13 ⚜ Text - Video

[restingstitchface]

Today is the second day of the second month.

[A message in the early morning. It's been a couple of months now, and he's trying to be silent - but after recent events, this is a special occasion. He's read the messages about the kidnapping, and wants to learn more about the responses flying about. People seem in two minds on the issue.

Not to occupy the domain of another Gothamite, mind.]

Given recent events, I believe it appropriate to discuss the dichotomy and dualism our community now faces.

[He switches to video. Tidy hair, a clean face, a neat black suit and a pair of leather shoes. He's scrubbed up well. He doesn't speak immediately, and his gaze doesn't stray. He leans back against his chair, crosses his right leg and steeples his fingers, which he points at the focal point of his broadcast. He speaks in a calm, level tone.]

It appears there are two moral opposites at work in this winter war. Or, as our benefactors would like us to say, mature western values against immature eastern aggression.

Given my impartiality in political matters, I'm going to address first those members of our community who recently found themselves affected by petty squabbles for power:

You have all been the victims of a grave injustice. But please, do not seek to extinguish a fire by piling on more fuel or committing further crime. I advise you all to be wary of those in positions of power who will seek to elicit a powerful emotional response. Exercise caution of anything they try to say. Trusting a basic assumption is not a logical conclusion. Seek the middle ground.

Regardless, congratulations on your safe return. I'm sure the Russians will miss you.

[A beat. He half-closes his eyes and folds his hands together in his lap.]

Now, many have spoken about the issue, but I feel we should encourage an open dialogue process. I fear an open explosion of political violence shall see an end to our peaceful coexistence with the local community. So, does anyone want to speak about how this war makes them feel?

Anyway, it's late, and I apologize if this message has disturbed anyone. I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments

Voice;

[exceptfebruary]

2/2. Groundhog Day. A Tuesday. Harvey would appreciate it.

I am glad to have the opportunity to see my shadow today. Even if today was not the day that I left the hole. [ The kidnapping was a bad scene. ]

Voice;

[restingstitchface]

Of course, Julian.

I imagine being out of that hole and in the light of day is a pleasant experience for you. There's plenty to see this year, is there not?

[More this year than for the last four, in fact. For this year's a leap year. 366 days as opposed to 365. That must be exciting for him. Not that he's voicing that thought aloud.]

[exceptfebruary]

Very pleasant. After all, I was not in a position to hibernate. [ He does not sound traumatized, however. At least had access to the date, one way or another. It was horrible, yes, but he can move on. ]

Yes, luckily I got out before any major holidays. And of course, there are many other interesting dates even just this month.

[Text]

[sleight_of_hand]

It's weird hearing you advocate a peaceful solution.
Who are you and what the hell did you do with Crane?

[ Text because fuck you, he is not giving you the satisfaction of seeing how hungover he is. ]

Permatext

[restingstitchface]

You're the detective. You tell me.

[sleight_of_hand]

Ha.
...
Please tell me you're not trying for something lame.

video;

[helpline]

Today is the second day of the second month, we should be talking about rodents.

permavideo; for now

[restingstitchface]

Perhaps we should be, but I'm afraid we're not. Stick to the topic, please, and try to leave mentions of rodents out of our chat.

[helpline]

In that case, I also don't want to see an explosion of political violence because been there done that, it's boring, and the rodents won't like it.

[Video]

[equinamity]

I have great concerns for anyone who tells you that this war makes them feel anything but concern.

[Riza is not in the best mood, and the frown on her face shows it. The police department is full of new faces and they had left Mexico with no idea of how their diplomatic attempts had truly been recieved.]

Video

[restingstitchface]

[By contrast, Crane's face is impassive. Her question is a solid one.]

That's understandable. What about their opinions concerns you so?

Video

[equinamity]

[There’s a momentary pause, Hawkeye reaching for her mug of tea off screen. She doesn’t care for Crane’s psychobabble, his attempts at seeming cool and nonchalant, his gentle attempt at pulling information. But this was an opinion she wanted as many to hear as possible, so she will talk--even to Crane, someone she can’t stand--so someone else can hear.]

Meeting the Russian aggression with further violence is only going to result in more people being killed. Those who think otherwise have not witnessed war firsthand. If that idea doesn’t scare you, your regard for life is far too low.

If the idea of fighting these Russian soldiers doesn’t scare you, even a little, you haven’t enough regard for your own life to survive. There are trained soldiers who have killed many who still feel plenty of fear facing battle. It’s that fear that keeps you alive.

I’m sure you’ve studied that sort of fear, Doctor Crane.

Voice

[dun_moch]

[Well, this is different. The Count wonders what Crane's game is, here. He sticks to voice to avoid giving the less-than-good Doctor the opportunity to glean information from his face.]

Well-spoken, Doctor. It is a pity your crimes precluded you accompanying our diplomatic missions. Perhaps your talents could have proven useful in the cause of peace- if you were not undergoing rehabilitation for acts of violence.

Video

[restingstitchface]

[Crane had prepared for video contact. He tilts his head. No facial recognition? No micro expressions? He holds his breath and swiftly calms himself. Fine, he'll deal. His voice has a slightly offended tone.]

If that's the terminology you use to describe my work, I can accept it.

[Not truly. He had performed an experiment. Wanton violence signifies a lack of control. Weakness.

He smiles politely and then leans forward, hands sliding between his thighs. He is perfectly in control.]

But you know, Count, that violence and peace go hand in hand. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." They are both tools of social control.

permavoice

[dun_moch]

[Deal with it Crane, Dooku is going to make you work for it.]

Very true. I would be interested to learn who you are quoting from. But since you are calling so eloquently for restraint, let me ask: what makes you sure this is not one of those times when the "rough men" must do their business on behalf of others?

voice;

[itistolaugh]

Do you even look forward to hearing from me?

voice;

[restingstitchface]

[He says nothing for a long while.]

Well, perhaps if you were to stick to the topic, I might find myself growing agreeable to your presence.

voice;

[itistolaugh]

Mmhm,mmhm, okay. And what is the topic?

[ She was not paying even a little bit of attention. ]

video.

[glowsferatu]

[ She'll spare him the text this time, if for no other reason than to avoid it becoming a distraction. ]

Where's the other shoe, then?

video.

[restingstitchface]

[Kanaya. The corners of his mouth turn up in a small smile.]

I suppose it's on my other foot. Does it really matter where, though?

video.

[glowsferatu]

You'll have to forgive me if I can't help but wonder when it will be dropping. I mean, here you've traded talk of fear for prudence.

I can't imagine that comes without design.

[ Not that she has trust issues or anything. ]

Video

[morethan084]

Pretty ballsy of you to say out in the open people shouldn't do what our government tells them to do.

[Which is totally what she is not doing either, so.]

Video

[restingstitchface]

Yes, well, I am simply asking people to think for themselves.

[Encouraging government criticism from those minded to do so is a nice development. It's good for the community.]

It's pretty brave of you to share those thoughts, also. What is your opinion of our situation?

[viced]

I hope you're not trying to psychoanalyze the people who were hurt in this mess. [ Because that's what Crane does, right? ]

[restingstitchface]

[Yep! Here's your gold star.

He gives Mitch a blank look.]

Unbelievable. Shouldn't you read me my rights when you make an allegation like that?