Since its inception in 1935, the Alley has protected the civilians from the threat posed by vampire society. With three covert bases across the country, as well as operations at many smaller installations, there are few municipalities that the Alley cannot reach within a short time.
Before the Cessation of Hostility treaty, the Alley's main focus was to eliminate all persons with vampiric traits. As seen in other countries, this form of operating causes a significant amount of problems. The more successful an organization is at eliminating a vampire population, the higher the threat of retributive actions by masses of Descendants. It's not unheard of to have Descendants travel between countries to add their might to these attacks. Participation by the Magnate has also been witnessed.
Over the last decade, the Alley has shifted its focus to preserving the peace and way of life of civilians. In accordance with the Cessation of Hostility treaty, the Alley works with key members of vampire society to keep populations in control. Descendants unable to live by the tenants of the treaty, which often mirror human laws, are subject to termination at the Alley's disgression.
All operations of the Alley are conducted in the utmost secrecy and in cohesion with local authorities.
Bases are located within easy distance of major cities, however, are hidden from view and have tight controls over surrounding airspace. The majority of a base's buildings are underground to keep them out of sight. Only the main building and helicopter landing pads are located on the surface.
Off base, when a soldier is working among Innocents, they wear functional civilian clothing with concealed weapondry. On the base, soldiers maintain a basic uniform at all times. The Basic Tactical uniform incorporates some armor and is used for patrolling, while the Full Tactical uniform is used only under specific circumstances and must be authorized by someone with the authority to do so. These measures are to keep the Innocents unaware of Alley operations in their area.
To Alley Soldiers, prime physical and mental health are the difference between staying alive and dying at the hands of the enemy. Most soldiers are restricted from entering into close-quarters combat with the enemy and may only engage the enemy when there is a 3 to 1 ratio.
Regardless, sometimes such combat is unavoidable and every soldier must be in the condition to be able to defend themselves, other soldiers, and Innocents.
For the health and safety of all of its soldiers, the Alley has specific mandates that must be adhered to. Physical fitness is tested and measured regularly, as is the diet of anyone not holding an Officer rank. Every soldier must get a minimum of six hours of sleep per night, and attend monthly sessions with one of the Alley's psychologists.
.jpg)
As most soldiers operate exclusively at night, light and melatonin therapy are used to help maintain a healthy body and mind.
All soldiers, including officers, are housed in multi-dwelling apartment units within the main complex. They are often paired with three to four other soldiers who have been selected specifically for their compatibility. Sometimes these pairings are used to help modify a soldier's behavior through positive leadership and enforcement of proper living standards.
One of the most common abilities found in vampires is called Intrusion. Through this, vampire can not only alter the memories of the person they are focusing on, but also make them carry out certain actions, or program them to react to specific stimulus in a designated way. This power does not require eye contact, but the vampire does need to be near the person.
Part of the Alley's training includes mental defense. They teach all soldiers, even if they are not active fighters, to identify when a vampire is making an attempt at Intrusion, and how to stop it.
The older and more powerful the vampire, the harder it is to resist these attempts.
Mass Intrusions are rare, but can control multiple people. The largest known Mass Intrusion was less than ten Innocents.
.jpg)
Alley soldiers are recruited from a variety of sources. From civilians to members of other branches of the military, the Alley employs only the toughest people to fight in their forces.
Once they have been accepted into the ranks of the Alley, the person ceases to exist outside of it.
Civilian Recruitment
As Alley soldiers require extensive training to deal with a threat with superior physical capabilities, recruitment from civilian sources is kept limited.
In the event a civilian has become exposed, is suitable to military life, and has a desire to protect Innocents, they are given the option to join or have their memory wiped.
Inter-Branch Recruitment
Knowledge of the Alley's existence is limited to the few liaisons within the standard military forces. Those liaisons are trained to watch for soldiers with extraordinary strengths in physical performance, marksmanship, stealth, and urban operations.
Once a person has been recommended for this transfer, they must first pass Alley evaluation. If they succeed, they are given the option to join.
Conscription
The Alley is the only branch of the military that actively uses conscription. Though this method is used sparingly, there are certain situations where joining the Alley is mandatory. These circumstances include, but are not limited to:
* A recommendation to the Board of Generals by an Officer of the Alley, pending review and approval.
* Extraordinary performance during Special Operations Training
* A member of any Special Operations force who has become exposed
* A failure in the memory wiping process on a failed or reluctant potential recruit
* Manifestation of the ability to sense a vampire's presence
Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Shonna White
