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]

[ and still keep your powers, as far as nick's aware. not something he's thrilled with. ]

It seems like putting up with paperwork is a small trade to get access. It's not perfect, and they're technically guilty of kidnapping, but right now this government is the only resource we have.

[ technically. it's the strangest kidnapping he's seen, but there's no pretending people came here of their own free will. ]

[glassinine]

It's not the paperwork which concerns me, Detective. Of that you have my word.

[connate]

Just the strings attached. But even if it does come with fine print, I'm wondering how they plan on strong-arming a population they just handed superpowers to.

[glassinine]

I would think that the first step would be getting us all to promise to be loyal.

"Strong-arming" implies a certain lack of subtlety. If the first step of their plan is a pledge, then I don't think they're going to be very blatant about all of this.

[connate]

But bought loyalty isn't real loyalty, is it? I don't really think registration guarantees anything from us.

[glassinine]

If not, then why have they marshaled so many of their resources into ensuring that we register?

[connate]

Good question. They're capable of giving us powers and these stamps— there's no guarantee registration won't have some less subtle consequences.

[ tracking is kind of assumed, here, and not something he's strictly against (yet). but nick's used to spells that screw with your state of mind, so that's not entirely out of the question. ]

[glassinine]

Quite so.

So what of it, Detective? Will you officially become a "hero"?

[connate]

If it gives me access to the local police department, yes. [ and it does, so there you go. he doesn't sound overly concerned, conspiracy theories aside. ]

But if I start singing the government's praises after a few weeks, maybe look into unplugging me.

[glassinine]

Any suggestions on how I should do that? I could try hitting you upside the head, I suppose.

[A joke?????]

[connate]

You can try, but I hope you have a good swing.

[ also a joke??????? which is either a very subtle hint at his abilities or just smugness, hard to say. ]

[glassinine]

Well, I shall find some solution when the time comes, I am sure.