004 ◉ audio; dated to the 14th

[imaginate]

[ The audio clicks on and there's a long pause. When Kyle speaks, his tone is calm, perfectly controlled. It's his Business Voice, blank save for the barest hint of anger. ]

This is Kyle Rayner of the Green Lantern Corps. I apologise for the inconvenience, but our clinic at EA-3B is currently undergoing repairs and won't be able to take more patients at this time. We'll be temporarily operating a backup at WA-1A. [ He attaches a map, showing where it is. ]

Any and all hands with medical experience or healing abilities are always welcome.

[ Another long pause. ]

And if someone could come collect Avatar Korra, that would be appreciated.

[ There is a brief pause, as though he's debating what more to say, before the audio clicks off. ]

Comments

[imaginate]

I know, I'm grouching. [He sighs, running a hand through his hair.] Stuff like this is why the Corps was founded, to make sure ordinary people had somebody around who could protect them from... enemies who could eat suns or something.

[Then he throws up his hands. He knows they both agree about this.]

Damnit. They might not care that it reflects badly on them, but at least they could think about how it reflects on their teachers.

[hackingyoursensors]

I know. Trust me, the only reason I didn't reply to Sadie's network post is because I'm pretty sure I would've just yelled the entire time. I've spent four years trying to protect Gotham from people who abuse their powers. I've been on the receiving end of it more times than I can count.

[He sighs.]

Their teachers and other superhumans.

[imaginate]

I'm pretty sure I would have, too. Pranks are fine as long as everyone knows what they're getting into [he shakes his head] that kind of thing? Not okay.

[And Dick can see how his fist and jaw clench - his experiences with being possessed and controlled are far worse, given that it's the only effective way to attack a Lantern.]

[hackingyoursensors]

[He sees Kyle's stormy expression.]

I'm keeping an eye on her. I'll ask Zatanna for help, make sure we can undo it if she tries something like that again.

[The fact that Sadie disavows any wrongdoing pisses Dick off more than he can articulate.]

[imaginate]

Good idea.

[He exhales, grumpily.]

[hackingyoursensors]

The last thing we need is to be fighting each other. Gotta nip this in the bud before it gets too crazy.

[He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.]

[imaginate]

I don't think people are likely to do something incredibly stupid, not with the knowledge that there's a lot of others who could stop them but [he waves behind him, to the ruin of the walls].

[hackingyoursensors]

[Darkly:] I don't want to take any chances.

[He stops and sighs again.]

Man, I sound like B.

[imaginate]

Hey.

[He leans forward, his expression softening.]

Trust, with caution. It never hurts to be prepared.

[And a very long, ominous pause, as he looks offscreen.]

If anything happens... to make me... you know. [This is difficult for him, and he nearly doesn't meet Dick's eyes as he speaks.] Go for the fingers.

[hackingyoursensors]

I know. Misplaced trust could... ['Get people killed.']

[Dick studies Kyle, looking worried.]

Will it kill you?

[imaginate]

[He smiles, all self-assurance.]

The worst things in the universe have tried. Honestly. The most you'll do is hurt my pride.

[hackingyoursensors]

[He looks relieved.]

Alright. I know how to do it without leaving any permanent damage.

But I'll do whatever I can to make sure I'll never need to.

[imaginate]

I will, too. This is a two-way agreement, remember?

[hackingyoursensors]

[He smiles slightly.]

I know.

[His smile widens.]

I think I found my will again. No cool oath, though.

[imaginate]

Good.

[I knew you would.]

Pity about the cool oath, though.

[hackingyoursensors]

[His smile turns warm. Kyle's faith in him... it's kind of touching.]

Yeah. But having to recite an oath would get in the way of my witty remarks and clever quips in battle.

[imaginate]

C'mon, smart kid like you could make it work.

[A cheeky wink.]

[hackingyoursensors]

Hmm. I guess I'll work on it then.

[imaginate]

[He smiles, and then he leans forward.]

You going to be okay? With all this [waves a hand] talking about abuse of power?

[hackingyoursensors]

I'll never be okay with people abusing their powers. But I'm not afraid or anything.

[He'll be way less okay once he has his falling-out with Clark, though.]

[imaginate]

I don't mean scared, Half Pint. Crap like this makes us angry.

[hackingyoursensors]

Yeah, that's... going to take a little time. If one more person tries to downplay this, I might scream.

[imaginate]

I'm a phone call away, yeah?

[hackingyoursensors]

Yeah. And it goes both ways, remember?

[imaginate]

[A small two-fingered salute.]

You got it.