tushanshu | [video]

Well, that was... quite the event, now wasn't it? I'd like to extend my thanks to anyone that helped clear out the infestation of those little creatures.

[Bruce tosses the camera a disarming smile, pushes a fountain pen out of the view of the camera. There's a slight shift in his demeanor, the sort that few people would be able to recognize much less understand. Batman has just hung up his Bruce Wayne hat.]

I'd actually like to address a matter that concerns us all. I notice there've been considerable tensions lately between the metahuman or powered individuals and those who are more commonly considered 'baseline'. It's my understanding that we're all here to help this world inasmuch as we can regardless of our abilities or beliefs. As with all things, there is always the potential for those with power to abuse that power, but it's my belief that the majority of individuals here deserve our trust equally as much as our respect.

[You owe him for this one, Clark. He coughs, and then brightens.]

Also, it's my understanding that the first wave of Foreigners began arriving a year and four days ago. I know many of you are missing your friends, your families, and others may have those friends or families with you. For better or worse, this place has been a prison, a home, a second chance to a variety of people, many of which are no longer with us. The community we've created here has been strong and each obstacle we've encountered we've overcome, together. And together is the only way we can move forward.

[He folds his hands on the desk in front of him, gives the camera a firm nod.]

On that note, Wayne Enterprises is always hiring, and my pharmecutical branch is available for anyone missing medications from their respective homes, so if you've any interest in working for or speaking with the longest-standing foreigner-run business on Tu Vishan, my office is in the Metal Sector, and I'm available between six AM and noon on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thank you for your time, Keeliai.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ponies.

You know what? Bruce isn't really bothered by ponies. He's seen much, much, much weirder. Or rather, Batman has. Bruce Wayne looks a little bewildered.]

You don't happen to know a charming white dog named Amaterasu, by any chance...?

[BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY ALL TALKING ANIMALS ARE FROM THE SAME WORLD. Thus is the logic of playboy billionaire philanthropist et ceteras.]

And, ah-- we also do considerable construction work, rebuilding houses that are damaged during some of the more trying events we've had here and the like. A few other odds and ends. I'm not afraid to venture into new endeavours, either. Is there a specific service you're looking for, Miss...?

I do not...is this a dog present here?

Neigh, neigh, I asked merely out of curiosity! Though, if there is reconstruction that needs doing, I should not mind lending a hoof.

She is, yes. She's a fabulous artist, and she helped out a considerable amount during our rationing.

[She's gone, actually, but 'Bruce' doesn't know that yet, even if Batman does.]

A... hoof.

[He says that considerably, as if trying to ascertain exactly how a be-hoofed individual could lend assistance.]

What can you do exactly? That might help to determine where you could theoretically do the most good.

I admit I hath not built anything myself for many years, but I can learn. And of course I can transport as many materials as needed, presuming you are not constructing anything larger than the moon.

I think that would come in very-- um. Hoofy.

[As opposed to 'handy'. It's a joke. Kind of.]

I'm sorry, I don't believe I got your name or preferred form of address?

[Can you even call a pony 'Miss'?]

[...that is a terrible joke]

Princess Luna. But Luna will suffice.

[Batman lacks a sense of humour across all universes, sad to say. Bruce raises an eyebrow slightly at the title.]

I-- wasn't aware horses had monarchies. Forgive me, I've been terribly uncouth in the presence of royalty. I can't imagine that, um-- a member of a royal family would be contented with hard labour.

[THIS IS KIND OF BLOWING HIS MIND A LITTLE.]

Equestria is a diarchy; my sister and I rule together. But we were not born royal, and though it has been many centuries, I have not forgotten the building of our kingdom.

One does what one must.

['For the good of the many'. That moment where Batman has something strangely in common with a pony.]

Very well, your highness. I'll... contact you if I believe you're suitable for a project.

[Welcome to Keeliai, where you hold job interviews for horses. Sometimes he misses Arkham.]

Very well. Ah, and do speak up if you need any weather arrangements made as well.

Wea--

[Excuse him he just choked on his glass of water.]

Weather arrangements, did you say?

[Ah, yes, of course he wouldn't know. Luna doesn't move, nor does her horn glow, but the air on her side of the communicator darkens, before a faint rumble warns of approaching thunder.

Of course she'll ward it off before it starts raining in her room. But theatrics - she grins a little.]

Weather arrangements.

[Slowly creeping up there on the scale of 'weird shit Batman's seen'. And that includes the entire colony of dust mites he'd lived among for several of their years, restoring the sanctity of their monarchy to power.]

And you can do that on-- um, a larger? Scale?

[He sort of gestures, sweeping his arms out speculatively.]

Of course! [Her tone turns quite casual as the darkness and pressure starts to abate again.] I hath created hurricanes and tsunamis, in ages past.

[...wait. Rethinking that statement.]

...that is not something I am willing to do again.

[METAPONIES!!! get off his lawn, gosh.]

Too difficult to control, or...?

...I am not at war at present.

[... Ah.]

Then I'm sorry it's been so in the past.

I doubt any nation has ever gone without war. But the sentiment is appreciated.

[As much as he hates admitting it, war fosters progress. And war is a product of the individuality of the mind. He's seen worlds that have stamped out conflict, and always, always it comes at the cost of free will. There is no such thing as a perfect, warless society, no matter what people have tried to manufacture or muster.

War is always hell. But it's an inevitable hell.

He should know, he's been fighting the same losing battle most of his life now.]

Right. Well, um-- Princess. I believe I have other business I should attend to, but if you'd like to drop by my offices at any point...?

[It's an open-ended invitation, in its own way.]

Of course. Thank thee kindly.

[It's easy enough for her to move on from the topic. She's had centuries to work her way through the memories of war.]

Good luck.

[A cheerful wave, and he disconnects the feed.]

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