Heroism 103: Rescue Operation Theory [Open]

Bless the hearts of the young, UA High delivered on quite the oddballs to show-up to his lecture. Ken had finally grabbed hold over his heart's pumping and drummed it into a much more stable tempo when the first of three had arrived. It wasn't exactly a regular type of class opportunity and had been mostly optional - or so he had been told - so a small turnout was better than nothing. The massive reptilian girl and quite the lively one were hastily making friends; it was a stark contrast to Ken's normal social life. All the younger adults and teens at the agency headquarters were quiet around him for one reason or another. Seeing them so energetic for his class made his chest swell with pride, but it wasn't until the chubby lad approached that Boomer looked down and froze.

He likes... Rescue Heroes? But I'm not even-... well, I guess I could be one now, but...

The older man reached out and took Bruce's hand, his visor helping to hide his own doubt. "Of course! And it's not just a hero's dedication to saving them that matters!"

As Ken released Bracker's shake attempt without giving it a proper up-and-down, the man took control of the atmosphere and sat one hand on his hip. He didn't look the part of a suited up hero but his casual attire didn't stem his own realization at what he could teach. Something that UA had drilled into him when he had once been the star of his class and poised to become the top hero. The creed that every Maki hero learned and enforced back in their part of Japan. Ken's finger jutted up and wagged, his heart beating two times with enough noise to drum through the entire building and definitely wake up any lazy students trying to nap nearby.

"All of you must remember that a hero's job starts in saving others... but in a rescue operation, nothing can make a bigger difference than keeping morale high! If you can aid civilians, then do so! If all you can do is give them hope, that may aid them in holding out until they're safe! Smile and keep spirits high!"

He swung his arm up and out, almost like a dab, and bent his arm in a flex. "Your first lesson might sound simple but entrench it into your hearts! That's what Yell-... Boomer would tell you! If a parent is willing to hold on until you reach them, they may save a child they're shielding! Never let your heart-... demeanor... falter!"

I sound so corny. This is what it feels like to get old, I think.

The massive-sized lass gazing in from the window had raised a point that left Boomer's hand lingering in the air. Her specific situation wasn't usual but it did make his mind think back to his own career. There had been times where his size upset small children but that stopped with every rescue or villain he beat. Now, with his visor, he attracted more eye-rolls than he garnered fear; Ken didn't have the entire specifics but let his hand fall with a sigh, looking up at the dino-dame.

"It might sound strange, but scaring civilians will be part of your early career." Ken reached up and tapped his visor. "Even I scare people to this day... but if you choose to do Search and Rescue, you'll have a natural advantage. You're not only big but I assume you're strong when the time calls for it, right? In time, even if you think you're making them fear you that may change; your reputation will turn that scary grin into one every kid could recognize. First the adults will change... and then the rest."

The banter of the peppy girl and the strange mention of rescue did garner some attention but not enough to break his focus. STANDFAST had hired him despite his appearances because he took to the conventions of traditional heroism; if this student and her reptilian features made folks uneasy, she needed to understand that it was merely the part of uncertainty every hero faced. The differences between vigilantes and heroes often lied in the persistence to make the public safe whilst abiding diligently to ideals. Vigilantes barely signed paperwork while heroes were necessarily dedicated. Yet the brought-in lecturer finally turned his attention - nervously - to Bruce, his heart beating a bit faster and loud enough to hear. Versatile quirks weren't exactly something he excelled in; Ken's quirk could help in rescue operations for destroying rubble, but it was otherwise an exclusively combative quirk.

"W-Well... I'd say it would depend on the situation! If you are alone and the civilians nearby aren't in immediate danger, the villain would be the better prospective danger. Loose villains in a rescue site can greatly increase the dangers to both hero and civilian alike, after all. But in the situation that they need your help or you're not alone, you should determine how best to save them without throwing your own life away. Teammates can protect you in groups, but alone... you may find there are hard decisions to make."

Truth be told, I only faced a situation or two like that and they barely worked out. Rescuing someone isn't a simple yes or no, check-off or check-on. Rescue is...

Ken's mind trailed into silence, realizing the right words he could use. The teacher grabbed the tiny podium rather uncomfortably, looking directly at Bruce. "Rescue Operations aren't easy, kid. So long as you don't make things worse, no one faults a hero who partakes in saving others. If you have to choose and you lose a life, it may stay in your mind for a long time. Although this is the case, people still choose to do it... because if you don't, someone else will have to. If no one does, then far more lives would be lost. Your decisions should be to save as many lives as you can, even at the risk of your own well-being if need be."