maskormenace | video.

[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

I guess I should just take this for what it is. Good job me. If it wasn't awkward to pat yourself on the back without being named Mr. Fantastic, I would start that right about now.

And don't be so quick to call yourself an idiot. Idiots are the uncharmed ones, in my experience.

It's still awkward when he does it. I don't know if you've ever been in the room, but trust me, beyond cringe-inducing and closer to 'when can I punch him in the face?'

[ A simple shrug, and a genuine smile. It's nice to hear someone say that he's not an idiot, although he wasn't fishing for the affirmation.]

It's just a joke, the idiot thing. Like how I could call the uncharmed ones blind and deaf, but that's not giving the blind and the deaf enough credit. But I'm always an acceptable target, because I never mind.

Well, as long as you're generally a good spirit about it all, I guess I can't tell you what you can call yourself, huh?

Nah, but you can call me whenever you like.

[She is facepalming. See? Facepalming.]

[ And he's laughing. Come on, that was a good one. ]

Would've it been any better if I sent with whatever?

Worse.

Definitely worse.

[ The broad smile doesn't fade. ]

I'll keep that in mind when I find somebody to actually use the line on.

Uh huh.

Good luck finding "somebody."

Pfff. I don't need luck. I'm just not looking.

All right, then. I'll take you at your word.

And I'll let you know if the line works.

[ He gives her a half smile with a well-timed click of the tongue. ]

If you need any help with the registered side of the registration crap, let me know, okay? I haven't decided on denouncing it yet.

I do work with registered people, you know. You can probably argue about the problems with the government without rescinding your status. I just don't choose to register.

So, if you want to help, I'll give you a call.

I know. It's a matter of... principle, I guess. I just don't know if I have the right to that anymore.

But I do want to help. There's people I owe it to. Thanks, Kate.

You have a right to everything here. If Norman Osborn can mess with teenage girls and not end up in prison for it, your mistakes are even further in the past. [Even if "accidents" aren't really "mistakes," but she isn't going to correct her phrasing.]

I'll keep you in mind. And it's no problem.

[ Sudden format change is obvious, but he wouldn't be able to keep the emotion out of his voice. ]

Please tell me you're talking about the kids he had worked ever during the Initiative days, and not something else.

It's not my story to tell, but if you'd like to help with bringing him to proper justice, can you contact Rose Lalonde? Tell her I sent you. It's not a well-kept secret in the least, but it's still better if it comes from her in its full glory.

You might have seen the bit about the hobgoblin and green goblin a few months ago.

[She leaves it at that. Getting some help—getting some knowledgeable help—would be good.

Especially since she's now not entirely certain that Loki is the best man for doing some solo work here.]

Is she okay? I'm going to contact her, but I don't want to ask that. Nobody likes getting that question. I missed it. I'm sorry. I didn't - I should've kept a better eye out for things about him. I'm not going to like the full glory, am I?

You're going to hate it. I hate it. I also hate that I'm terrified of the man. I can go toe to toe with a lot of people, but half of that is the assured feeling that they won't hurt me. It's why I feel like I can yell at Tony a lot. Norman Osborn scares me. [It's not an easy thing to admit, but someone from their world, someone who's been hurt by him, surely he'd understand easily enough.]

And she's more level-headed than you're giving her credit for. Yes, she's hurting. And a lot. But I think having someone to talk to about it, someone who's genuinely been through that, could be good.

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