary allow her to read over his speeches before briefing the press corps. She has grown to respect his writing ability, but is uneasy about his political orientation. She is neutral, but warming to the West Coast Liberal.

Gen. Joseph "Joe" T. Edwards, 63, CJCoS - As a fellow West Point grad, the Vice President loves General Edwards. She trusts his word and will help the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff as much as possible. As a fellow Army Officer, she agrees with the General on his positions regarding sending the nation to war. It is something that needs to thought out for a long time with all other options exhausted.

Abraham Randolph Farran, 66, SecDef, - Who knew there were three West Point Grads in one administration! Bri loves General Farran and supports the man 100%. They are both Airborne qualified, Airborne All The Way! (AATW) They are also both Desert Storm veterans. VP Sylvester secretly wishes she could have had the opportunity to be an infantry officer instead of a quartermaster officer when she was younger.

Hyo “Hill” Araki, 65, SecTreas - Mr. Araki is someone the VP has a lot of respect for. He has a vast knowledge and understanding for the Internal Revenue Code. She trusts his opinion in this realm and is pushing the Treasury Department for a Balanced Budget amendment. She has shared her ideas with Mr. Araki.

@HeySeuss@Byrd Man@Star Lord@Jester@CaptainBritton@Darth Shadow

[HeySeuss]

Let's also start a reading list of interesting books for this RP. We'll put it up on the first page of the OOC.

"The Left Hand of Darkness," by Ursula Le Guin
"The Sirens of Titan," by Kurt Vonnegut
"The Foundation Trilogy," by Isaac Asimov (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation)
"The Uplift Triolgy," by David Brin (Sundiver, Startide Rising, the Uplift War)
"The Forever War" and "Forever Peace" by Joe Haldeman
"The Fountains of Paradise" by Arthur C. Clarke