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

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

It's a mistake, Mitch.

[ 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?

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

Your input has been noted.

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

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

Which donors are you courting?

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

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?

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

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

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

What I fucking had to.

[Beat.]

You really believe that, too.

[ He doesn't say anything for a moment, his hand hits the desk. ]

It's not just belief. You know that.

I didn't call falsehood, did I?

No, you didn't. I can't say I'm surprised.

You know yourself well, Mitch. You know when you're lying, and when you're not.

Must be hard.

[ A breath. ]

Only because I don't believe in what I'm saying, I suppose. Then again, belief is a bit of an construct, it's arbitrary in nature anyway.

This is not the time to skirt around an existential crisis, Mitch, if that's where you're headed.

Existential crisis? No, I'd like to avoid that if at all possible. I'm just saying, most of those bastards believe their lies, so they don't always know they're doing it.

[ as he talks, he slows. ]

I guess we could find out if they're in this for the right or wrong reasons.

And if you don't know if you're lying or not, how can you not be delusional? Who have you become?

We could.

I know exactly when I'm lying. Why the fuck do you think I avoid doing it around you? There's no point in it.

They, of course, don't have that knowledge.

The hypothetical 'you', not the literal.

Don't they? That was in my file, Mitchell, when I was at NOHoPE. I've had the documentation taken care of since, of course.

But we don't know that no one else has peeked.

Shit. I didn't read over it, when you were in there.

Motherfucker.

You didn't? Why, Mitch, I'm almost touched.

We should all be allowed our secrets.

Encrypted;

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