video.

[connate]

[ 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?

Comments

[connate]

Only if you never go out at night. [ seriously, why the glowing. ]

So I'm guessing you're planning on sticking with the day job here. What did they sign you up for?

[demonspawn]

I go to college. Does that count?

What about you?

[connate]

Depends. There's going to college and then there's going to college.

[ like do you actually go to your classes, or. ]

And I haven't decided. Police work isn't exactly the kind of job that gives you time off, but I'm not planning on picking up a cape or spandex anytime soon. [ and not the most subtle transition, but: ] You still get to keep the powers, right? Whether you sign on or not?

[demonspawn]

Probably. [ there's a shrug. ] I came with mine, so technically I wouldn't know. But I haven't like, heard of anybody getting their power privileges revoked. There'd probably be a riot.

[connate]

You already had superpowers. [ the skepticism's there, even if it's hypocritical. ] Is that common where you're from? People with powers who don't play hero?

[demonspawn]

No. It's mostly a "superhero" or "supervillain" kinda gig. I guess I haven't decided yet.

[connate]

[ wow, that's super comforting. ]

What about registration? Is that a new concept?

[demonspawn]

It's like, basically the least original concept from any universe with superhumans ever. Superpowers scare people. Scared people look for control. Et friggin' cetera, alright?

[connate]

[ touchy. ]

Any kind of power scares people. It's the reason gun registration exists, but I'll admit it gets messy when people don't have any choice in buying the gun.

[ that said, it's obvious he's being civil, not sincerely bothered by the idea. his powers back home don't really allow people to stay off the grid, regardless of registration. ]

[demonspawn]

This is definitely worse than guns. You don't know what kinda powers are out there.

[connate]

Then maybe registration is a good idea. [ sort of like accountability, anyway. ]

[demonspawn]

Might be, for some of us at least.

Shouldn't you be all gung-ho about this stuff? You are a cop.

[connate]

If you think I support registration to hold people accountable and make sure they don't do any damage— yes, I'm pretty gung-ho about that. [ said a bit wryly, but it's too assertive to be a joke. ]

But I'm also pretty into basic rights, surprisingly. Everyone should make their own choice.

[demonspawn]

Sure. Just remember that when someone with ambiguous morals and an Omega-level power decides villainy is their goal in life. You'll probably be one of the ones the system calls to deal with it.

[connate]

I can't wait. [ very wry, this time. ] I could probably guess, but humor me anyway— what do you mean by Omega-level?

[demonspawn]

Freakishly powerful. Like, "should be locked away in a subarctic bunker" kinda powerful. We've got a few running around.

sorry for slow!

[connate]

[ a very slight pause, just because he's not sure if the question's kosher: ] From your world?

ain't no thang :}

[demonspawn]

Not just from mine, but some.

[connate]

But you're not one of them?

[ incredibly blunt questions, blame the day job. ]

[demonspawn]

So what if I was?

[connate]

Hey, I'm not looking to pass judgment. Even if I was, I don't exactly have any subarctic bunkers handy. [ joke?? probably. ] You don't have to answer.

[demonspawn]

Well, if you're worried, my powers don't work over the Network. Just FYI.

[connate]

Do anyone's? [ wait. ] Don't answer that. So what, is this just another Tuesday for you? Superpowers and alternate dimensions?

[demonspawn]

Pretty much. You get used to it, eventually.

[connate]

I hope so. I'm wondering if the same applies to the vintage fashion and hovercars.

Can I ask your name? [ is it attached to the messages? whatever, he's old fashioned. ]