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

voice; sorry for the delay!

[connate]

[ it might be an opinion that's gotten matt into trouble before, but it's actually a breath of fresh air in this case. nick's agreement with the idea is begrudging, maybe even slightly bitter, but it's still something he can sympathize with. ]

Just the spandex? [ there's a moment to set aside the requisite spandex jokes, and he manages to sound serious when he continues. ] Not necessarily, but I honestly haven't given it much thought. Where I'm from, putting on a costume to play hero isn't an option.

And normally I'd agree with you. It's a responsibility, but this— random people, government-funded powers— you still think it's that simple?

voice; no worries, I'm always around

[notdaredevil]

[Frank Castle said "be careful." But they don't call him The Man Without Fear because he's shy and retiring, or because he knows how to keep his mouth shut when it might be better not to say something. He's never not going to say exactly what he means.]

No. I think, if that's something somebody chooses to do, if they choose of their own accord to stand up for something, that's between them and God. And, though the road is long and challenging, it's their decision. It's simple, in that way. It's about one person trying to make a difference and represent something larger than themselves, and that can be judged on its own merits.

I think this is a disaster waiting to happen.

voice;

[connate]

[ well that was very heroic and inspiring. until the last part, anyway, but it's the point nick's been pressing since the first message, so there's no argument here. ] The government has to know how badly this could go. What I don't understand is why they're just letting us loose with some wishful thinking.

[ there's no pretending the imports aren't dangerous. the smart approach, given the authority, would be to do a better job with screening, displaying some actual power— not welcome brochures and new houses. ] They're obviously playing nice so they can cash in favors later, so I get why people are suspicious, but it makes me wonder if it's the only card they have.

voice; man I am just slow as balls at keeping on top of everything

[notdaredevil]

Some people know firsthand how badly it can go. I've already witnessed one government attempt to put similar restrictions in place. It damaged everyone involved with the act, on both sides of the line.

[Nothing like knowing there were goon squads out hunting the streets for "dangerous vigilantes" rather than actual wanted criminals of the assassinating variety.]

I'm not sure if it would be less cause for concern if it's the only trick they can play. The threat of a good squad on people's doorsteps is bad enough. Either they can't enforce it, in which case, I don't understand the game at all, or they have something powerful enough up their sleeves that they don't care if people run wild.