capeandcowl | ♞ two

Dear New York. No, dear City.

[ Max is standing outside on a rather dilapidated part of the street. He's in a very nice suit, pretty overdressed in comparison... ]

I know this comes up a lot. How we protect the City, how we don't, what constitutes being a "hero," power and responsibility, meta versus non-meta; it's a hot topic, and when we move forward--

[ He gestures upward at an angle, with his hand. ]

It all collides.

[ He does the same with his other hand, where they both meet in the middle. ]

It's not exactly real progress, you see. Moving forward, getting stuck, and repeat. We want the public to respect us, but first we need to show them who we're really protecting here. Not just ourselves. Everyone. They should see that, but they don't. What we need is organization. Rotating rosters to accommodate for disappearances. Multiple, smaller mobile teams. Accessibility. Recruitment. Rescue programs. Things that make everyone feel safe and involved, not just those of us who can tell our real intentions.

Look at our City. How many people look at destruction like this and think that we're all responsible for it -- and in a way, most of us are. They're not used to "super powers," and heck, most of us aren't, either. To them we're no better than a hundred ticking time bombs, and let's face it: how can we prove them wrong when we can't even tell the difference between someone leaving this place and going legitimately missing? They are wrong, obviously… [ He raises his eyebrows for emphasis. ] but it's going to take work to show them that. If they hear about heroes but their city gets leveled every year, I'm sure right now we're about as trustworthy to them as an alien invasion.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, of course. My point is, this can still all change. We can change and become a stronger, better, more effective community for it. I've spoken with some of you -- particularly after the chaos last weekend -- and I know it's possible. We have some resources out there already -- our heroes, our cops, our DOI workers -- we've made improvements, so we have proof it can be done. We can reach out. I've got plans to help make this happen, and to help anyone else who just doesn't have all the tools. Come see me if you need me. I'm on Park Avenue.

[ He holds up a business card with his address listed, and gives the screen a big smile. ]

Sincerely, Maxwell Lord IV, liaison and manager to the Avengers, as of-- [ Checks his watch. ] Well, Monday.

[ He adjusts his tie and cuts the feed. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We're doing so poorly as to require a manager? I wish I could claim to be surprised.

Don't think about it as doing poorly. Think about it as getting a chance to do even better.

I don't think it's a matter of my perception so much as the reality we currently face. If the Avengers had been able to perform our jobs adequately, the City would hardly be in the state its in currently. We have failed it, quite abysmally.

Yes and no. On the one hand, you're exactly right: response time, organization, coordination, public image -- all of that has a lot of room for improvement. To put things nicely. On the other hand, though, if we open our arms to other involvement more proactively, you won't have the entire City resting on just your shoulders. I think that could make a real difference.

Interesting. Of course, then the question would be one of trust. The Avengers are highly trained, despite our many failures. We value seasoned, responsible allies. Could you guarantee that any parties offering their assistance would be of a similar mindset?

We'd do a screening process before accepting any close help -- no sense in compromising our own or anyone else's safety in the process. But we can at least offer resources to help train anyone else who wants to get involved in a group or an individual effort.

In our world we developed a school for the purpose of training young people. Perhaps something similar would be relevant here.

Of course, the Xavier Institute handles much of that, I suppose, but the Avengers Academy wasn't simply limited to academics or controlling one's own abilities. We focused on the broader topics of team-based combat and preparing our students for large scale catastrophes, such as the one the City experienced recently.

That's perfect. We could create a program specifically for teaching the less experienced -- young or old -- how to handle themselves. Even offer resources that they might form teams of their own. [ Where he can keep track. ] I just know there are non-Avengers all over the City that want to lend their skills and I think they can.

I agree. And the Avengers have always been about inclusion, so long as we can be assured that the proper precautions are being taken.

I would be willing to assist in this effort in any way I can.

Precaution will have to be a priority. Even if most of us here want to be heroes, there's no sense in getting stupid about those who'll try to take advantage.

How would you feel giving me a hand getting a program like this off the ground? If you know anyone at the Xavier Institute, that's where we can start.

[A pause because haha, they're still fighting and it's awkward.] My wife is the headmistress. I'm sure she'll be able to point me in the proper direction.

Even better. Let me know if you need me there, I'll clear my schedule.

I should like to consult her first, of course. However, I do believe that a face to face meeting, and clearly defined goals for any program would be necessary in its initial stages.

I can contact you once she and I have had the opportunity to discuss the matter thoroughly.

Oh, obviously, take your time. There is a certain protocol to these things. I'll make sure to keep the time available -- over lunch, if you two would rather. I look forward to it.

Thank you. I look forward to beginning work on this project, so I don't imagine I'll keep you waiting for very long.

[ This is why it's great working with speedsters. ]

I'll get some paperwork together in the meantime. Thank you. I have a good feeling about it already.

♞ two

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