Threats and Troubles

Threats and Troubles
Myriad potential threats and challenges could confront young augments. Among them, Nexus stands out as the primary menace. With the world growing increasingly perilous, various federal agencies find themselves stretched thin as they endeavour to maintain order and security. However, should your characters cause significant damage or inconvenience to politicians, they risk drawing the attention of multiple organizations onto themselves.

National Security AgencyThe National Security Agency (NSA) is an intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense, under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The NSA is responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign and domestic intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in a discipline known as signals intelligence (SIGINT). The NSA is also tasked with the protection of U.S. communications networks and information systems.[8][9] The NSA relies on a variety of measures to accomplish its mission, the majority of which are clandestine. The NSA has roughly 32,000 employees.

This agency poses significant challenges for superheroes aiming to safeguard their secret identities. Here are key considerations:

Highway and Street Surveillance: Public highways and major streets are extensively monitored by a centralized network of cameras. If you appear on camera and engage in criminal activity or draw attention to yourself, facial recognition software can swiftly match your identity against government databases. Even wearing a mask offers limited protection, as sophisticated software can analyze your gait and attempt to match it with archived footage. However, this process is resource-intensive and time-consuming.

Secondary Location Monitoring: Locations such as shops, malls, and businesses are equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. Accessing this data requires physical interaction with the owner, as it's not accessible via the internet. Legal protocols, including obtaining a warrant, must be followed if the owner declines cooperation.

Cellphone and Surveillance Devices: Surveillance tactics like cellphone tracking or installing bugs in homes or vehicles necessitate judicial warrants, typically with a specified duration. Criminals often exploit disposable phones due to their anonymity. These phones allow for short-term use before being discarded, making it challenging for authorities to trace them. However, if the number is discovered, detailed call records can be obtained.

Drone Surveillance: Drones have emerged as a significant tool utilized by law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and federal authorities, for aerial surveillance. While not yet ubiquitous, their prevalence is increasing with approved budget allocations. Consequently, during periods of heightened criminal activity or significant collateral damage, expect to see a rise in aerial surveillance measures.

The positive aspect is that currently, neither the NSA nor other federal organizations have you on their radar, granting you some breathing room. However, should you pose a threat, cause destruction, or attract the attention of politicians, navigating the ensuing challenges will prove to be formidable.

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health agency of the United States. It is a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a world threatened by dangerous virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a vital institution, much like its real-world counterpart but with some notable differences due to the extraordinary circumstances.

Mission and Focus: The CDC's primary mission would be to study, contain, and ultimately eradicate the plague. Their focus would be solely on understanding the pathogen responsible for the disease, identifying transmission vectors, developing treatments, and implementing preventive measures. The CDC in time of crisis will be supported by the military and will have full executive power on the ground.

The CDC would likely have specialized divisions dealing with a significant outbreak.

Epidemiology Division: Responsible for tracking the spread of the disease, identifying outbreak hotspots, and analyzing patterns of transmission.

Pathogen Research Unit: Tasked with studying the plague-causing pathogen at a molecular level, including its genetic makeup, virulence factors, and potential vulnerabilities.

Clinical Trials and Treatment Development: Focused on testing potential treatments, vaccines, and therapies for the plague, as well as conducting clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
Public Health Response Team: Charged with coordinating emergency response efforts, deploying medical personnel to affected areas, and providing support to local healthcare systems.

Communications and Education Bureau: Responsible for disseminating accurate information about the plague to the public, healthcare providers, and government agencies, as well as educating communities on preventive measures and health practices.
Collaboration and Coordination: The fictional CDC would work closely with other national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, to pool resources, share data, and coordinate response efforts on a global scale.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Research: In order to combat the plague, the CDC would invest heavily in cutting-edge technology, such as advanced diagnostic tools, high-throughput sequencing equipment for rapid pathogen identification, and bioinformatics resources for analyzing large-scale genomic data. Research efforts would be fast-tracked, with scientists working around the clock to develop innovative solutions to contain and treat the disease.

Biocontainment Facilities: The CDC would operate state-of-the-art biocontainment facilities where scientists can safely study the plague-causing pathogen under strict containment protocols. These facilities would adhere to the highest safety standards to prevent accidental release of the pathogen and ensure the safety of personnel working with it.

Overall, the fictional CDC in a world plagued by a major epidemic would be a beacon of hope, leading the charge against the disease with unparalleled expertise, determination, and resolve.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. An agency of the United States Department of Justice, the FBI is also a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and reports to both the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence. A leading U.S. counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigative organization, the FBI has jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crimes.

Unless you commit a federal crime, you won't get on the radar of this agency. However, there are several divisions that you don't want to attract their attention.

CYBERCRIME
Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and our national and economic security. The FBI’s cyber strategy is to impose risk and consequences on cyber adversaries. Our goal is to change the behavior of criminals and nation-states who believe they can compromise U.S. networks, steal financial and intellectual property, and put critical infrastructure at risk without facing risk themselves. To do this, we use our unique mix of authorities, capabilities, and partnerships to impose consequences against our cyber adversaries.

GENETIC AND BIOTECHNOLOGY CRIME UNIT (GBCU)
The GBCU is a specialized division within the FBI tasked with addressing the growing threat of criminal activities in the fields of genetics and biotechnology. As advancements in these areas continue to accelerate, so too do the potential risks posed by misuse, theft, and manipulation of genetic data, organisms, and technologies. The GBCU operates at the intersection of science, law enforcement, and national security to safeguard against such threats.

Key Focus Areas:

Genetic Data Security: The GBCU investigates crimes related to the unauthorized access, theft, or manipulation of genetic data, including breaches of genetic databases, identity theft through genetic information, and illicit genetic testing services.

Biotech Intellectual Property Protection: Protecting intellectual property rights in the biotechnology sector is paramount. The GBCU works to prevent the theft of proprietary biotechnological research, trade secrets, and patented innovations through cybercrime investigations and enforcement actions.

Biosecurity and Biodefense: Safeguarding against the potential misuse of biological agents and biotechnological tools is critical for national security. The GBCU monitors and investigates threats related to bioterrorism, illegal bioweapons development, and the illicit trafficking of biohazardous materials.

Regulatory Compliance and Ethics: Ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines is essential in the rapidly evolving fields of genetics and biotechnology. The GBCU collaborates with regulatory agencies, industry partners, and research institutions to investigate instances of non-compliance, fraud, and unethical conduct.

Emerging Technologies and Threats: The GBCU remains vigilant in identifying and addressing emerging technologies and threats in genetics and biotechnology, such as gene editing technologies, synthetic biology, and the convergence of biotech with other fields like artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION (PID)

The FBI Paranormal Investigations Division (PID) is a covert unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation tasked with investigating and understanding phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation, focusing primarily on cases involving supernatural or paranormal elements attributed to human beings across the USA. Established in response to a surge in unexplained occurrences and the growing recognition of supernatural abilities among certain individuals, PID operates with secrecy and discretion, working to protect the public.

Mission:
PID's mission is twofold: to investigate and contain potentially dangerous supernatural incidents, and to study individuals with paranormal abilities, understanding the nature of their powers and the potential threats they may pose to national security.

Objectives:

Investigate supernatural crimes: PID responds to reports of crimes involving supernatural elements, such as psychic phenomena, telekinesis, or other abilities beyond normal human capability. These cases often involve homicides, kidnappings, or other serious offenses where paranormal factors are suspected.

Monitor paranormal threats: PID monitors individuals or groups with significant paranormal abilities, assessing the potential risks they pose to society and national security. This includes tracking down rogue psychics, telepaths, or other supernaturally gifted individuals who may exploit their powers for criminal or terrorist activities.

Research paranormal phenomena: PID conducts scientific research to better understand the nature and origin of supernatural abilities. This involves collaboration with experts in fields such as parapsychology, quantum physics, and neuroscience to unravel the mysteries of the human mind and its connection to the paranormal.

Train agents in paranormal tactics: PID provides specialized training to FBI agents in dealing with supernatural phenomena and individuals with paranormal abilities. This includes techniques for neutralizing threats posed by such individuals, as well as strategies for gaining their cooperation in investigations.

NYPDNew York City Police Department (NYPD) serves as the primary law enforcement agency tasked with maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the peace within the bustling metropolis of New York City. As of January 2025, the NYPD employed over 50,000 individuals, including police officers, detectives, civilian employees, and various administrative and support staff.

Size and Structure: The NYPD is a complex organizational structure, comprising various bureaus, divisions, and precincts spread across the city. These units would include patrol, investigations, special operations, traffic enforcement, narcotics, counterterrorism, and more, each with specialized roles and responsibilities.

Technology and Resources: The NYPD might have access to advanced technology and resources beyond those of the real world. This could include futuristic crime-fighting tools such as drones for aerial surveillance, advanced facial recognition software, predictive analytics algorithms to anticipate criminal activity, and cutting-edge forensic techniques for solving cases.

Training and Expertise: The officers of the fictional NYPD undergo rigorous training to handle the challenges present in the world. This could involve specialized training in dealing with supernatural phenomena, advanced combat techniques for facing powerful adversaries, and knowledge of futuristic weaponry or defensive measures.

Special Units: To address specific threats or phenomena unique to a supernatural world, the NYPD are developing specialized units dedicated to dealing with them. For example, like the FBI they have their own Paranormal Investigations Unit tasked with handling supernatural occurrences. They definitely have a Cybercrime Division focused on combating digital threats and cyber attacks. If Augments and Mutants attack become frequent in the city, you can count on them to develop their own Task Force for dealing with individuals with superhuman individuals.

Community Relations: The fictional NYPD would work to build positive relationships with the diverse communities of New York City. They might implement community policing initiatives tailored to address the needs and concerns of different groups within the city, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public.

Legal Framework: They can operate under special mandates or emergency powers granted by government agencies to deal with extraordinary threats or crises.

Overall, the fictional NYPD is a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity, adapting to the challenges of their world while steadfastly upholding their duty to serve and protect the people of New York City.

FrostVirus
Earth is grappling with a new strain of coronavirus that emerged unexpectedly, spreading with alarming speed and severity. This strain, dubbed "FrostVirus" by the media due to its origins in regions of extreme cold, wreaked havoc primarily in Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, and North Korea.

At first, the world watched with concern as reports trickled in from these northern regions. The FrostVirus seemed particularly adept at surviving and spreading in colder climates, catching health authorities off guard. As winter set in, the virus found fertile ground in the frigid air and close-knit communities of these countries.

In Canada, bustling cities like Toronto and Montreal became epicenters of the outbreak. The virus thrived in the densely populated urban areas, overwhelming hospitals and healthcare systems. Despite Canada's advanced medical infrastructure, the sheer volume of cases strained resources to the breaking point. Remote Indigenous communities, already vulnerable, faced devastating losses as the virus swept through.

In Russia, the sprawling nation struggled to contain the spread, especially in Siberia and other remote regions. The FrostVirus infiltrated even the most isolated communities, testing the limits of Russia's vast healthcare network. Moscow and St. Petersburg, already bustling metropolises, became scenes of desperation as hospitals overflowed and makeshift treatment centers sprang up.

Scandinavia, known for its high standard of living and efficient healthcare systems, faced a formidable challenge in combating the FrostVirus. Countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland grappled with balancing personal freedoms with public health measures. Despite swift government action and widespread testing, the virus stubbornly persisted, causing spikes in cases and straining social cohesion.

In North Korea, the secretive regime faced a crisis unlike any other. With a highly controlled society and limited access to outside information, the true extent of the outbreak was difficult to ascertain. However, reports trickling out hinted at a dire situation, with the virus spreading rapidly despite the regime's efforts to contain it. The isolated nation found itself increasingly isolated as neighboring countries closed borders and international aid struggled to reach its people.

As the FrostVirus continued its relentless march, the world watched in horror and solidarity. International aid poured into affected regions, medical experts collaborated across borders, and scientists raced to develop effective treatments and vaccines. Governments implemented strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, and public health campaigns to slow the spread.

In the United States
In response to the FrostVirus outbreak spreading from Canada and other northern regions, the United States swiftly implemented a comprehensive strategy to protect its citizens while respecting civil liberties. This involved establishing robust surveillance systems at key points of entry to detect potential cases early on. Concurrently, extensive public health education campaigns were launched to inform citizens about the virus and promote essential preventive measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

Recognizing the importance of a strong healthcare infrastructure, the United States invested significantly in expanding hospital capacity and procuring medical supplies. Targeted quarantine and isolation measures were enacted to contain outbreaks, with a focus on minimizing further transmission while respecting individual rights. Throughout, the government remained committed to upholding civil liberties, implementing public health measures judiciously, and ensuring that restrictions were necessary, proportionate, and temporary.

The United States responded to the FrostVirus threat by constructing a controversial barrier along its northern border with Canada. This wall, equipped with advanced surveillance technology and manned by border patrol agents, aimed to prevent potential cross-border transmission of the virus. While criticized as divisive, proponents argued it was necessary for public health and national security, given concerns about infected individuals entering undetected. Despite debates, the wall remained a prominent feature of the U.S. response, symbolizing the gravity of the situation and the nation's commitment to curbing the virus's spread.