02 - video (private from johnathan crane and peter pan)

[hsalf]

I have to say, if any week got skipped for me due to a porter - I'm glad it was last week. [He smiles grimly, not amused by his statement, and sighs.] It's been some time since I've last addressed everyone, so I'll reintroduce myself: Dr. Harrison Wells, Heropa University professor in Kinematics. If anyone wishes to attend a science lecture for free, I open my lectures to the imPort public so long as you're respectful of the enrolled students and don't cause havoc.

[The last part in particular is especially pronounced in his voice, almost like a warning. He takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes, letting the same hand shake his hair a bit between his fingers, before continuing on.]

I understand we have a lot of new people coming in, as is usual around here. December was quiet, terrorist attacks aside, but things seem "back to normal." Large scale destruction by imPorts, people confused and scared...etcetera.

I've been here close to seven months and I have to be honest: things can be better here. We can all be better. Yet if we don't start to make changes, then people like Crane and Pan will continue to cause destruction and leave us picking up the rubble after. Oh and don't worry about them popping in to gloat about how oh so special they are, and how we can never best them, because I locked this communication away from their eyes.

[He rolls his eyes and takes a breath before continuing.]

I believe new measures need to be taken to protect ourselves and to prevent other imPorts from causing chaos. Something that can work within the confines of the government that we are, on some level - like it or not, an essential part of. Surely we hold more leverage than we even know because this country would be likely ravaged without us by this point, and surely the government isn't fond of Heropa being attacked twice in the span of a month's time.

I have my own ideas, but I would like to hear what others think of what I'm saying first. I know many people here may not be fans of preventative measures, acting instead of reacting, but if we do nothing...people like Crane and Pan won't be satisfied. They enjoy the deranged things they do and they know how to make it hurt. Don't think catching them will help when the government's idea of punishment is a slap on the wrist.

For starters - prison reformation should be key.

[And he knows something about holding dangerous superpowered criminals in spaces where they can't be a threat to anyone around them.]

Comments

[bindsthedead]

Believe me, as a member of RISE, we're always open to new ideas about how to contain dangerous imPorts, and stopping incidents before they start.

[hsalf]

I'm happy to hear that. RISE has done good work and I'm sure I can speak for many here on how thankful we all are for those involved.

[At the very least he can acknowledge why this group exists and their impact on the community.]

Unfortunate as it is, much of the problem is not something we can wholly control. The behavior of those like Crane and Pan are unpredictable at best and crazed at worst. If only the porter didn't bring such types.

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[pobrecisco]

[ Cisco spends a good couple of minutes just staring at the video on loop before he logs in to respond. He can't turn his video on, though, or he'd sound too incredulous for a public forum when he's still agreeing to keep Wells' real identity a secret. ]

so what specifically are you recommending when you say "preventative measures"

[ Yknow, like, travelling back in time to kill them as a ten year old? ]

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[hsalf]

[In all fairness, it's not an option that should be dismissed!]

Early detection would involve zeroing in on people who have odd public behavior, as well as spoken accounts from people who may be familiar with them on some level. Of course these two ideas are not without their own flaws.

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[foreshadower]

Quite so! What sorts of reformations are you thinking? [ A beat. ]

I'd love to hear what a great mind like yourself would consider an appropriate solution.

[ Is he being an ass? Just a little bit. ]

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[hsalf]

[So long as he's not an ass who goes spreading lies and slander about him publicly...]

I think we should be more firm on taking justice into our own hands. The government seems to be too lenient on imPort criminals in particular; I suppose thinking they can reform them to work for the efforts of good ol' America.

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[brushoff]

Really! Now tell me what precisely you'd do with all us big bad imPort criminals. How precisely would you administer the punishment that's so deserved?

[ because this is going to be interesting & Dorian is a shit ]

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[hsalf]

[Wow Dorian, why don't you tell him how you really feel?]

If you're insinuating I would take justice into my own hands, I won't and wouldn't. Nor should anyone else be put into such a position. My idea is to strengthen the current system into something firmer and more feasibly punishing.

The current system is a joke. One that was never funny and especially not now.

[ Video ]

[enucleation]

What measures would you suggest?

[ Video ]

[hsalf]

Greater communication, so we can discuss better ways to stop criminal activity before it gets out of hand. However the greater issue is creating harsher punishments, in conjunction with the government.

However, I acknowledge it won't dissuade the types who look to cause mass destruction out of enjoyment. People like Crane and Pan are among this group.

[incogneto]

...Prison reformation?

[hsalf]

Yes, that's right. Our current system has people in jail for two or three months, followed by house arrest probation.

[airshow]

What kind of preventative measures are we talking here?

[hsalf]

Observation, awareness, not simply reacting. Greater surveillance and databases established to improve action time.

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[infomodder]

[It's another day of plaid with the bait shop as the backdrop, naturally. Let's get some potentially "odd public behavior" up in here.]

Do you honestly believe the prison system is worth an effort to reform in the first place?

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[hsalf]

Would you suggest demolishing the system and rebuilding from scratch? While I'm not opposed to such a notion, it would take time and shouldn't be done without knowing the challenges with it.

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[slightlyoffchilt]

And where might you place psychiatry among your reformation?

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[hsalf]

I believe mental health is an essential part of any person's rehabilitation. Although we also need to evaluate if certain individuals can even be rehabilitated. Crane, for instance, seems like a lost cause to me.

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[garrick]

[Considering Jay has just met a load of people who know him that he's not aware of, he should really know better. The mention of a free science lecture should have given it away.

But then it's Harrison Wells. Logic doesn't exist anymore and the look on Jay's face is both incredulous and annoyed.]

Prison Reform? Leverage? That's just so you, Harrison, I'm not even surprised anymore. How about people just don't take your ideas since they have a habit of putting others in harm's way.

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[hsalf]

[Wow...that is a really hostile reaction. He breathes in before he continues.]

Your comments have been...noted, Mr. Garrick. [he says reading off the ID.] However I think your outlook is quite negative. I'm looking to make the imPort community a better place and this is hardly a demand to listen to all I have to say. Merely a request to keep ears open.

[ video ]

[hostage]

[Chillin' like a villain with a lot of interest in this subject.]

Has prison ever really helped anybody? I mean, sure, you get 'em outta the way for a while. But when they get out, they're extra angry. And they usually picked up a few tricks.

[ video ]

[hsalf]

I'm no expert on prison reformation, but I take it the ones who are helped by prison are the ones who reflect upon what they've done and are truly remorseful for their actions. Those who just come in angry and come out angry...well, most likely they will find themselves in prison yet again.

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[grimreaping]

While I agree that the government's current method of dealing with those who cause chaos is... inefficacious...

[ he manages to pack an awful lot of disdain and disapproval into a single word ]

... they're also not willing to work with imPorts who choose not to follow their every restriction. They're purposely failing to use the resources at their disposal.

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[hsalf]

An annoyance to be certain. Particularly because it's obvious many people only go along with the restrictions to have the government out of their hair as much as possible. Registration is a thinly veiled joke, but what else is new about that in regards to their policies?

[He sees no reason to mute his dissatisfaction - he's registered and he only does it because it's more of an irritation to not be.]

However I would hope they will see reason in regards to this new hit of imPort attacks on mass scales.

[mightthinkthat]

I don't mean to nitpick, but 'within the confines of the government' and prison reformation would seem to be at odds. Their terms and conditions are very much a choice not something they've overlooked.

[hsalf]

Indeed, I'm aware of such a situation. However the government isn't going to respond to rallies for everything we want - we are at the disadvantage here. It'll be about striking a balance and making an appeal they'll actually think of accepting.

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[textualhealing]

Prison won't work. It's a great way to keep people off the streets and that's about it. Even when locked up, imPorts spend half their time trolling the network on the comms anyway, it's a waste of time. I'm not even holding up much hope that the guys you're talking about could benefit from any kind of rehabilitation.

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[hsalf]

Yes, I would like to abolish the clause that allows inmates to have their communicators with them. Crane's constant ramblings about fear got a lot less charming every single time.

[And he means that honestly - guy needs to spice up his shtick a bit.]

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[excessivehubris]

[ Well, this was an interesting topic indeed and one that Charles paid close attention too before he opened up a connection. ]

Hello. I'm afraid we haven't had the pleasure of an introduction but your comments are close to questions and concerns I've had since arriving. I hope you'll indulge me in a question?

You mentioned prison reform, for imPorts? My question would be; are we not already prisoners of a sort here in this world?

[ Charles shifted in his chair, holding up a hand. ] Granted, we appear to have a lot of support from the local government, and luxuries and it seems we have a voice in our fate, at least at the local levels. [ Seems being the keyword there. ] But ultimately, none of us have a choice to return to our homes, at this time.

So, would imposing more restriction, upon restriction truly be a deterrent for personalities like these or would we merely risk breeding more anger and disassociation in imPorts?

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[hsalf]

True we are prisoners, but it isn't a result of the government itself. The porters keep us here and they seem to be a force with the powers of this country have little to no control over. In a way, they're putting up with us and giving us a means of survival here - of course, that survival only exists within their own systems.

[Meaning another prison, only far nicer and gilded.]

We may not have a choice to return home, but we do have a choice not to lash out and destroy a world that we have no connection to. I will frankly say that I don't care about this world, or this country, because it is not my home, but I'm not making plans to bomb it or turn it into some fantasy land.

Increased security restrictions are becoming more and more necessary in my eyes. Otherwise we'll see more attacks like these and who knows how long the government is going to tolerate violence from our group. They may shelter us, but they don't believe we're their responsibility. We're on our own for the most part.

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[justimom]

There are few here willing to accept the consequences that may come with taking preventative measures.

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[hsalf]

True. It objects to many moral systems as a whole to shoot first, ask later. And while I don't advocate such a stance, we can't do nothing when our system is so clearly flawed.

[darwinatrix]

This world, it seems, is quite committed to the idea of not judging someone before a crime is committed.

I suppose I can see the logic behind that, from an ethical standpoint, if not an efficiency one.

[hsalf]

Ethically yes. It is wrong to judge a person before they commit their crime. Yet when faced with keeping others safe, information is pertinent and can help at the least predict future behaviors and monitor the related parties in case they do strike.

[Voice]

[tactile_telekinesis]

Props for keeping them both out of this.

So how would you say we go about this? We being imPorts. How are you gonna tell the good guys from the bad, because before Crane let the cat outta the bag, not a lot of people knew how cuckoo the creep really was.

How can you know who is gonna be the next imPort to do something? How you gonna make sure they're stopped from doing it again?

[Voice]

[hsalf]

First off, I think more collaboration with the government is a must. They have access to databases on us that we can't possibly see. Being able to access those records can help us spot potential problem people relatively fast.

It's also an issue of communication. The imPort community is too fragmented and we can't communicate efficiently as a result.

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[angelfire]

[ He's so amused. ]

So you locked this communication from Pan and Crane, but not me? I'm touched, really I am.

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[hsalf]

Is that a remark or a request? I can easily change the settings right now to exclude you too.

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[chiroptophobic]

[ It's dark, and his 'video' is basically just highlights of him appearing out of the shadows; the angle of his jaw, the white of his eye, which is narrowed pointedly. ]

Failing all else, you can always brainwash them. That's how they deliver "justice" in a genuine police state.

[ Actual bat-sarcasm right there. ]

[hsalf]

[His hands clench a little at the ID before he motions to answer the feed. Justice League - what a bother.]

I can hear the sarcasm in your tone, "Batman." [He swallows back an urge to emphasis it, not wanting to sound like he knows the name.] Some months back, I was actually transported - or at least my mind was - to a brainwashing facility that the government once utilized in the past. It wasn't pleasant.

[Video]

[equinamity]

[There is quiet but clear curiosity on the young woman's features as she replies, quirking a brow.]

I would be interested in hearing your idea of appropriate preventative measures.

[She tilts her head just slightly, her fingers pressed against her chin in thought.] One of the greatest difficulties in preparing for the threats here has been the variety of potential assaults. We all come from different worlds, where different powers are normal. Add to that the variety of powers that are bestowed upon arrival, degrees of fighting prowess, and you have a very volatile group. A volatile group that poses a very complex set of threats, that is constantly changing.

It's difficult to choose the appropriate preventative measures for such a rapidly morphing population. I'd be interested in hearing your solution.

[Video]

[hsalf]

One idea is a database where imPorts willingly submit their own powers and allow themselves to be contacted in case an emergency arises where they can be of efficient use due to their skills.

[He sniffs and props a hand up to the side of his head.]

However the biggest one is going to be keeping known criminals off the streets and away from the public. People who commit crimes against society shouldn't be allowed to peacefully return and reintegrate into that society. This is what the government is currently doing and it doesn't work.

Ultimately it's about communication and making sure we compromise with one another. I realize I tend to move to extremes myself, but I am open to speaking and listening to people from outside my point of view.

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[takethestairs]

I've read over your ideas, Doctor Wells, and I'd certainly like to discuss the points you've raised. However, I'd prefer to share my thoughts in person, if it's not an inconvenience to you.

...ah, but I'm afraid we aren't properly acquainted. I'm Miles Edgeworth, a prosecutor working with RISE. I trust that you've heard of the organization by now.

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[hsalf]

Not an inconvenience at all, Mr. Edgeworth. I could come to your office, if you have one?

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[tardily]

[ Congrats, Barry's eye is now actually twitching a little. ]

Because prison reformation works wonders on sociopaths. [ A beat. ] It's a bit inhumane to just resort to immediate preventative measures when they didn't ask to be brought here. None of us did.

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[hsalf]

[He sees that twitch and he loves it.]

True. We had no choice in being brought here. We do have a choice in how we act. Those who are peaceful, despite their past, should be left alone - the ones who continue to do wrong? I don't see why we should have sympathy.

[maglevflash]

It there's a way for people like them to be kept from harming anyone while they're here, I'm not going to complain. [As much as she believes in second chances, that sort of thing is more reserved for the people who are actually trying to make a difference. After all, Callaghan had been dangerous, but Tadashi's death had been, admittedly, an accident on his part, and compared to Crane or Pan's damage... well, Callaghan's different.]

They e-mailed me when you were ported out. I didn't have time to do much, but I organized your notes for the new semester in case you didn't come back.

[hsalf]

Thank you Gogo, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in the matter. [He can't say he's glad to be back, but as long as things are running smoothly upon his return then he can't complain.] Have you kept safe in the past weeks?

video. this is late af but i just noticed this post and it's everything she wants to talk about

[glowsferatu]

It's a worthy thought experiment, but people are unfortunately lax in actually committing to anything. Human entitlement, in my experience. [ Since she is very visibly not. ] Most imPorts come from worlds where freedom is valued over good sense, so even the slightest limitation on those freedoms is considered an unforgivable sin.

You've encountered it already, I see, people already leaping to hyperbole. It's exhausting and unproductive. [ She sighs and waves it off to the side, as if a simple gesture could end it entirely. ]

Have you heard anything about the Hornets we fought against last year? They weren't...good at it, by any means, and rather muddied the discourse by starting with terrorism before they ever bothered making any demands. But once they finally did, they rather had a point.

heir last desperate attempt was to install wide-range nullifiers in the Porter cities. A bit of a blunt solution, but it would have done the job. Obviously, it won't go over well, and in some cases there are valid reasons for that. But I still can't help but think we should be thinking along that scale, something far-reaching across every imPort, that we'll still be able to live with.

We just need people actually interested in looking for that line.