maskormenace | video.

[ when the feed clicks on, it's easy to tell that nick's in the kitchen, probably one that's similar to most in the issued residencies. his tone's a far cry from casual, but the fact that he's apparently wasting time at home at least offers some semblance of nonchalance. ]

My name is Nick Burkhardt. I'm with the Portland— previously of the PPB, currently with the... [ a pause, and extremely reluctantly: ] Heropa PD.

[ that's the formal introduction out of the way. which is the easy part; identify yourself, follow routine. going out of his way to make friends isn't something nick's done in a long time, which is probably going to be obvious in roughly ten seconds. his effort to drop the professional approach ends up sounding more neutral than genuinely amicable, but at least it keeps this from sounding like a full-on interrogation. ]

I wasn't planning on getting a tattoo, but given the choice I'd have gone for something a little less on the nose. And while I'm sure cops everywhere would appreciate the vote of confidence, something tells me this place is working with a flexible definition of the word hero.

[ definitely a judgement on what he's seen on the network rather than any kind of careful introspection. no offense. ]

Everyone's talking about whether or not we should register. I'm wondering what gives us the right to in the first place. [ a slight pause, and then he has the decency to sound a bit wry at his own expense. ] So on a scale of recycling to wearing spandex, how heroic do you think you rate?

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[ nice sideburns, dude. ]

It's a kind of fabric.

[ not very informative, reasonably deadpan. ]

[they are princely and trimmed.]

And what does it have to do with being heroic?

[come on dude, you're his source of information at the moment.]

[ still slightly begrudging, but: ]

It's just what superheroes wear. Where are you from that you've never heard of spandex?

The Southern Isles. [and then, a small weak laugh.] Don't worry. I haven't heard of a lot of things in this world.

If it helps, you probably aren't the only one. I'm still convinced most of it's fiction. [ despite sitting in this very real kitchen, speaking to very real people from the southern isles. whatever that means. ]

You have a name?

Prince Hans. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nick.

[ oh good, he loves royals. ]

I'm guessing you're used to nicer accommodation than what the government here has to offer. [ and oh, right. ] Nice to meet you, too.

That I am. [man alive does he miss his castle.]

Still, I can't be too mad. The housing is free, at least.

But it's only free with registration, right?

[ he knows the answer, but it's an indirect way of confirming whether or not hans is registered. ]

I believe so. [yes, Hans is registered.] Though, I don't really know what they take away if you don't register.

The house and the job, I think. But I couldn't tell you if it earns you a black mark and makes it difficult to get a new one. As far as I can tell, you get to keep the powers. [ which sounds more confused than just a statement. seems like a total lack of repercussions, in his opinion. ]

I suppose the easiest way to find out would be to ask someone who isn't registered. [but really, the only person he could think of off the top of his head who isn't registered is Anna and he's not gonna point this stranger to her.]

That'd include me, so far. But you're right, I'll just have to track someone down after the ceremony.

At the last ceremony, one of the officials was there. Maybe you can ask him if he shows up again.

If I want the spin version, maybe. [ which sounds a bit rude, and it's only after a distinct pause that he remembers his manners. ] Thanks.

You're welcome? [because yeah, that does sound a bit rude so he doesn't know how to respond to that.]

And still, the spin version might be the only version you'd get for a while.

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