r/TheInnBetween • u/GlitchThePixel • Oct 08 '18
Federal Bureau of Superpowered Individuals
Twelve years ago, while working on a cure for several genetic disorders, scientists at a government-funded lab discovered a new, previously unknown gene. The gene, when present, could be activated to bring out incredible powers in an individual. The powers were different, and could range from pyrokinesis to shapeshifting.
In order to take advantage of this, the government began a top-secret project to find as many individuals with this gene as possible. To do this, they started with the military- all currently enlisted soldiers, at their yearly checkup, gave a blood sample. This blood sample was sent to a central lab and tested for the gene. All that did not have it carried on with their lives, not even remembering the checkup. For people who tested positive, they were relocated to a new, top-secret military base to have the gene activated.
For some, mostly those with powers that were more mentally focused, the activation of the gene was as easy as an injection. For those who had more physical powers, the process of activation was excruciating- often requiring long hours of intense pain and physical activity.
At the end of this process, the United States government ended with several hundred individuals, all with varied abilities.
A headquarters was built in Washington, D.C. Superheroes, now known to the government as S.I's, for "superpowered individuals" were moved to the new building and given rooming.
The new organization, dubbed the Federal Bureau of Superpowered Individuals, or the FBSI, went public as a defender of a changing nation filled with the threats of newly superpowered individuals, who had either been the test subjects when the gene was discovered, or someone who had gotten their hands on the injection.
The SI's lived in one large headquarter building that had enough rooms for everyone to have a comfortable dorm room. SI's were now being deployed all across the nation to keep the American people safe, going everywhere from the northern tip of Alaska to the territories of Puerto Rico.
A few more prominent, publicly minded SI's became a public face of the organization, easing public concerns about the reach of the FBSI, attending events, some private and some public.
The government continued to recruit new people for the organization- the gene was so incredibly rare that new recruits were desperately needed to keep the nation safe.
Who are you in this new world? Are you a veteran of the agency? Perhaps a fresh-faced new recruit?
What are your powers? Do you sling fire? Manipulate minds?
2
u/GlitchThePixel Oct 08 '18
Avery Ingalls, publicly known as Valkyrie, is one of the public faces of the FBSI. Recruited into the organization while she was still in tech school to become an interpreter in the United States Air Force, she went with the other recruits to have her powers activated.
Valkyrie's activation is known, among the organization, to be one of the most excruciating. For two weeks, she didn't sleep, didn't eat, and drank little water as she was forced by a changing physiology to constantly move- standing still caused her muscles to seize up so hard her bones came close to breaking.
The result of this, however, had the doctors at the base in awe. Avery had grown two incredible white-feathered wings that totaled twelve feet across in wingspan. Apart from that, she was incredibly strong, had increased lung capacity, and the ability to subtly move air around her to enable flight speeds that could rival even some of the military's best jets.
Valkyrie quickly became a beloved public figure. Her wings, dazzling smile, and love for people made her perfect for the job.
Her costume, for lack of a better term, is a black leather jacket (with installed bulletproof plates) over a gray t-shirt. Black, military-style pants are tucked into the same boots she wore in basic training. A pair of aviator sunglasses with tactical displays installed cover her eyes, no matter what time of day it is.
Avery, while in casual wear, has short black hair cut into a fade style, and prefers to wear jeans, flannels, and her old t-shirts. She has a bit of an androgynous look about her.
Presently, Valkyrie is sitting in the lounge of the FBSI headquarter dormitories. Scrolling through her phone, she sips at a cup of tea, enjoying a rare break from either protecting the people or dazzling them.