"We commend Konori, Shirai, and Uiharu for facing danger, and we support the Chief's proposal to enhance personal safety measures. However, we need your plan for implementation."
"Excellent. I propose Judgment leverages data-driven solutions more effectively. I'll elevate each branch's authority and equip every officer with advanced intelligent devices. These will instantly check a target's data in our database upon encounter, providing critical insights."
"Additionally, each device will have an emergency function. When an officer deems a target too dangerous or difficult, they can signal nearby Judgment members for aid. If no capable units are within a kilometer, the request will reach headquarters, and I'll deploy intelligent robots to neutralize the threat. Officers can then retreat immediately to ensure their safety."
"Agreed!"
This was undeniably beneficial for Judgment, and the branch leaders readily approved.
"Very well. Next, we address Judgment welfare. My idea is to treat officers like Anti-Skill, providing a monthly salary."
Judgment officers typically volunteered, their only benefits being extra credits or smoother scholarship applications.
Beyond that, there were no perks—just significant risks.
Samuel's "salary" plan was a move toward professionalization, turning Judgment into a job. By funding salaries, he'd gain tangible authority.
Academy City's budget didn't cover this, so Samuel would personally fund it, subtly aligning Judgment's influence with his interests.
For instance, criminals tied to Samuel might evade capture.
But his main goal was to amass leverage.
If a higher-up targeted him, they'd need to cover those salaries, or risk losing a key pillar of Academy City's stability.
People could live without gains, but once they had them, they'd fight to keep them.
Once accustomed to salaries, Judgment wouldn't tolerate losing them.
"I agree. Everyone works hard; this welfare is only fair."
She understood Samuel's intent and supported it. His success would grant her, as deputy chief, leverage to rival the Shinomiya Group.
"This…"
No one in the room was naive—they all saw the implications. But Samuel's offer was substantial.
They wanted it, as did their rank-and-file officers. Not all joined Judgment for ideals; an organization built on ideals alone was fragile.
While most officers were espers with stipends, lower-level ones barely scraped by.
A salary would free them from part-time jobs, granting more time.
"I object!"
Iino Miko slammed the table and standing.
"Judgment is a sacred duty. We maintain Academy City's order voluntarily. Salaries would make it mercenary, attracting unsavory types, like with Anti-Skill, leading to a mixed bag. And the money—where's it from? Outside investors? What happens when they break the law? Do we arrest them? This complicates Judgment's integrity."
"This…"
"This…"
The branch leaders hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
"Miko, how can you say that? Judgment's work is grueling and dangerous. Material support is only right!"
"Yes, it's tough and risky, but we act out of duty and ideals. If it's monetized, it'll draw people without those ideals. Will they have the courage of Konori, Shirai, or Uiharu in danger? They'll tarnish Judgment's name. And if not salaries, where's the money from? Investors? That muddies our mission…"
Iino's impassioned words, brimming with righteousness, stirred the leaders teetering toward materialism.
Yet, many cast her resentful looks.
Judgment officers weren't just idealists—they had material and emotional needs. They'd risk their lives for others but bristled when someone hindered their quality of life.
They wouldn't retaliate—just stew in frustration, like being tattled on by a class monitor.
"Miko…"
Shinomiya's retort was cut off by Samuel's raised hand. He wore a thoughtful expression. "Miko's right. I didn't consider that."
Iino beamed at the acknowledgment.
"But Shinomiya has a point. Here's a compromise: we'll add a scholarship fund for dedicated Judgment officers. Those who excel in maintaining order or protecting citizens will receive material rewards, funded by the Board of Directors."
"This…"
Iino opened her mouth to object, but Konori Mii pulled her back, shaking her head subtly to silence her.
"Konori…"
"Moving to the next item. About standardizing Judgment uniforms…"
"Vetoed!"
"Hahaha…"
Laughter erupted. This was a recurring gag at meetings, sparked by Samuel's proposed female uniform designs…
***
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