capeandcowl | 031 → Voice

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And you think that if you disappear forever -- assuming this happens -- that he'll do the right thing?

You think I'm going to fucking disappear forever, do you?

You think I'd let you?

[ A slow pause. ] Maybe eventually, we'll be able to go back.

It'd be hard to let you go, but I would.

Unless you wanted to come with me. If anyone could find a way, it'd be me.

Tempting. Very tempting, but I do have my own world to go back to someday.

You suggesting that me and the Stranger and Doc Occult and everyone couldn't handle that someday?

Natural order, Zee. Someday, I need to go back to the low-stress job of being Vice-President.

Exactly why you should come back with me.

I'll put you in short-shorts and you can be my assistant.

Um, no thanks? I don't wear shorts!

Bikini?

No!

Fine, you can have pants. Baby.

Anyway, as I was trying to segue into earlier, what do you want for Christmas? You know how my magic works. [Quickly, she adds an afterthought:] And no unicorns! [Apparently that's been an issue before.]

Unicorns? I don't need fucking unicorns! Actually, I don't really have much of an idea of what I'd want. [ like he would know what to ask for ]

I'm sure you could guess who asked for one on first try. [Shocker: James.]

Vacation, maybe. You did just name Nygma Deputy Mayor...

I don't have time to go on vacation!

I could force you.

I would go kicking and screaming, be a complete nuisance, and work the entire time.

Guess I'd just have to keep doing it until you gave in, then.

You know me, Zee. You know that I've got too much work to actually go on Vacation right now.

Fine. We'll work on getting a team of people together to make sure you don't have too much work.

Operation: Vacation.

[ a defeated sigh ]

I'm still going to work the whole vacation. You're wasting your time.

It's the beginning of my undefined number of steps plan to get you to take a proper one. I'll wear you down yet.

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