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[Kate actually knows she shouldn't do this. She knows she shouldn't, but she goes ahead and does it anyway.]

A year ago, I made a post on here. I talked about a different world, and I talked about a different registration act. In my world, good people who refused to register were assaulted, brought down, and meant to be delivered to a dangerous and terrible prison until they submitted. My friends and I were among the first to refuse to register, and we were lucky enough to be rescued. I never registered, and it turned out that everything associated with the act was ... bad.

For that reason, among others, I've refused to register here. We don't belong in this world, and our hands are being forced on the matter. The government has used us without divulging information openly, and they've even put us into psychological games. Just last April, everyone was asked to play a game. Did you feel like a rat in a cage? And last June, people were asked to play a war game without being told of the very real consequences: that with every shot, we'd feel what it was like to have a real bullet tearing into us. And at the end of the game, you either won or you experienced true death before you woke up.

[Her voice here intensifies in its anger.]

And now ... now, a year later, we're in another game. We're in the reality of that paintball game. See, it was imPort versus imPort, and here we are again. We're having our hands forced because even if we've been helping one another, and helping the citizens of the world, we should be brought in. None of the vigilantes I know kill. We all help, doing what we can, and it's the government who defines our behavior, and who decides that we should adhere to their laws. And why? Is there any reason that we should? We didn't consent to these tattoos. We've been going along with what they've wanted for ages.

So, this is what I'm asking the government to do. You have the list of vigilantes. Why don't you bring us in yourself? Why use other imPorts? You can capture us, right?

Because honestly, that's what I'd like to know. Obviously, you want something for this, so everyone, let's guess! Because it looks like they want a Civil War among us. I guess they really didn't think it through, even with cautionary tales already ready in their midst.

[When she cuts the feed, it switches to text, providing a link to her previous words on the matter. Cautionary tales are even sourced!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hey, Rose. [Kate is actually at work still, and it's obvious she's trying to dig through some stuff. While Matt is better at the legalese, she can't help but want to be as aware as possible.

Plus, if one more person tries to convince her that it's better to register for "her own good" and to "play the system," she's going to scream.]

Hello, Kate.

[there is a non-verbal hmmmmmmmmm.]

I'm afraid I'm at a loss, here. I haven't the experience with controlling government officials the same way you do.

[well --]

Or rather, I'm not sure power-mad game constructs really count in this instance. Or time traveling space demons?

They ... probably don't, unless a government was utilizing them.

[She pauses, canting her head to the side.]

Was a government utilizing them?

Actually, sort of? In some cases?

[god no, no. she's done explaining her life; it's too complicated. she knows this now. ]

In any case, it's not really relevant to this mess.

No, not particularly. Though some of your housemates might be affected by this. One of them is offering to fight.

[ah]

That's not a surprise. They're good boys, I'm entirely positive they would all dive head first into fighting if you asked them.

I didn't ask, but I did say that it would likely be possible if it got out of hand.

Look at you, encouraging imPort revolution.

They hit pretty close to home this time. Too close. That's not a time in my life that I'd ever want to revisit, but the answer to avoiding it isn't to just give up and register.

I suppose you're anticipating the worst case scenario.

To a degree. I think it's worrisome that people have conveniently forgotten all the times that imPorts have already attacked and hurt one another. [She doesn't name specifics for ... obvious reasons. But she knows Rose will jump to one place in particular.]

[It's a subtle change in her expression; cold, indifferent. She nods. ]

Now they have the excuse.

[a beat. ]

I'm registered. I don't I mentioned that.

I assumed. Last year, Kanaya mentioned that she was going to stick with it until it seemed unwise to do so. [She pauses.]

And then I figured you'd be right there with her. I guess that doesn't really ... apply now. [Her tone takes an awkward tone, like she realizes she should be awkward about admitting that.]

She's stubborn, so that won't have changed. We haven't -- really spoken. Beyond a few things.

[she's been single since march. weird. ]

I sent her a birthday card, but. Well.

She's still wallowing. [Keep the judgment out of your voice, Kate.

Oh.

She failed.]

What about you? Has anything changed for you? [She means on the registration front, but it's up to Rose to interpret it that way.]

I'm -- weighing my options.

[that -- does that sound selfish?]

I'm only seventeen for two more months; school is finished in June and I -- well. I'm weighing my options.

[things are easier if you're registered, she means. ]

I'm going to have to have a talk with my team in the wake of this. Not all of us are freewheeling, so to speak. I don't want anyone to feel forced to fight the government on this. I don't want anyone ... anywhere to feel forced. It's not like you can just shrug off the consequences.

I don't need to tell you to be careful, Kate.

No, you don't. I know that I make a lot of bold declarations, but they have their purpose just as much as anything does.

And ... I've learned a lot in the last year. I'll be careful.

Alright. Then I suppose -- good luck? With how you proceed.

Thanks.

And if you ever would like to help, I'm sure we'd be lucky to have you.

Ah yes. A pun I can appreciate. Kate, if you need help all you have to do is ask.

I'll do exactly that. Though I should ask what powers your unfortunately colored pajamas give you sometime. First, I mean.

Oh, you don't know? That seems like an over sight on my part. They are very cool powers.

Admittedly, powers aren't really my top priority.

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