.the follow up

[Vera M. Solway]

Vera had given it some thought despite the short amount of time she waited before trying to reach back out to Drew. Being a police officer was everything that Vera wanted, and working towards having a child with Devyn was even first on that list... but there was always a different calling. Something that a law enforcement career couldn't really fill inside of her.

There was ringing and even more ringing, to the point where she questioned if Erica really did give her the right number - Until she heard someone pick up.

Her head raised, "Hey... Drew?"

[Drew Conner]

Drew was a busy man. He always had been even back in high school. Now that he was dealing with a son that seemed to be growing at an alarming rate, a cherished marriage he feared neglecting and a ludicrous commitment to his fresh foray into the local political scene he was beginning to wonder if he would ever find enough hours in the day to fit everything in. Even with all things considered Drew's eyes lit up the moment he saw the number flash across the screen of his phone.

Yes. He already had Vera's number. Why wouldn't he? He'd tabbed her long ago as someone worth watching and had even extended a job offer on more than one occasion. Swiping his thumb across the screen he lifted the phone to his ear.

"Misses Solway." Drew said calmly. He leaned back in his office chair and reached his free hand out to scratch Argos, who was lingering nearby, behind the ear. "And to what do I owe for such an unexpected call?"

[Vera M. Solway]

Other officers continued to move and walk past the multi-racial woman, almost making it a bit uneasy for Vera. Maybe it was best if she walked outside, instead of leaning against a corner wall located in the KPD facility.

So she moved, "So, about that offer." Responding the moment he asked, as if she was hoping he hadn't thought about taking the offer back. "I thought about it and I was hoping that there wasn't an expiration date..."

[Drew Conner]

There was no stopping the victorious smirk from spreading across Drew's face as he heard the words come through the tiny speaker of the phone. He leaned back in his chair even more, bringing his feet up to prop them on his desk.

"It's a standing offer, Mrs. Solway." He assured her with a nod, even though she couldn't see it. "There's always an opening at Helios Defense and Security for you. You know the all-mutant division just wouldn't be the same without you."

[Vera M. Solway]

Her fingers raked through her long black locks as she held her phone between her shoulder and ear. Vera glanced around, discovering a slight sign of anxiety as more than a millionthoughts ran through her head, but here she was. This decision was probably best. Chuckling slightly, she nodded. "Great - I mean... I feel welcomed already and I'm not even there yet."

She pressed her lips together for a second before stating anything else. "I just have one question; How are you guys when it comes to maternity leave." She quickly paused before adding on, "Nothing soon, just you know - Maybe sometime in the future."

[Drew Conner]

"Maternity leave?" Drew repeated with a smirk that had yet to waver since he fielded the phone call. As much as he wanted to fudge the truth in order to secure recruiting someone whose name had been circled the first day he started piecing together the all-mutant division of Helios, Drew couldn't bring himself to lie.

"You should know the life of a mercenary isn't family friendly." He said honestly. "Five years is the shortest employment contract we offer. Yes, we exceed all federal regulations regarding maternity leave but I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you the obligations of a security contractor are similar to that of a soldier in the Army. You'll be expected to be available for extended tours in foreign countries as well as frequent trips across the US for training."

Drew paused, frowning a little now as securing a prized recruit didn't seem so cut and dried. "I'm going to be honest with you, Vera." Drew said, dropping the facade of a businessman and, instead, speaking to Vera more as a peer and friend than a potential employer. "If this is something you're seriously considering I'd suggest you talk it over with your wife before making a final decision."

[Vera M. Solway]

Honestly, she didn't really know what kind of answer she'd get from Drew but she just had a feeling that she already knew what she was getting into. And no, this wasn't like any thing from back in their early high school days where she'd rile up some kids in order to be some sort of bodyguard to the Conner. This was way different. This was a whole different ball game.

Taking a deep breath, she gave a single nod, as if he could see it. "Right." Vera understood the contracts and circumstances way before the call and yet she still bothered to give attention to some of the minor set backs. "Uhm." Her brows furrowed sightly, taking his words into consideration as he was right. He was right, he was right.

"You know what? Consider me on board. I will talk it over with Dev tonight, " She chuckled, "Drew, I just... I can't do this cop business anymore. I just feel like my talents could be put to a better use. You know?"

[Drew Conner]

"I'll write your name in pencil. Just in case." Drew replied. He didn't doubt Vera knew what she was getting into, though he would be remiss if he didn't do his due diligence in warning her of the perils of the career path she was taking.

"Next month the team will be spending twenty one days at Fort Benning, Georgia for airborne training." Drew announced. "If you get your final answer before the first of the month I'll make sure you get on the orders."

[Vera M. Solway]

There was a crack of a small smile, "Sounds good." It was seldom that Vera let opportunities pass by, and now that she was older, that didn't mean she'd start letting things pass her by now.

Half of her attention went to a fellow officer who called her name from across the way. Vera greeted with a gestured only to let him know that she needed a minute on the phone. Taking a deep breath, she nodded again, still knowing that he couldn't see it. "Oh, what I wouldn't give to be apart of that."

"I'll talk to her and I'll be sure to reach out to you right after. Thanks again, Drew." There was sincerity in her voice.

[Drew Conner]

Drew gave a faint nod and did, indeed, scribble Vera'a name down on a nearby notepad. If Helios had dealt in office supplies or real estate, bringing in a hand picked recruit would have been a simple, easy process. Unfortunately, given the federal legislature governing private military corporations there were many hoops to be jumped through before Vera would be able to begin her new career as a private security contractor.

"Alright." He said quickly, even with his initial hesitation there was no hiding the contentment in his voice. "Within the next couple days you'll be getting a packet in the mail. It's just a background check for security clearances and other federal documents. It's all standard procedure, the sooner you get that taken care of the sooner we can get you going. If you have any questions you've got my number."