maskormenace | 1 ⚙ VIDEO; Sunday Afternoon.

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1 ⚙ VIDEO; Sunday Afternoon.

Well, everyone, it's been a long fucking while, hasn't it?

[ It seems so weird, to see Mitch without his usual, old backdrop of an office. He's not in a bedroom, either, but instead outside, probably a park, but he sure as hell doesn't look comfortable. He's just kind of holding the communicator, there's not the usual production-quality that his addresses normally came with. Starting over, starting from the ground up. He's smiling though, as much as a guy who's lost a career can smile. ]

We've got a lot of new faces on here too. I'd say welcome to the City, but it's not really the City anymore. [ A pause. ] Welcome to Cape Canaveral, imports.

We've had a lot of people offering rundowns, so I'm not going to do that, we've had appeals for cooperation, something I would wholeheartedly encourage, but more than that, I wanted to pop in and let you know what I'm here for. Back home, where I really come from, I was the Mayor of New York City, [ A pause. There are other things, but he won't address those, ] and then in the City, I was also the mayor, your mayor, really. It's difficult to distinguish a classification like import, no matter what you do, you know? Anyway, when I showed up here, they apparently knew me well enough, they didn't give me one fucking job, they gave me two. I'm your representative here.

What that means, of course, is that I'm here for you. I know how cheesy, and ridiculous it sounds, but it's true. I'm here for each and every one of you, and I mean that wholeheartedly. I know it's a lot to take in, coming to another goddamn world, and suddenly there's a tattoo on your arm, a file in your hand, and you're being asked to register for these people. I know it's not easy. I know it's not the first thing that comes to mind when showing up in a new goddamn world, because I'm pretty sure most people are going to get caught up on the fact that it's a new goddamn world.

And that's where I want to come in. I want you to understand just as I do, I want to make sure that if there are any fears, or anything holding you back, let me bring them up with the people in the government, let me bring issues you have up. I'm good at this for a reason, and if you need a voice, I'm going to be it. So don't hesitate, and if you don't want to do it here, just tell me when and where, and I'll make sure we can talk -- or you can call me anytime, and I'll be here to listen.

[ And like magic, the number seems embedded in the message. ]

Anyway, like a lot of people have already said, we have to work together to make do here. If we don't, we're going to fall apart, just like before, and I cannot and will not let that happen if I can help it.

Thanks for listening folks, and have a good rest of your afternoon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There are always people of marginalized groups that are elected to office regardless of who they are. [ A pause. ]

I mean, Hiram Revels was the first black congressman, and he represented Mississippi. It's not the same thing, obviously, but the fact of the matter is, I was elected despite being an import.

That's the long and short of it.

Oh, I believe it. Like I said, it contradicts everything I've heard thus far. [Which isn't a bad thing, but it does grant her a fuller picture of things.]

Are you going to settle for being a representative here?

It's...complicated, where we were before. They resented our power, they wanted us gone -- some of them did -- but people are complicated. They might hate you and still be grateful for what you've done for them. [ That's said just a touch too personally. ] It's just like politics, honestly.

But honestly? This is a start. Not the end goal, but it's certainly he way to get things started.

Any chance you can work on some leeway for those who aren't keen on carrying around a set of dog tags? That's my request. I'm a good kid—the whole thing just doesn't sit right with me. I'm not saying there isn't leeway, but there's no reason to make it harder for us. [There's a beat.] And don't give me some speech on how we're the outsiders. I'm not interested.

Well, we are, but I know exactly what you mean. [ And christ, does he. ]

I can see what I can do, for sure. I understand entirely how much it stings to not be trusted. Where I came from, even the slightest hint of power usage had the cops sniffing up my ass. It's a hard way to live. Necessary, sometimes, but certainly not for everyone.

Truthfully, I could do without the powers. I didn't need it before, and I don't need it now. I was fine.

[Which is a bold statement, but it's not even like she particularly likes what she's been granted.]

Since going home isn't an option, and I can't find gainful employment unless I play along, I'd prefer a better option. If it doesn't come, I won't be surprised. But no harm in asking, right?

Yeah? [ A pause. How old is she, is what his expression says. ]

I can't blame you on that one. I can't guarantee anything, of course, especially since there need to be incentives for us to play along, but let me take a look, I'll see what I can do.

A couple blunders here and there. But who doesn't have those?

[She reads the expression somewhat correctly, but she doesn't respond to it—not directly. She's seen that look before. All the Young Avengers had.]

Thanks for looking into it.

Hey, no problem. That's what I'm here for, isn't it? I'd rather see what I can do, rather than just leave you out to dry.

Well, you definitely make a good politician.

Well, yeah, I don't do things halfway, but I also know what it's like to get fucked six ways from Sunday and not have anyone there to catch me. It's no way to live.

No, it's just ... [How does she put this?]

When I say you make a good one, you're almost too sincere.

Almost is good.

I'm being serious, though. This is an issue I feel extremely strongly about. I've been an import for a long time, and whatever I feel strongly about, I make sure I get it fucking done. I'm in the business of governing, not fucking around.

[The emphatic language (read: fucking) does catch her off guard and she stares at the screen for a moment. Kate mentally removes that "almost."]

I believe you.

[It's not a lot, but it's sincere enough.]

[ He blinked, but nodded. ]

That means a lot, Miss -- Shit, sorry, I don't think I got your name.

Kate Bishop.

Well then, it means a lot to me, Miss. Bishop.

Just don't let us down. I can advocate for myself easy enough, but I know there are limitations.

I'm not in the business of disappointing anyone, either. I wouldn't be where I am if I were.

You do have approval polls back home, right?

I absolutely do. They're generally kind, unless I'm pushing the limits again, necessary sometimes, to do the right thing.

You almost seem unreal.

[Which is generally a compliment when talking to a guy who's made a life out of politics.]

Like ... I was pretty sure there was only one type of person like you in the whole multidimensional shebang. [Steve Rogers, but even he had his flaws. Then again, one conversation isn't going to reveal a whole lot of those.]

A lot of people say that. I promise, I'm not perfect, but nobody is.

I'll always admit a fault, if I need to, and I can't promise to never lose sight, but hell, we're all trying our goddamn best, aren't we?

I think you'd actually be unreal if you were capable of keeping your focus all of the time. That's unnatural. [And even if she has high expectations and hopes here, she knows that much. Kate is about as normal but enduring as someone can get.]

The best is really all we can do.

Unnatural and creepy. Don't worry, even I need about an hour to cool down a night.

[ There's a touch of self-depreciating humor, but that's all there is. And it's actually...probably true. ]

I can tell you this much, I can always promise to do my best by you guys. But shit, always tell me what you want, too. That way I can do what I can.

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