MIRA Mid-Atlantic Center - Washington, DC

MIRA Mid-Atlantic Center - Washington, DC Oct 24, 2021 18:50:39 GMT

Post by Scramjet on Oct 24, 2021 18:50:39 GMT

FILE COPY - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

SITE DOSSIER: MIRA MID-ATLANTIC CENTER

FILE Nº A-0001-L, METAHUMAN INCIDENT RESPONSE AGENCY

4620 SMITH ST SW, WASHINGTON, DC 20032, UNITED STATES

SUBSET Nº1: LAVERNE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

I. GENERAL INFORMATION.

A. SUBSET OVERVIEW

Purchased in the Spring of 2020 by the Department of Defense for immediate renovations, the Brock LaVerne Administrative Building-- commonly referred to as the "LaVerne Building", or simply "LaVerne"-- is the nerve center of operations for not just MIRA Mid-Atlantic, but the entire Metahuman Incident Response Agency. While the entirety of the MIRA Campus was once a mill complex, about 15,000 of the 20,000 square foot property was demolished and rebuilt from the ground up along the Potomac River. Construction ultimately ended a year later in the Spring of 2021, with the building formally cleared for occupancy on 01Jul21-- just over a week before the Jurors' first address at the Washington Monument. Renovation and construction efforts continue as of 20Oct21.

The tactical and psychological relevancy of ideological centers for "superheroes"-- see "BASES AND SIGIL LOCALES" under Code 3, Act 1 of the MIRA Classification Guidelines-- has resulted in the need for a transparent and visible beacon of activity for Jurors and affiliate superheroes. While initial efforts for remediation of popular landmarks have since resulted in a stalemate from concerned parties, the possibility of constructing a new center for these affairs presented itself as an option and was subsequently embarked upon by the Department of Defense. The LaVerne Administrative Building presents itself not just as the MIRA Headquarters of Operations, but the symbolic center of heroism for those who believe in the ideals the organization represents. As a result, the building's exterior and interior utilize neoclassical architectural styles to produce a similar appearance to current United States monuments. Test groups taken on tours of the facility before its opening have noted its grand scale, large antechambers, and choice of material invoke feelings of awe^[1] and grandiosity. Given the motif of heroism often being cited as "bigger than oneself", in a casual sense, these psychological effects are desirable.

II. PUBLIC ACCESS.

A. F1 - GROUND LEVEL

Open to the general public as a monument and general museum, the ground floor of the LaVerne Administrative Building is a means of preserving the history of superheroism and the societal perception of metahumans. The level itself is broken into multiple exhibits, each with a different "theme" and display in mind. General admission to the western museum section is 5 dollars, while the eastern gallery portion of the floor is free to visitors.

While transparency in ability and persona to the general populace is of the utmost concern, the disclosure of sensitive information and weaknesses regarding each of the Jurors is strictly forbidden under MIRA guidelines as per Code 3, Act 2 of MIRA Classification Guidelines (see section “SOVEREINGTY OF IDENTITY”). As a result, some museum graphics and informational diagrams are deliberately vague or misleading, should a criminal or enemy of the United States attempt to utilize this public-access facility to further an Anti-American agenda and formulate tactics against each Special Agent. Embellishment of abilities or reductionist conclusions have been systematically planted throughout each exhibit with the intent of formulating “half-truths”.^[2]

i. F1A - SCRAMJET EXHIBIT

An informational exhibit regarding Juror Scramjet's abilities and biology. This exhibit in particular is at the start of the museum tour, and symbolically placed first as a means of referencing Scramjet's role on the Jurors: the first on-scene as a Shock Specialist.

Interactive displays with barometric systems allow onlookers to observe the g-forces and pressure differentials at work while Scramjet utilizes his metahuman ability. Speedometers display how fast the Juror may run at a given moment, along with visual comparisons to real-life locomotives and aircraft vehicles. A replica of Scramjet's suit (NON-FUNCTIONAL VARIANT) is also housed in a display case at the forefront of the hall.

Additionally, indentations and carvings in the shape of bootprints are present through the length of the exhibit hall. These display the distance Scramjet travels in a single pace, as dictated by vinyl graphics beside each print. Activatable vacuum chambers also provide a practical demonstration of how the Special Agent's abilities work in dispelling and concentrating air, along with infographics and tubing displays to demonstrate the unique fluid dynamics of Scramjet's cardiovascular system.

A tracking platform is set up for visitors to run at a top speed in a set duration at the corner of the exhibit. A monthly leaderboard is pruned, with the top speed holder^[3] displayed at the treadmill. An offer to meet with Scramjet for an autograph is also given.^[4]

ii. F1B - GRYMSKULL EXHIBIT

An informational exhibit regarding Juror Grymskull's abilities and biology. This hall in particular portrays a variety of interactive videos and technological displays, symbolic of the Special Agent's role in the Jurors as the Technical Specialist of the team.

Dioramas explaining the basic functions of the Juror's weaponry are placed throughout the exhibit. In particular, there is a replica of Grymskull's suit (NON-FUNCTIONAL VARIANT) and the energy weaponry he employs while on-site for incidents. The physics behind each piece of weaponry are demonstrated in other interactive equipment displays, though proprietary blueprints and specific functions are not shown to the general public. Additionally, biological informatics are placed at the northern corner of the exhibit to provide an overview of Grymskull's advanced healing factor and enhanced strength.

A viewing theater for documentaries on the cellular chemistry behind metahuman "healing factors" is open throughout the day and plays a showing every 30 minutes. Monthly design contests are held through partnering with local and national outreach programs, with the top 3 designs being displayed for the duration of the following month at the end of the exhibit. 1st place winners receive engineering and design expertise from Grymskull himself in a formal letter. Should the Juror not be available for written comment, an intern will be delegated the responsibility after brief consultation with Johnson.

iii. F1C - BASILICA EXHIBIT

An informational exhibit regarding Juror Basilica's abilities and biology. This exhibit employs a variety of audio-visual aids as a result of the largely sonic nature of the Special Agent's factor-set.

Listening booths are placed near the beginning of the exhibit to acquaint the listener with the concept of harmonic frequency and resonance. Additionally, CAD programs displaying digital modeling of Basilica's unique vocal chords allows museum guests to observe the Juror's metahuman physiology. Guests may also listen to vocal samples of Basilica-- edited as to not damage audio equipment or the listener's hearing-- at varying frequencies and tonal outputs. Additionally, a stage show at the center of the exhibit displays the extent of Basilica's harmonic frequency ability and shatters multiple glass objects under an enclosed dome. An attendant runs the show every hour.

An exhibit explaining the lift and aerodynamic physics of Basilica's suit is also present. Guests may interact with a display near the end of the hall and attempt to find the harmonic frequency of different objects. Additionally, small plaques comparing audio amplifier output to the Juror's own biological capabilities show the disparity of power, as well as reinforce Basilica's strength when responding to incidents.

iv. F1D - GENERAL EXHIBITS

This portion of the floor houses general superhero trivia, historical metahuman figures, and artifacts pertaining to anthropological metahuman proto-societies that were speculated to exist up to 10,000 years ago. The exhibits increase in date as the guest travels the building, eventually arriving at the modern day and circling back to the front of the Scramjet exhibit. Other government metahuman projects are showcased through varying exhibits, and superhero culture as a whole is examined and discussed. A conference hall is given to weekly speakers on these subjects, with panels of heroes and other experts on metahuman anthropology and biology in frequent attendance.

The concept of what it means to be a metahuman is a topic of frequent discussion throughout each of the exhibits, with a purposeful focus upon the changing perception of factor-present humans throughout recorded history. Careful analysis is given to certain historical and anthropological events and recordings, such as the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s and ancient mythological figures. The accuracy of absolutism in religion and godhood is examined in choice exhibits.

v. F1E - STONE FOUNDATION GIFT SHOPPE

A gift shop containing pieces of debris and other building materials destroyed by supervillains. Refuse that is no longer deemed recyclable is donated to local craft boutiques and workshops, and creations are bought by MIRA to sell as parting gifts to museum guests. All proceeds are given to the Stone Foundation, established by MIRA Director Leonard Stone at the onset of the agency's inception. The foundation primarily deals with remediation efforts for property destroyed in metahuman incidents, with an emphasis on aid being granted to low-income communities. Baltimore in particular has primarily benefited from the Stone Foundation, and efforts are currently being made to incorporate other cities along the Eastern Seaboard.

Glass shards manipulated and warped by Basilica, repurposed debris displaced by Scramjet, and uniquely scorched metal by Grymskull made into sculptures are but a few of the commodities present in the shop. Additionally, all proceeds from the general admission price are given to the Stone Foundation.

vi. F1F - PUBLIC GALLERY

The easternmost portion of the LaVerne Building. Here, donated works line the halls with historical context given on informational plaques and pamphlets. Each work relates to metahuman culture or speculated depictions of factor-present individuals and battles; most prominently, a 12-foot statue of Diomedes stands at the center of the gallery, along with historical context of the Trojan War provided to guests beside the display.

III. RESTRICTED ACCESS.

A. F2 - ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL

MINIMUM CLEARANCE: BLU-0. The second level of the LaVerne building houses the majority of MIRA's clerical workers, profilers, and administrative professionals. Much like the floor below it, the architecture and styling of F2 is reminiscent of Capitol interiors. Badge access is required on each stairwell and elevator to the Administrative Level. Trespassing is strictly forbidden and carries a minimum fine of 4,000 USD.

Closed tours of the level are given to eligible parties and prospective interns.

B. B1 - ARCHIVES

MINIMUM CLEARANCE: BLU-0. The singular basement level of the LaVerne building houses archival warehouses for minimum-security records, archival documents, and museum pieces not yet implemented into the gallery. Public-access documentation available on metahumans may be granted to civilians through advanced reservation. Private viewing rooms are supplied at the rear of the floor. Accessible by elevator and stairwell; no direct exterior exits. Historical records also present.

SUBSET Nº2: SPARROW BUILDING

I. GENERAL INFORMATION.

A. SUBSET OVERVIEW

While the LaVerne Administrative Building largely serves as a symbolic center of cultural operations for MIRA Mid-Atlantic and the agency as a whole, the Sparrow Building houses much of the practical operations for incident response and factor research. Having largely been preserved from its previous state as a textile mill before purchase by the DoD, its industrial architecture stands in stark contrast to the newly-renovated LaVerne building in both style and substance.

All of MIRA's activities within the Sparrow Building are of strict confidence and require an IMAS Clearance Rating of BLU-9 or higher for direct access and acknowledgement. Personnel are placed under a strict 1-month scrutiny period to determine eligibility and security risk before being allowed on-site, and visitors are to be accompanied by a verified escort at all times. With over 80% of the site located underground, all subterranean floors have been reinforced with a high-strength bunker lattice commonly present within fallout shelters; in order to combat direct threats from high-stake metahumans, foundational flooring and walling has been further reinforced with energy-resistant lead lining and earthquake-resistant supports.

Additional safeguards have been placed inside the Sparrow Building to protect against extraplanar threats. Rapid-Displacement Pressure and Volume (RDPV) sensors line every floor and are linked to a comprehensive alarm system, with the ability to seal off corridors also present. Sprinkler systems hooked to irritant aerosol tanks also allow the ability to prevent or impede access to certain areas of the facility, allowing for adaptive defense should the site be beached from the inside. Standard fire protection and safety systems are also in place. Pressurized fire-foam is employed to extinguish incendiary metahumans, should they ever be present and active on-site in a manner that directly harms personnel or security.

II. LOW-SECURITY.

A. F1 - ATRIUM

MINIMUM CLEARANCE: BLU-1. The Atrium of the Sparrow Building was previously the spacious production floor before being hollowed out and evacuated of its manufacturing equipment for use by MIRA. Low-security engineers are present in workshops along this floor. Of particular note is the reinforced and windowless training area at the southernmost portion of the building, with soundproofing and shock-resistant reinforcements placed along the walls to afford Jurors the highest amount of confidentiality and focus possible.

Onboarding operations for Junior Profilers and Junior Analysts take place within the easternmost portion of the Atrium, which houses a small administrative office area distinct from the LaVerne Building.

III. HIGH-SECURITY.

A. B1|B2|B3|B4|B5 - THE COLOR LEVELS

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MINIMUM CLEARANCE: VARIABLE. The subterranean floors of the Sparrow Building, dubbed the Color Levels, serve as the primary analytics and informatics center for MIRA's advanced threat response systems. Workers of a Junior through Master level are housed here, with each subsequent floor growing smaller and smaller in general surface area underground.

There are five Color Levels total. Each floor corresponds to a particular threat level (see "THREAT-STAKE LEVELS" under Code 1, Act 1 of MIRA Classification Guidelines): BLU, GRN, YLW, ORG, and RED, each with escalating confidentiality and clearance requirements. The first of these levels is B1, or LVL-BLU.

Each level contains its own ecosystem of workers, rooms, and operations, with interaction beyond the scope of each floor deliberately kept to a bare minimum as to reduce the risk of data breaches. BLU interacts with BLU, YLW interacts with YLW, and so on. Occasionally, resources from a higher clearance level may be de-escalated to lower clearances; the reverse is strictly prohibited, as such work would be beyond the typical clearance level for that resource. There are five departments total within each floor: LOGISTICS, SITE SECURITY, COMMUNICATIONS, ARCHIVES, and INVESTIGATIONS. Each floor has a general manager for these departments which report to the Senior Manager at the RED level. These LVL-RED managers, in turn, report directly to Director Stone. All Jurors are to be allowed full access to the resources of the Sparrow Building at the discretion of the Director, and they are also to be granted a rolling RED-9 clearance level for usage of the on-site IMAS Systems.

i. BXA - GENERAL OFFICES

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MIRA's ability to accurately interpret and respond to threats is largely dependent upon the analytics teams within the Sparrow Building. While each floor retains its specific logistical team for usage at that specific threat level, the LVL-BLU offices are the largest of all sub-bureaus on-site; many Junior Analysts and Junior Profilers make their start on the B1 level and work their way upwards in clearance.

General offices contain the LOGISTICS, INVESTIGATIONS, and COMMUNICATIONS departments. The INVESTIGATIONS Unit houses multiple huddle rooms for interview purposes, while the COMMUNICATIONS Unit is primarily responsible for outgoing transmissions monitoring and securing available routes of data dissemination. LOGISTICS Units house the site's server rooms and analytical AI systems, with each level housing its own data on a closed "loop". Data may be de-classified from its respective "loop" and circulated to lower clearance levels as necessary.

The most notable idiosyncrasy that MIRA possesses is its method of record retention. While levels B1 and B2 primarily deal with digital means of communication and datakeeping, levels B3 through B5 employ increasingly anachronistic technology to the point of reverting most technological methods to their analog and mechanical counterparts. This includes, but is not limited to: a strict paper-record basis for all matters at B3 and beyond; mandated typewriters for office personnel at B3 and beyond; mechanical computational equipment for engineers and analysts, if needed; isolated and antiquated servers for necessary software and digital logs; wire telephone systems; telegraph systems in place along B3, B4, and B5 for purpose of coded communication via telegram; short-wave radio systems for wireless communication, if needed; a sealed messenger tube network for correspondence and record transportation. The usage of antiquated technological systems is primarily to safeguard against hackers, cyberspace manipulators, technopathic metahumans, and information breaches originating from beyond the territory of the Sparrow Building.

ii. BXB - INCIDENT ROOMS

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The Sparrow Building's multiple Incident Rooms serve as the communications hub between field agents and analysts during an active incident. Rooms are divided into the levels they represent; for logistical and low-risk on-site incidents, the BLU-Incident room is used. For incidents involving indirectly allied or GREEN designate superheroes, the GRN-Incident room is used. YELLOW designate incidents are directed to YLW, ORANGE to ORG, and the highest-risk incidents are directed to the RED-Incident room, which employs analysts and communications officers with the highest seniority. MIRA Director Leonard Stone is required to be in attendance at all RED-Threat incident response meetings. Correspondence inside and out of each room during an active incident is prohibited outside of mandatory informational exchanges, and all communication is strictly monitored to guard against the security of transmissions and technology.

In the field, agents are supplied with modified technology to ease the transition and barrier from antiquated to modern systems. SecureView is the most used client of all onboard MIRA software, and is used as the primary means of digital document access, communication, and data retention while out in the field. All digital records are transferred to paper records when the agent returns on-site, with the former being completely wiped to ensure maximum confidentiality.

Members of each sub-bureau corresponding to the room's level are required at each incident response conference, which includes but is not limited to: LOGISTICS, SITE SECURITY, COMMUNICATIONS, ARCHIVES, and INVESTIGATIONS. RED designate incidents require workers from LVL-RED, YELLOW from LVL-YLW, and so on. Personnel from floors of higher clearance may attend conferences of a lower threat designate, but the reverse is strictly forbidden. All conferences (and interviews, for that matter, at any floor in the Sparrow Building) are monitored and logged. Conferences of YELLOW designate and higher are to be logged on 35mm film and stored in fire-proofed archival storage rooms (see BXC- ARCHIVES).

iii. BXC - ARCHIVES

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As housing any confidential records off-site would run the risk of catastrophic data breaches, all of MIRA's files and available consultation data regarding metahuman targets, Threat-Stake assessments, and ongoing operations are housed within archival departments corresponding to each Color Level. Paper records are kept in sealed and encoded dockets, and strict access logs are maintained to prevent misuse and violations of data integrity. Contemporaneous measures are taken to date, enter, and retire records with efficiency and accuracy. Viewing rooms for the contents of each ARCHIVES Unit are housed directly within the floor's departmental block. Access to ORG-0 records and above require a licensed specialist to be present at all times during viewing.

iv. BXD - SECURITY

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With the Sparrow Building's status as a secure government site, ensuring sufficient deterrence and protection against enemies of the state, rogue metahumans, and other unforeseen threats is an essential priority. On-site security personnel boast the finest standards of weaponry, training, armor, and tactics available, with Jurors on standby to provide ancillary support if needed. Any attack on a MIRA Site is to be considered a RED-X Incident-- immediate response needed. This includes the withdrawal and redirection of Special Agents away from any lesser priority events.

Also of note is the shared ownership of dispatch duties with COMMUNICATIONS Units across the site. Calls to available hotlines are traced, triangulated, monitored and verified with the shared resources of either department to brief Special Agents en-route to confirmed incidents.

SECTION NºXA: NOTABLE AREAS

I. SPARROW BUILDING - B3A. "HANGAR".

The primary means of transport for the Jurors is via MIRA VTOL, and the Hangar subsection of LVL-YLW houses air transport for the Special Agents should the need arise. Submarine transport is also available. Each vehicle departs via airlock at the far end of the hangar, opening up into the bottom of the Potomac River and draining with every use. Airlock defenses include a collapsible seal and 10-foot thickened and reinforced exterior blast doors. MIRA-verified transports are all equipped with pressurized and waterproofed cabins.

II. SPARROW BUILDING - B5G. "OFFICE OF DIRECTOR STONE".

The office of MIRA Director of Operations Leonard Stone is housed within the LVL-RED floor of the Sparrow Building. Available via appointment. A projector wall is housed behind the desk, should the need for film review arise. Quarterly evaluations of Site Managers and Jurors occur within the Office of the Director.

III. SPARROW BUILDING - B6█. "THE RED ROOM".

Following the failure of the ██████████ ██████ "OPERATION HOMEBOUND" on December ██th, ████, a ██████████ ███████ ████████ ███ ████ ██ ███████ ██████ at █████████ within present-day Bosnia-Herzegovina. The need for an adaptive intelligence trained to respond to threats with extreme precision was paramount at this time, and a Black-Site project was initially greenlit by the CIA in November of 1993 in order to develop a highly-advanced threat recognition and response system for use by United States intelligence agencies. Much of this program entered an inactive state by the turn of the century, with efforts reignited to develop the technology by early 2002. By 2006, the project once again entered an inert state-- until late 2020, when United States intelligence came into possession of a RED-█ neurologically enhanced metahuman by the name of ██████ ███████. At this time, ███████ was largely comatose after having suffered multiple focal onset aware seizures, resulting in hallucinatory episodes and inexplicable full-body paralysis. Brain activity was substantial despite the vegetative state, and it was at this time that both the body and focus of the 1993 Project-- dubbed "NERVE" in classified documents as a working title-- were transferred to the division of the Department of Defense that would inevitably become MIRA.

While Jurors are partially aware of this project, the true scope of the project is known only to Project NERVE participants and Director Stone himself. The "RED ROOM", accessible only through transportation services housed within Stone's private office, is the staging area for all related activities. Mr. ███████ is believed to hold an immense capacity for information due to the neurological structure present within his brain, and while the abundance of seizures before his comatose state is of great concern to project participants, it is Director Stone's belief that the consciousness and mind of ███████-- deemed "THE APPARATUS" in NERVE documentation-- will prove an instrumental asset to threat prediction and response (see "PRECOGNITIVE METAHUMANS" under Code 5, Act 4 of MIRA Classification Guidelines). While the prevalence and mere existence of clairvoyant factors is a subject of intense debate, the output of THE APPARATUS and its speculated ability to outpace even the most advanced artificial algorithmic intelligences-- and human minds, for that matter-- make it a promising advancement. It is Director Stone's belief that THE APPARATUS will serve as the foundation for Project NERVE.

██████ ███████ has not displayed the ability to form decisions or respond to stimulus, meaning his express consent is not yet needed within the scope of NERVE.

SECTION NºXB: DOCUMENT APPENDIX

SUBSET NO.1 FOOTNOTES.

[1] Of a 1,000-participant pilot study, over 72% of participants recalled a profound emotional response to available display artwork and the architectural styling of the LaVerne building. Further efforts are being explored to heighten and prolong this psychological effect.
[2] Of a 1,000-participant pilot study, only 3.3% with a .01% MoE were able to correctly discern erroneous factoids within the presented exhibits. Such misinformation was later deemed "too obvious" by consultant analysts, with a majority of the discovered mistruths belonging specifically to Special Agent Sidar Kask and Special Agent Anthony Johnson.
[3] The leaderboard is routinely pruned. No repeat winners.
[4] Somebody please inform Juror Scramjet to stop giving autographs out for free. It dampens the current reward for his exhibit. - CA

SUBSET NO.2 FOOTNOTES.

N/A.

SECTION NO.XA FOOTNOTES.

N/A.

END DOCUMENT

SITE DOSSIER - FILE Nº A-0001-L

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