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

Being mistrustful of everything is rather limiting of ones own experiences and perceptions, isn't it, Mr...?

[He sounds genuinely baffled by this approach to things, because reasons.]

I don't think those two things should carry such a strong correlation. Would you question the motives of someone donating anonymously to a charitable foundation?

Costigan. And sure, but it also saves a lot of people.

[How can you not be paranoid? :|]

No, because I know they're doing it for the tax write-off, or the credit among friends. Hell, maybe their kid died from the same disease as the foundation and it's personal. But everyone has a reason and it's important to know what that reason is.

You ever learn not to follow blindly? To ask questions? Same thing.

So you're asking for - or interested in, should I say? - total transparency between everyone here for the sake of assuaging paranoias that may or may not be justified? Or does that transparency only apply to individuals with powers?

Not total transparency, no. Don't be an asshole and exaggerate everything. I'm talking about people being honest with their identities and their skills. That's all.

[He'll just ignore the borderline hypocrisy of it all.]

I'm hardly exaggerating, simply trying to understand your point of view. If people are doing good with their powers, why would you ask them to endanger themselves for the sake and supposed security of knowing their names? 'Superheroes', in my world, often come along with 'supervillains', to whom a secret identity known is a weapon wielded. Those that risk their lives for the rest of us deserve the safety and privacy of a secret identity, as far as I'm concerned.

Look, I get it. You either are one of them or someone you cared about was. Thing is, police and FBI and CIA and all them, they do the same thing without the capes. They work within the laws to do what's right and they still help people and risk their lives. Anyone with a secret identity is hiding it for more reasons than just safety. [A beat, then he adds as an afterthought:] Or they're fucking cowards.

[Costigan resents them, really. Because he had to give up his life and everything in it to be the hero. It's unfair that they can have a life and family in addition to that kind of crime fighting, or that they work outside of the laws built to protect everyone because they believe themselves above it. It's the exact mindset of the criminals.]

Neither, actually. I simply live in a city where it's not uncommon, and I see no reason to ostracize people for the good deeds they do and the steps they take to protect themselves.

I think our difference of opinion stems from the disparities in our culture. The 'superhero' movement has been around for most of my life where I'm from.

The laws exist for a reason, guy. These people.. These- these vigilantes. They choose what laws to enforce and how to enforce them. They believe that they're above the law. Hell, maybe they wear the masks to protect them from the hardworking police officers who should arrest them for doing God knows what while they're out there. And what if one of them decides another has done something wrong? Who gets caught in the middle? The innocent fucking public.

Your world has superheroes, mine has the Patriot Act. Doesn't mean either one is right.

I'd never say a word against the police, or what they go through. My own son spent some time serving in one of the most crime-laden cities in America, and I've been friends with the Commissioner of my own city for nearly two decades. In most cases, the police don't have the resources to go up against people who can, say, level buildings with a single blow as they've been known to do in places like Metropolis or Star City. It becomes less about the law and more about the 'innocent public' you mentioned.

[He shrugs. Bruce Wayne has all the cosmopolitan opinions on Superheroes. It's a topic he usually avoids in his world, but it's not one he can here. Given that roughly half the population is or hails from a place where metahumans or superheroes are common, ignoring them would be an exercise in foolishness that would undermine his authority and role here, and he's not about to give up that trump card.]

Maybe.

[Costigan is more than happy to excuse himself from the conversation if it's going to turn to discussions of magic and powers. His universe has no such people and he's quite content with that. If he's honest, he knows that his ignorance on such criminals makes it harder for him to accept such heroes.]

[His smile remains perfectly congenial.]

If you'd like to discuss this in more detail, you could always stop by my office during my hours of operation.

I can't tell if that's a threat or a proposition.

[... oh that. actually makes him laugh.]

What? Neither. It's neither, it's an offer. You're welcome to take it or leave it.

I'm all set, thanks. You seem busy enough.

Suit yourself. My door is always open. Metaphorically speaking, otherwise it's-- [an embarrassed cough.] Usually closed.

Sure, guy.

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