Chapter 12: Sims at Arms Training Outpost

It was a beautiful day: sunny but not too warm. The summer heat was still a few weeks away. Aria was comfortable in her burgundy cardigan and knit skirt. The pantyhose was less comfortable, but she didn’t want to seem like she was trying to show off skin. Not only was this going to be a semi-formal event that the Governor herself was attending, but Aria would likely have her first real conversation with Chase’s father and wanted to make a good impression.

Unfortunately, the pantyhose and her mother’s reassurance didn’t eliminate her concerns about her outfit. She didn’t have any clothes she’d consider ‘formal wear,’ since she never really needed them. Neither did her parents or siblings. Still, Bridget thought they all looked quite presentable; she was wearing a simple blue dress, light trench coat and pantyhose, and had dressed Ryker in his nicest pair of jeans, an orange collared shirt, and his pirate-themed tie (which he was thrilled to finally get to wear).

Bridget lead Aria and Ryker towards the future location of a new military training facility. They’d already set up for the event: a dozen white folding chairs were lined up facing a cherry wood podium, potted flowers and a board with renderings of the future facility. They’d set up the podium between two flag poles bearing the national flag, which Bridget assumed must have been installed a few days before. Construction cones, caution tape and signs were already positioned around the front of the property in preparation for construction. Bridget wondered if they planned to refurbish or tear down the old, covered horse paddock on the far end of the lot; it was one of the many remnants of the ranches and farms that were once scattered along the riverbank. Although the houses and barns were demolished, several elements were left behind – paddocks like this one, fences, rusted trucks and tractors, small windmills, and more.

Chase Harley and his father were approaching from the other side, where three cars occupied the make-shift parking spots.

Mr. Harley paused and turned to his teenage son.

“Chase, I know you don’t want to be here, but I expect you to be on your best behavior,” he said sternly. “Do not embarrass me.”

“I’ll try not to, dad.”

“And if the Governor or the army Lieutenant are within earshot, refer to me as Sir, alright?”

“Alright,” Chase sighed.

“Is Aria still coming?”

“Yeah, she’s over there,” Chase replied, lazily cocking his head in the Tevellyns’ direction. “That’s her mom and one of her brothers, too.”

His father nodded. “I look forward to meeting them after the event.”

Meanwhile, Bridget and Aria were getting the impression that Chase and his father’s conversation may not be going well. Both men were silent, now, and looked uncomfortable.

“Go say hi,” Bridget gently encouraged Aria. “Ryker and I will take our seats.”

Ryker skipped over to the chairs and took one in the middle of the back row. Bridget followed, but her eyes were locked on Aria as she approached Chase and Mr. Harley.

“…be respectful. Especially if the Lieutenant or Governor speaks to you. Do not talk to any of the press, even if they ask you a question. And listen to the Governor’s speech, alright? I don’t want any photos of my son daydreaming in the seat behind me… and maybe you’ll learn something,” Aria heard Mr. Harley saying as she approached. He had a strong, deep voice, but she wanted to believe that she heard affection for his son in his words, too.

Aria waited a moment to make sure Mr. Harley was done talking, then announced herself, “Hi Mr. Harley. Hi Chase.”

“Hey, Aria,” Chase said with a smile. “Dad, you remember Aria.”

“Hello, Miss Tevellyn,” Mr. Harley smiled. “It’s nice to see you again. I hope your family is happy to hear about the new military facility? It should bring plenty of new jobs and residents to the area.”

“It is a bit empty here,” Aria smiled. “It would be great to welcome some new neighbors.”

“Perhaps if he gets his act together, Chase could even be trained or stationed here one day.”

“Dad—”

“It would be nice if he lived closer,” Aria interrupted. “It would give us more opportunities to practice our music together. Chase is getting really good at the guitar, Mr. Harley.”

“And he can continue playing guitar in his spare time when he’s training in the Air Force. It’s important to have hobbies and outlets outside of work,” Mr. Harley said matter-of-factly.

Over at the podium, the Governor was asking her assistant and an army officer questions and testing the microphone.

“Yes, I suppose this will do. And you’ll be sitting there, next to the officer?” the Governor said within range of the mic.

“Yes, ma’am, next to the Lieutenant,” the assistant replied.

“Right. My apologies, Lieutenant.”

“None necessary, Governor Walker,” the officer replied.

“If you’ll excuse me, Miss Tevellyn,” Mr. Harley said, glancing towards the conversation being picked up by the microphone. “I should ensure that the Governor has everything she needs so the event can begin. Please do take your seat.”

“Of course, Mr. Harley. We’ll see you after the speech?”

He offered a curt nod and headed towards the podium.

The Governor’s assistant took her seat, and Aria realized that just left her and Chase to sit down. She didn’t want to keep anyone waiting, but Chase didn’t seem to notice. He tugged at his collar and fanned himself with his hand.

“C’mon,” Aria giggled.

“Why does anyone wear suits?” Chase complained. “It’s not even hot outside, I’ve been out of the car for 15 minutes, and I’m already about to start sweating.”

“Quit your whining,” Aria smirked, nudging his arm. “Let’s go sit.”

They took seats in the back row; Aria was across the small aisle from her mother while Chase was in the middle seat. Mr. Harley barely looked at them before taking his place in the front row. The Governor explained to the crowd that two members of the press would be documenting the event and taking photos, cleared her throat, and began her speech.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor for me to be here in Appaloosa Plains today, and to do my part in the next phase of the town’s recovery.

“Before I was Governor Jada Walker, I oversaw a variety of development projects. By far the largest and most challenging was that for Appaloosa Plains. I hadn’t been here more than once or twice before, but seeing the town abandoned – the collapsing roofs, the crumbling walls – it was heart-breaking nonetheless. It was clear that it had become a shadow of what it once was, and I immediately understood why the Governor wanted to make its rejuvenation a priority,” she said.

Governor Walker gestured towards the hills, where the boarding house could be seen in the distance.

“Ever since I got involved in the renovation of the boarding house, Appaloosa Plains has had a place in my mind,” she continued. “Over the years, I’ve been told so many great things about this place and what a cute town and lovely community used to be here. It remains a beautiful location, and has the beginnings of a new community taking root.

“Even still, progress has been slow. I believe the previous governments should have been doing more to help this town begin anew. We cleared the way for new growth, but my predecessors failed to provide adequate supports and publicity.”

“I was elected on the promise to make real progress and get things done in our region,” the Governor continued. “With the support of our local servicesims of the Armed Forces, including Group Captain Harley of the Air Force and Army Lieutenant Jackson who are here today as representatives, I have successfully secured this site as the location of the new regional military training facility that our Forces need.”

She paused as the crowd responded to the announcement with applause.

“The new Sims at Arms Training Outpost will be a state-of-the-art facility for Army, Navy and Air Force recruits, as well as seasoned officers looking to sharpen their skills or otherwise advance their careers,” Governor Walker explained. “Specialized training will be offered, such as for traditional mounted officers and service horses, as well as hands-on experience with new, cutting-edge technology so that our servicesims are well-rounded, well-equipped, and well-prepared for the defense of both our region and our country.”

She paused for more applause before concluding, “Thank you for your attendance and attention this afternoon. I will now take a few questions.”

One of the journalists immediately walked forward with a question.

“Governor Walker,” the journalist began, notebook and pen at the ready. “As you know, the military is one of the nation’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Won’t this facility increase our region’s climate impacts?”

“I am happy to say that the facility will be powered, in part, by renewable energy, including several solar panels at the back of the facility,” the Governor replied.

“Surely you know that is not enough—” the journalist fired back.

“It is possible that other green technologies could be tested at this and other government sites going forward, in-line with my administration’s commitment to the future of our children and grandchildren,” Walker interrupted. “The primary concern of this facility, though, is to fulfil an immediate need of our servicesims while supporting a community in desperate need of economic and population growth. Next question, please.”

“This wasn’t as exciting as I hoped,” Ryker frowned, looking up at his mother sleepily. “There isn’t even an astronaut here.”

“Would you like to ask if they’ll train astronauts here?” Bridget smiled sympathetically at the boy. He shrugged.

Bridget waited for the opportunity to ask while the Governor answered a question from the other journalist. To Bridget’s disappointment, when the Governor finished her response, she thanked the audience again and stepped down from the podium.

The Governor’s assistant quickly stood up and walked over.

“Is everything alright, ma’am?” she asked quietly.

Jada Walker nodded, but was rubbing her temple. “I think I’m just tired from the trip out here and all this sun,” she smiled weakly.

“I think the speech went very well, ma’am,” the assistant commented.

“Thank you, dear. Would you see if the journalists have any other questions and take note of them? Let them know we’ll be happy to answer further inquiries via email. I’ll wait in the car.”

“Of course, ma’am,” the assistant smiled.

-----

While Mr. Harley talked to Lieutenant Jackson, Chase waited with Aria’s family at the back of the event area.

“Thanks for coming, Aria. You too, Ryker and Mrs. Tevellyn,” Chase said. “I think my dad was glad to have people in the audience. He’s been complaining about needing a new training facility for ages.”

Ryker looked up at his mother, “Do you think Mr. Harley would know if they’ll train astronauts here?”

“Maybe,” Bridget smiled. “We can ask him before we go.”

“I’m just hoping this doesn’t encourage him to keep pushing for me to go to military school,” Chase told Aria.

“You don’t need to go to military school to join the Armed Forces, though, so even if you wants you to do that…” Aria trailed off.

“He says it’s about discipline and setting higher standards for myself,” Chase sighed.

Aria changed the subject and they talked a while longer before Mr. Harley joined them.

“Dad, this is Aria’s mom, Mrs. Tevellyn, and one of her younger brothers, Ryker,” Chase said, stepping back to let his father introduce himself.

“Group Captain Richard Harley, ma’am, nice to finally meet you,” he said.

Out of his view, Chase rolled his eyes.

“Bridget. It’s nice to meet you, too,” Bridget replied, shaking his hand. “Chase tells me you’ve been working towards opening a new training facility for some time. It must have been an exciting day.”

“Our new recruits could really benefit from having their own space and learning environment,” Mr. Harley smiled. “At our nearest base, we’re short on space and need to upgrade some of our systems as it is. It’s a win-win to streamline our region’s training resources, in my book.”

“Sounds like it is,” Bridget agreed. “And hopefully a benefit to Appaloosa Plains, as well.”

“I should think so, ma’am,” Mr. Harley said. “Although I must admit, I’m a bit biased as I think Chase would be more likely to join the Forces if he could train here, closer to Aria. I’ve only spoken to her a few times, but it’s clear to me from how much Chase has grown that she’s a good influence on him. You’ve raised a fine young lady.”

“Thank you, Captain. It’s always nice to have Chase around. He’s so polite and helpful, and a great friend to Aria.”

“Polite and helpful?” Mr. Harley furrowed his brow. “Well, it’s great to hear he’s not as much of a troublemaker away from home...”

Aria glanced over at Chase for his reaction, but Chase and Ryker were poking each other and trying not to burst out laughing. She thanked the Watcher that they were behind Mr. Harley while her mother tried to convince him that Chase was well-behaved to his high standards. It would only be a matter of time before Chase or Ryker would erupt into raucous laughter, though, so she leaned forward slightly and reached her arm out to prod Chase’s shoulder and glare at him and her brother.

‘Knock it off,’ she mouthed silently, her eyes shooting daggers at the boys. They struggled, but managed to compose themselves and return their attention to their parents’ conversation just in time.

“Oh, before I forget, Ryker was wondering if they’ll do any space training at the new facility,” Bridget was saying. “He’s fascinated by space and has even submitted some discoveries to the Astrological Society.”

“Has he now? Good man,” Mr. Harley said, turning to the young boy. “Basic training for many different Forces careers will be available, including for astronauts. But becoming an astronaut is a lengthier process than joining some of the other divisions of the Armed Forces. It requires highly specialized training that is only offered in a few places around the world.

“But don’t let that discourage you,” he added. “It just means you’d have to travel for a while after finishing basic training.”

“Oh, okay,” Ryker smiled. “Thanks, Captain.”

“You’re welcome, young man. Keep up the good work,” Mr. Harley said. “We should get home, but it was a pleasure to meet you all. I hope you enjoyed the event and have a nice evening… Come along, Chase.”

With that, he began walking back towards his car.

“Being an astronaut sounds like a lot of work,” Ryker sighed.

Bridget chuckled. “Don’t worry about that for now. Keep exploring and doing what you like to do. There’s lots of time to figure out what career you want.”

Aria watched as Chase followed his father back to their car. The two were an obvious contrast. Mr. Harley carried himself with pride and confidence, his shoulders square and his steps evenly paced. Chase, on the other hand, looked defeated in his father’s shadow. His shoulders slumped and he dragged his feet a little on most steps. She thought the day went well, but maybe Chase knew it had not gone well enough? Worry began to seep in. Would his father make him move away? Was she going to lose her only friend?

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Author’s Notes: In the Build A City Challenge, the Military Base is unlocked when the town has 3 households. In my play-through, it was placed after Rukiya and Emery had their own homes. Since I want to have introductory chapters for each community lot and rabbit hole, I decided to do another entirely ‘staged’ chapter. It was a fun challenge to shoot and write since I don’t use Pose Player or any other mods (yet?) and had to rely on the characters to decide how their conversations would play out.

Bring Jada Walker back as an Elder Sim/the Governor was fun, too, since she was a character I originally made up purely for the Prologue.

I also wanted to bring ‘life’ to the backstory for Chase that I had in my head while I played. It made sense to me that Dorothy’s parents would want her to deliver newspapers to help instill some discipline or sense of responsibility in her. Since she has the Evil trait, I imagined she was a bit of a troublemaker and difficult for her parents to handle. In turn, that helps explain why her parents might be glad to have a break from her when she visits the Tevellyns. Chase, on the other hand, has the Good trait. Why would a ‘Good’ kid and Aria be rude to each other at first? Why would he have to deliver papers to houses in the middle of nowhere? Why would his parent(s) be willing to drive them out there to do so? Questions like these started to come up for me around this point in my gameplay, when the Military Base comes in. So in my head, Chase’s father became a military man with high expectations. It’s not that Chase is a ‘bad’ kid, but he isn’t as motivated as his father would like him to be. Despite good intentions on both sides, their relationship is strained, and they have difficulty communicating with each other.

Thanks for reading!