a finer world, part 4 ( video )

[solarcharged]

[ It's a break from tradition: Apollo isn't recording this video from the sky, not today. Because he doesn't have time to make this an epic or pretty or even remotely memorable call to arms. Instead he's storming around Nonah 001 trying to find a clean uniform, because why is it you never have a clean uniform when you need one the most!! He's carrying his comms device as he goes, rummaging and clattering around off-screen as he sorts through his laundry. And judging by his tone Sun Dad is not here to fuck around. ]

A friendly reminder from your local Unsettled hero. [ Yes, hero - not the VIGILANTE currently tattooed on his wrist. ] You don't have to be Registered to help save the world. If you want to get involved but your wrist says the wrong thing, let me know and I'll help you out. If you want to do your own thing that's fine too, I don't care. I just don't want anyone thinking they can't save innocent lives just because the US government doesn't endorse it.

[ He slams a hamper lid. ANGRILY. ]

And don't get me wrong - I'm not here to argue the finer points of why Non-Registered imPorts don't deserve to be second class citizens just because we don't want to sign on the government's dotted line. That's not what this is about right now, not when the Bleed is collapsing around our ears. Because frankly? The multiverse doesn't give a shit what you or I think about Registration. No-one that we save is going to check what's written on our wrist first.

[ In fact, it's hard to tell what's pissed him off most - the Registereds-Save-The-World-Only message from the government or the fact that REALITY IS MELTING. Or maybe the annoying state of affairs his laundry is in. ]

This isn't a recruitment drive. You don't need to join ImPact after this is dealt with. And nobody's going to give you a paycheck or a uniform. I just want you all to know that just because you're Unsettled doesn't mean you can't help save innocent lives too.

[ He gives up his search temporarily, facing the video feed with an expression like thunder. ]

And if anyone tries to arrest an Unsettled imPort for helping I'm going to get angry. After we save the fucking world.

[ Just before the video ends there's a half cut-off mutter of 'Door'. ]

Comments

Private

[flightforfreedom]

It’s almost like this was a point I was trying to make.

[ But couldn’t say quite as firmly as Apollo has - not in uniform, anyway. ]

You know I don’t actually give a shit about registration, right?

Private

[solarcharged]

I know, don't worry. We're all on the same team here. [ Tight-lipped sigh. ] Just. Not officially.

What have they got you doing? Besides rallying the troops.

action;

[heliophilic]

[M is already holding out a freshly laundered suited for Apollo by the time he flies through the Door.]

That was sure a show.

action;

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo bursts through the Door in a storm of heated frustration, landing heavily and without any of his usual grace. He's pacing immediately, avoiding D's scuttling form as he works back and forth across the living room. ]

Jesus Christ, I had to say it. It needed to be said. Unsettled imPorts have to be able to see someone standing up to say that it's okay for them to fight back too. And just because we're not going to get a paycheck or medals or whatever at the other end of it --

[ He turns, and abruptly realises what M has been holding out for him this whole time. Apollo deflates a little. ]

...Thanks. [ His expression turns sheepish as he gratefully takes the uniform. ] God, you're good to me.

[Video]

[prophesiedone]

The government might say one thing, but I've always been in control of what I do. I signed on that dotted line a long time ago and what it says on my wrist is...correct, but not.

[He was a villain; now he is trying to be anything but again.]

I doubt anyone would try to arrest you for doing good.

[Video]

[solarcharged]

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect another ImPort to try and arrest us. I'm crediting our community with enough sense to realise that we all have to fight this thing, collectively, regardless of our status.

But as an Unsettled imPort who's been detained for leaving America? I know we can't assume the government will agree.

permavid

[mortalweapon]

[ With a curious little lilt to her crisp, mechanical voice: ]

You say you wish to help, but you want to do it on your own terms.
You want to act as you see fit without impunity.
And you have threatened those who may see it as their professional obligation to stop you now that you have blatantly announced you will be ignoring the rules.

Some might see this as somewhat counterproductive.

[solarcharged]

Sure, maybe some might see it like that. But I'm counting on other people realising that picking bones over a hero's Registration status when the Bleed is falling apart around us is the really counterproductive thing here.

And if anyone does think it's their 'professional obligation' to stop us? I'll happily tell them as much. But I really hope that's not going to happen.

[hatestrashcans]

How about 'Registered' but apparently 5 months too young to help?

Guess I'm just supposed to let myself blink out of existence so people can feel more comfortable protecting the poor little babies.

[solarcharged]

I can't help you there, I'm afraid. If reality's still intact in five months time then I'm sure one of the Registered teams would be happy to take you on.

Private Audio

[helpdesk_hero]

Marco, I'm going to be signing up for helping on this. I'm registered. I don't mind taking you in for assistance, against the rules or not. People are idiots if they think you're going to stay out of this fight.

Private Video

[helpdesk_hero]

If you need assistance in helping guide non-registereds and you're willing to trust someone who is registered, I'll be there to help. I'm good at organizing and I'm really good with computers.

Private Video

[solarcharged]

Thanks, David. Honestly, I don't care who's Registered - I don't even blame people for Registering. I'm just worried about other people care a bit too much about who's Unsettled.

Computer help is always appreciated. Can you track mentions on the internet about weird things turning up that don't belong in this dimension?

video;

[usaf]

[ Carol is broadcasting from the sky. Because she's on her way to Washington, DC to register so she can join one of the teams the Army is putting together. ]

I want you to know, just because I'm signing on Uncle Sam's dotted line this time, doesn't mean I agree with their treatment of Unsettled heroes. I fully reserve my right to de-register as soon as we shore up the walls of this reality.

video;

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo smiles wryly. ]

Damn, there goes the second heaviest hitter this side of Nonah. [ He shakes his head in mock dismay. ] You know their uniforms are going to be terrible, right?

video.

[goldtoxicity]

Thank you.

video.

[solarcharged]

Sometimes it just has to be said, right?

private video;

[redcosmedic]

"ImPact". So you're the one in charge of the group Riptide was part of. The one that got him arrested for taking out the OTO base.

[ There's no judging in Knock Out's tone, just mild recognition. ]

private video;

[solarcharged]

Something like that. Although to be fair, we all got arrested...

[ There's a slowly dawning look of recognition in Apollo's face. ]

You must be Knock-Out.

text; id: vale

[strikesthrough]

[This is probably one of the more interesting things Victor has seen on the network since arriving, though in truth he has very little basis for comparison at this stage for either the network in general, or the mood during states of emergency.

This at least tells him something about the tension around registration and mobilisation. Evidently, all this talk of heroes is as real as the manila folder made out.]

Is this the sort of welcome most new imPorts are graced with upon arrival? Reality imploding and some casual systematic dissension?

id: apollo

[solarcharged]

Sorry, you've arrived at a pretty testing time. To catch you up: we've had an unusual amount of infractions from other universes lately. A space station, a whispering monster, fairies, etc. The government's declared an emergency and are looking to recruit Registered heroes to contain the fallout. The invite doesn't extend to Unsettled heroes. That would be breaking the law.

I'm just reminding any Unsettled heroes out there that nobody cares what's written on your wrist when you're saving their lives.

Welcome to the world, by the way.

video

[honeybadgered]

[Gabby flashes thumbs up.]

Cool beans. I'm in.

video

[solarcharged]

[ Oh my god, she's heartbreakingly similar to his daughter. Apollo grins. ]

You're Unsettled too?

Text | ID: Oracle (dammit i thought i left this comment YESTERDAY)

[bodilesswarrior]

I'm Unsettled, too.

I work with the League, but in a supportive position - intel, guidance, coordination - which means I can multitask.

[Super Encrypted]

I can also cover peoples' asses as well as I'm able. I don't have the connections here I do in my own world, but I can tangle red tape and scrub some metaphorical fingerprints.

i know that feel

[solarcharged]

Good to meet you, Oracle. So you've got an eyes-and-ears kind of role with the League?

[ dat encryption ]

Well, I'm never going to turn down an offer like that. You did this back in your homeworld too?

text;

[pillz]

hi uncle snshine
can we unionize later
cuz working 4 free sucks

[it does not suck that much for joseph kavinsky specifically. he has money. he has places to hide. this is entirely optional, but apollo is hilarious and lovely. and kavinsky's feeling it.]

[solarcharged]

We absolutely can. But you know I can't pay you, right? I mean, after we've fixed reality I'll take everyone out for Chinese, but that's not exactly an income.

video;

[bifroster]

Thank you! Carol and I were discussing the same thing!

I mean, if average citizens can run into a burning fire and save a kid with the help of ambulances and fire trucks, why can't we? Sure, we might want to have a firm grasp of our powers, but someone's gotta start somewhere and doing good should be something everyone can do!

[She can go on and on, because "doing good" isn't limited to acts of heroism. Sometimes it's just doing what is right or going the extra mile for someone.]