86 Washington State Department Of Emergency Management, Camp Murray Washington, November 27, 0845 AM (1545Z)

Washington State Department Of Emergency Management, Camp Murray Washington, November 27, 0845 AM (1545Z)

Samantha was sitting at the table in the van and working on her homework. The radio that was in the van would occasionally crackle with traffic, but the quiet sound of an Italian composer named Ludovico Einaudi floated through the speakers that were built into the van. When Michelle had sent her back out to the van, her mom and Zoe were discussing the possibility of her becoming Michelle's administrative assistant. Samantha could work any desk in the EOC, having sat the courses for the FEMA Independent Study program. While she studied for her high school diploma, she was also setting her self up to follow in Michelle's footsteps, and had researched schools that would offer an education in the field of Emergency Management. Samantha heard a key in the door and looked up in time to see Rebecca open the door and step into the van. "I thought you were at work..." Samantha said, going back to her homework. "I told Joe that we were in a full activation here," Rebecca sat across from Samantha at the table. "He put me in on leave and told me 'to do my thing'" "Ah," Samantha said. "Mom is trying to convince Zoe to let me do Abby's old job. I think it's partly so she can keep an eye on me easier..." The primary concern, of course, was Samantha falling down. In the van there were a number of things that she could easily hit her head on as she went to the floor. "I mean, I can't imagine a safer place to be than in the bunker that is the EOC..." One thing that was on standby in the EOC was a medic unit. "Did you take your pills?" "Yes," Samantha said. "I just didn't mark it in the app..." Samantha used an app that would alert Rebecca and Michelle if she didn't take her meds. This wasn't generally an issue in the mornings, but was more an issue in the evening. The door of the van opened and Michelle climbed in. "Well, If you want it," Michelle started before she processed that Rebecca was sitting across from Samantha. "Hi Sweetie, what are you doing here?" "I told Joe that we were in a full activation and he told me to go do my thing. I'm on paid leave until we demobilize." "Nice," Michelle said, pulling the door shut to keep the warmth in the van. "Samantha, if you want to be my assistant, the job is yours... Even got you pay and everything." "What about a work permit from the school?" Rebecca asked, confused. "Well, these aren't normal circumstances," Michelle slid into the booth next to Rebecca. "Zoe said she'd fax stuff over to the school to get a permit. You wanted to experience what it's like to work in Emergency Management, here's your chance before you invest a bunch of money into schooling. I need to get back in the the Ops Room. We're gonna have a call with all the involved partners in ten minutes; We will be in 110A" Michelle gave Rebecca a kiss and then gave Samantha a kiss on the forehead. She left the van and went back into the building. "You gonna do it?" Rebecca asked, looking at her daughter. "Like mom said, you've got a very unique opportunity here." "It sounds like you both want me to take the position." Samantha said. "We want you to get experience in what it is that you want to do for a career. I don't know what hours your mom will want you to put in, but you'll be taken care of." Rebecca said. "I don't really have any clothes that would be suitable for an environment like in that building." Samantha said. "No one in that building cares right now, besides I'm sure they could find you some shirts with the EMA logo." Rebecca said, "I want to be in on that call, you coming?" Samantha smiled and grabbed her badge, inhaler and cane.