by Ashlie Minamida » Sat Jan 15, 2022 11:32 pm
Ashlie is pacing through her apartment that is a lot less neat than it used to be. There are dishes drying in a rack, papers scattered on the coffee table and a basket of folded clothes. Granted, it's far from messy, but compared to the almost sterile look it had before it now looks like somebody actually lives here. Someone who is on the phone as she's arranging things on her tablet.
"Yes, local contractors are more than a little overwhelmed with the damages. Not to mention a lot could probably be salvaged with the right powers."
"You're right, the other reasoning is that this is an excellent opportunity to foster cooperation with the wider mutant community."
"Some of it is coming out of the University's funding, but a lot is coming from my personal funds."
"I see it more as an investment. I want to create a sustainable situation and I don't want anybody to feel like they have to buy in, be it with money or labor."
"Oh I'm not turning down volunteers but I'm aware we have a bit of an ivory tower reputation and I want there to be no mistake that we're offering opportunities, not exploitation."
"We have a small vehicle fleet. Only a couple of vans but it should be enough to shuttle between Lambeht and Maldon. I'm looking into alternate solutions for long-term projects."
"Oh no, please, I'm glad you asked." she laughs politely. "I would like to establish a trade-school program and a community garden for starters. We have resources here that could go a long way towards making Lambeth more self-sustaining."
"Aside from a list of interested people? A central location for a community center to help coordinate things. 2000 square feet or so would be sufficient and the same offer as for repairing the flood damage is on the table, of course."
"Fantastic, yes. I will email you the details and contracts so you can look them over. Have a splendid rest of your day." she says before hanging up and actually clenches one fist in celebration to her own surprise.