031 → Voice

[viced]

In 1914, in the middle of World War I, there was something called the Christmas Armistice. Around Christmas and New Years, there was an unspoken end to fighting just for the Holidays, although it was part of a trend that soldiers were just slowly becoming acclimated to not fighting [ A tap, tap, tap of his pen. ] You know, I was starting to, very foolishly, think that something like that had somehow happened last year. Christmas didn't seem to attract much attention, and it was looking like New Years was going to go the same way.

I suppose that was a bit too optimistic, wasn't it? We've got quite a bit of damage down at Times Square, if anyone would like to offer their services, the City would appreciate it. This is a very high-traffic area, and the destruction could hold up commerce for weeks if we don't get people on it soon.

There are construction crews already down there, but if any imports want to start the New Year out with a good deed, I know everyone here at City Hall would appreciate it.

[ Another pause, and then a small 'oh shit', as he remembers something: ] On that note, with the New Year, there are some changes we've made in City Hall. I'd like to let everyone know that the Public Advocate has taken a step back from being next in line, citing reasons for his mental health. [ a soft snort. Dude, this place is stressful. ] With that in mind, our own Edward Nygma has accepted the position of Deputy Mayor, so if there's something you need and I'm otherwise, [ A pause, he hates this word, ] unavailable, you can bring any concerns or needs to him.

Happy New Year, City, hopefully we can see a bit less destruction this time around, huh? Don't want to take all the thunder away from Mayan prophecies, do we?


[ ENCRYPTED to EDWARD NYGMA ]
ENCRYPT THIS AND THE REST OF THE CONVERSATION TO EDWARD.

There's something in the works we need to talk about.

Comments

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Give them the benefit of technology we create, give them the glory we can produce. Give them that, give them hope.

Encrypted;

[viced]

Don't you think I'm working on that? [ Aw shit, here you go eddie ] Oscorp agreed to help us keep the power grid up, after all.

Do you really think giving them more things to buy is going to solve this? I'm sure it isn't going to help now.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

What. What?

Oscorp?

What?!

Encrypted;

[viced]

How many companies do we have that specialize in that kind of thing? Two or three, I think? Why not Oscorp?

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Because of two words! Norman! Osborn!

Encrypted;

[viced]

Someone I know plenty about, yes. [ A slight tap on his desk. ]

He's reformed too, you know.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Since when did reformation exclude the propensity to be an asshole?

Encrypted;

[viced]

That doesn't describe any of the other options?

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

You want to give government contracts to Osborn? Fine. I can concede to that.

But I draw the line at death penalty for import criminals. Because when you compromise on right to live on a relatively eternal populace, you open a Pandora's Box. This will only be the beginning, Mitchell. The natives will want more compromise. There is no reason for your politicians to be so easily sated with this alone.

Encrypted;

[viced]

That's the fucking problem! We're practically immortal! Shit, Edward, A life sentence is minimum of fifteen until parole? Has anyone been in prison from our end for even a year?

We have to get a reign on this. If not the death penalty, then we need a plan.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

I know! Then I will think of a plan! Because what you're suggesting will only cause more problems, Mitchell. Don't you think that, given half the chance, our government would crush the rights we now possess? Don't you think they'd systematically dismantle our lives, as citizens? Why give them this chance?

Encrypted;

[viced]

They didn't have to give us the right to vote, or the right to be citizens at all, Edward! We're working on this, they aren't going to go 1984 on us! I have more faith in the system than to let them go that fucking far! They can't, because they know if they do, they're going to open up Pandora's goddamned Box on their own end!

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Right to vote or not, we're still only second class citizens. Don't let them take advantage of that, Mitchell -- because anyone really would.

Encrypted;

[viced]

[ a pause, thoughtful. He would. ]

Some governments are better than that, some politicians are better than that.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

And do you honestly believe this one is?

Encrypted;

[viced]

I fucking have to, I signed on to participate in it, didn't I?

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

It's a mistake, Mitch.

Encrypted;

[viced]

[ A breath, the audible sound of his hand running through his hair in frustration. ]

I'm not saying it isn't. It may be, why the fuck do you think I asked you about it?

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

And I'm telling you, right now. It's a mistake.

Encrypted;

[viced]

Your input has been noted.

It's an election year, Edward. What we can do now can affect the course later.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, election year. And suddenly, the motivation is all quite clear.

Which donors are you courting?

Encrypted;

[viced]

None for me right now. We've still got another three, but the friends we make today help tomorrow, and all that bullshit.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

I'm aware Mitch, I was present during your last campaign. But the point of wooing funds in order to campaign is that you do it well in advance. In other words, you use another's election to bring attention onto your own.

So why don't you answer my question?

Encrypted;

[viced]

[ He releases a sigh, Eddie let him be cagey ]

The devil I know, I suppose you could say. Republicans.

Encrypted;

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Republicans. [The word is spat.] What have you become?