Chapter Forty-Three: A Rose By Any Other Name
April 13, 2011
Wednesday, Kayden Anders
Kayden Anders was considering changing her name. She was officially divorced from Max, had been for nearly a year, and yet she hadn't gone back to her maiden name. At first, she hadn't thought about it. There had been so much else to do, so much that was more important to her future and to Aster's.
Then, when it had finally dawned on her that she was still using Max's name, she had brushed the thought aside. Anders wasn't just his name, not anymore. It was Aster's too, and Kayden knew that Max would never let her raise Aster as a Russell. He wouldn't give up that grip on his daughter, and by extension his ex-wife.
The name Anders also hid the gap between her and Theo, who was spending more and more time with her and Aster. He was a good big brother, even if he wasn't her son, and Kayden knew he needed to feel a human connection to someone other than Max. He wasn't her responsibility, wasn't her child, wasn't her problem. But even so, abandoning the Anders name was, in a small way, abandoning Theo.
Aster's body went limp as the little girl finally fell asleep. Kayden continued to walk around the apartment, bouncing Aster just slightly. It wasn't often in her life that she got a quiet moment like this, just holding her precious daughter and listening to the quiet of a weekday morning. In an hour or less Aster would be awake again, and screaming again from her ear infection. But at this moment, all was well.
There should really be a rule in life about dramatic timing. Namely, that it was dramatic and as such had no place in life.
The knock on the door was worrying, mostly because it was unexpected. It was too early for a mail service, and too late in the morning for most of her neighbors, who worked. Kayden shifted Aster just slightly, so that her daughter was laying against her left shoulder and Kayden's right hand was free. Then she walked over to her door and looked through the peephole.
Alexandria was standing on her doorstep.
Purity considered running right then and there. She could take Aster and just go, as far and as fast as possible, flying until they were in the middle of nowhere, and try to start over with a new name. The thought of her identity was what stopped her. The PRT evidently knew who she was, and Max most certainly did. Neither of them would just let her hide.
Carefully, so as not to wake her daughter, Purity opened her front door. Alexandria didn't react to the sight of Aster, or give any other sign that this was an unusual encounter. The two capes had only previously interacted at Endbringer fights, both of them often in the thick of the action, and Alexandria had the same intensity about her now as she radiated then. Purity wondered if she always had it, or if the heroine was preparing herself for battle.
"May I come in?" Alexandria asked, her voice mild.
Purity wordlessly stepped back, letting Alexandria into her apartment.
"Thank you," Alexandria said, but Purity didn't answer her. Her legs were starting to hurt from being tensed so tightly, even for the short time since the knock on the door, as Purity prepared fling herself in any direction at the slightest sign of trouble. "You need to listen very carefully, because I won't say this twice."
Alexandria paused, waiting for an answer this time, and Purity nodded, never taking her eyes off of Alexandria, even as she pictured her escape route in her mind: launch herself toward the window, blast it apart, hold Aster against her chest and curl into a fetal position to protect her daughter from falling glass, and then get as far away as possible. Out of America, certainly.
"You might be aware that Coil was captured very early on Monday morning," Alexandria's voice cut across her thoughts. "He was held and interrogated for thirty-six hours before he managed to kill himself. One of the first and only things he admitted was that he was building dossiers on capes, working to uncover their true names. As proof of concept, he claimed that you, Kayden Anders, are Purity. He also threatened that if he was not released, all of the information he had gathered would be released publically, on Saturday at noon."
Purity gripped Aster even tighter, and the girl stirred. Reflexively, Purity started bouncing just slightly to calm her back into sleep. Her face, released publically? She'd finally gotten away from Max, away from the Empire Eighty-Eight, and now it was going to follow her? To invade the one piece of her life that she'd managed to protect?
Alexandria wasn't done speaking yet. "The PRT has no evidence that there is any connection between Kayden Anders and Purity, except the questionable testimony of a criminal they do not trust. We don't know if Coil was lying, or bluffing, but most suspect he was. Do you understand what I am telling you?"
Shakily, Purity nodded. Alexandria… wasn't here to arrest her. That's what she was saying. The other heroine nodded decisively. "Good. Purity has been a significant asset in the Endbringer fights. It would be a shame to lose her after she turned her back on the Empire and Kaiser, even if she chose to become a vigilante instead of joining the Protectorate."
Purity's thoughts derailed. Join the Protectorate? She'd never considered the possibility. She'd killed people, as Purity. Not many, and not recently, but she had. Alexandria turned to leave, but Purity had to ask, had to know. "Could… I mean, do villains do that?" She copied Alexandria's avoidance of actually admitting she was Purity. "Could Purity have turned herself in?"
Alexandria met her gaze squarely.
"She could. An extremely powerful cape, who has already turned her back on her past, and who has participated in no less than ten Endbringer encounters? A place could be found for her. Of course, it would be much easier for everyone involved if she had turned herself in already. If she tries to do it after Coil's blackmail leaks, it might be harder for others to trust her."
Kayden nodded. "Thank you, that's… that's good to know."
"You're welcome." With that, Alexandria walked out the door. Kayden glanced at the clock. It was 9:44 AM. She had just over three days, assuming that both Coil and Alexandria had been telling the truth. She needed to turn herself in, immediately. With what excuse? It would be too suspicious if she just gave herself up out of nowhere. Oh well, she'd figure that out on the way.
On her shoulder, Aster started to whimper in her sleep, the ear infection making rest nearly impossible.
If Kayden was going to do this, she couldn't do it in Brockton Bay. She couldn't stay within Kaiser's immediate grasp. She needed to go to New York, to Legend. Purity had encountered Alexandria on the battlefield, and they'd been tensely cordial whenever circumstances required that they work together. But she'd flown side-by-side with Legend. She'd become his unspoken second among the long-range blasters, and only unspoken because she was a villain. If she was turning herself in to anyone, if she was taking this risk, she was going to do it in New York.
Kayden carried Aster to the bedroom, then put on her costume. She found the closest thing Aster had to match, a mostly-white onesie, though it did have pink rabbits on the chest. Theo had bought it for Aster just a few months ago, and it was still a little big, but he'd been so proud to see her in it.
The thought of Theo wasn't enough to stop Kayden, but it was enough to distract her temporarily. How many names did Coil have? Were they just members of the Empire? Kaiser and Coil had struggled fiercely over control of the Boardwalk and certain nicer neighborhoods of downtown. She didn't recall any reports of Coil fighting as viciously with the ABB, Merchants, or other villains over the years. It wasn't inconceivable that Coil had focused his espionage and blackmail on the Empire Eighty-Eight.
After another moment of indecision, Purity gritted her teeth. There was nothing she could do for Theo without potentially alerting Kaiser, or compromising the deal she'd just been offered. Alexandria had been very careful to exaggerate the distance between Purity and the Empire Eighty-Eight. The general public hadn't noticed yet, but it was true that Purity always acted alone now. She'd gone after the ABB almost exclusively, which Alexandria had deftly rebranded as "vigilantism."
Purity could work with that. She had no fondness or respect for those of other races, and plenty of reasons to hate organized scum like the Asian and black gangs that were so prevalent. But she wasn't like some of the rank and file of the Empire. She could converse with, even touch or work alongside, those of lesser birth, so long as they weren't actively destroying the rest of the world.
Kayden told herself that she couldn't let anything jeopardize this chance for her and Aster. Not Theo, not idealism, and not her past. She told herself that she didn't know for sure that Geoff, Dorothy, or Justin were even in danger, but if she had been sure she still might not have called them. Kayden had to look out for Aster first and foremost.
Purity loaded Aster into her carry pouch, and strapped her in more securely than usual. It would be less than an hour before she arrived in New York, so Aster would just have to hold on. Kayden went to her purse, and fished out her credit cards, driver's license, and checkbook. Carrying her secret identity while in costume would normally be a reckless move, but it was entirely possible that she would not be coming back to Brockton Bay, ever.
Finally, she went to stand on her balcony, let the light infuse her whole being, and sped towards New York.
April 14, 2011
Thursday, Doctor Mother
"We have thinned out Calvert's exposure files, but it should still be enough to severely weaken the Empire without throwing the Bay into total turmoil," Alexandria reported.
"Purity accepted the warning, as we hoped she would," Legend added. "She's undergoing thinker evaluation now, and should be ready to announce her defection tomorrow evening. The timing will be close, but it should be overshadowed by Coil's sheer audacity."
Legend's reaction to the revelation of Cauldron's full details had been a pleasant surprise. It had taken him two weeks to think through the implications, and make peace with it, but he had chosen to return, even after the Doctor offered to let him withdraw and focus solely on the Protectorate.
Legend wasn't pleased with what Cauldron had done, but he was coming to terms with its necessity. There was still some tension, but he seemed determined to work through it to defeat their common enemy. It helped, of course, that they'd already abandoned the research into forced natural triggers so that there were not people being actively tortured by the time they had to brief him.
It had actually been Legend's idea to kidnap Coil and force him to use his powers for Cauldron's benefit, rather than locking him in the Birdcage where he would be useless.
"Brockton Bay doesn't suspect anything," Eidolon said quietly. "They believed the cover story about his suicide." Legend and Alexandria exchanged a long look at this, but the Doctor didn't interrupt him.
Eidolon's reaction to discovering the source of the Endbringers had been about what one would expect, if they knew him. He had been, and still was, wracked with guilt. For the most part, that guilt had driven him forward with renewed vigor. He was a more dedicated soldier than ever before, though he was spending significant time using thinker powers to double check their plans and base assumptions.
In one area, however, he would hear no reason. He believed he owed a deep and abiding debt to Contract, and would no longer tolerate even reasonable precautions where she was concerned. He'd demanded that all efforts to investigate her be abandoned, and considered his daily check-in on Brockton Bay to be the only coverage acceptable.
On the Doctor's orders, Alexandria had not disbanded the Protectorate think tank but rather cut Eidolon out of the communication loop. She'd thought it was implied that Alexandria should also stop updating the Brockton Bay locals, but they'd still been receiving abridged reports. Eidolon was not pleased to learn of this, and Alexandria had capitulated, rather than further strain the Triumvirate's tender relationships.
Whereas the rest of them were quite concerned with Contract's apparent ability to re-write powers, Eidolon was unwilling to even consider that they might eventually need to control or confront her. After a moment of silence, Eidolon continued. "If Coil can be used to eliminate the unsuccessful trials, we should be able to increase our output by at least sixty percent."
"Assuming his precognition is sufficient where so many others have failed," Contessa cautioned.
"Is there any way to test it?" Legend asked. "Any way to know for sure, before we make him a critical component in the plans?"
"Seventy-four steps," Contessa informed them.
"Contract doesn't think it is precognition," Alexandria said, carefully not looking at Eidolon. "Based on her debriefing, she thinks Coil might actually be experiencing multiple, actual dimensions simultaneously. She didn't say why, and as the Director I couldn't push the issue, but it might be worth trying to test. Or asking her directly."
Eidolon shifted, leaning forward. "I'll speak with her," he volunteered forcefully, precluding anyone else from doing so. Legend gave him a sympathetic glance. Where Alexandria was mostly frustrated by Eidolon's new blind spot, Legend was more understanding.
The Doctor was willing to tolerate it for now. She suspected it would fade with time, even as Eidolon's self-flagellation would fade. It was a natural for him to feel some guilt, but the reality was that Eidolon hadn't known, he'd had no way of knowing, and he'd acted to correct the mistake immediately once he knew.
"Are there any names we want to add to Coil's files?" Alexandria asked, redirecting the conversation. "Since we've decided to go ahead with the reveal anyway, we may as well get the maximum milage out of it."
"Kaiser himself, perhaps?" Legend speculated. "It would let Purity explain that she was manipulated and then threatened into staying with the Empire as long as she did. An emotionally battered wife will be much more sympathetic than a recently repentant vigilante. And Coil had to have known, even if he didn't yet have the evidence necessary to include Kasier in his list."
"It would destabilize all of Brockton Bay," Eidolon countered. "We want to weaken the Empire and encourage them to diversify into other cities, not open a civil war. I was thinking we might add a few of the Gesellschaft or other villains, to build natural solidarity between them."
Eyebrows perked around the table as they considered this new idea. It certainly had promise. Legend, in particular, was eager. "The key will be finding names that Coil himself could have uncovered, as Coil and not as Calvert."
April 15, 2011
Friday, Director Piggot
"Any update on the investigation into Coil's organization?" Emily asked her deputy directors. They'd covered all the usual topics and issues, specifically saving this situation for last. Internal Affairs hadn't finished clearing all of the PRT's contractors, but she still had a core of actual employees who had been checked and declared loyal by emergency thinker action.
Emily had insisted that everyone, even herself, be included in the comprehensive investigation, which had by necessity meant informing her Deputy Directors of Coil's identity once they were cleared to know it.
"The warrant on Kayden Anders' residence was denied," Deputy Director Renick informed the room grimly. "The New York Thinkers reported that Coil was bluffing when he gave up her name."
Around the table, bodies shifted uneasily. Emily pursed her lips. She hadn't wanted to send Coil's interrogation tape to New York in case his thinker abilities were able to fool theirs. She had been overruled by the Chief Director, and now that decision had cost them the chance to actually investigate his threats.
"Internal Affairs found two more compromised individuals," Deputy Director Juarez reported. "Both level three clearance."
"Christ," cursed Deputy Director Roberts. "Please say it's the same department, at least?"
Deputy Director Juarez shook his head. "Accounting and hiring."
Quiet oaths echoed from all three deputies. Roberts slapped the table in frustration, her manicured nails adding a click to the wet sound. "This is getting ridiculous. How did we not see it?"
Juarez cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Coil planned this carefully, over the course of years. He started recruiting individuals a decade ago, and didn't even try to insert himself until they were well placed and entrenched. He solicited contracts first as an independent hire, without any clearance at all. After three years of his successes, we issued the invitation for a seconded squad. Even after that, he waited another year before he put himself on that seconded team. By then, he was a well known and trusted face."
"Each mole covered for the next, until they were covering for Coil himself," Renick sighed.
"I doubt they knew that," Juarez cautioned. As the deputy interacting with Internal Affairs on a daily basis, he had the most information about the current situation.
"Does it matter?" Roberts asked, rubbing her forehead.
Emily let her team talk, listening and absorbing the information. She had a good handle on the situation already, but it was important to let them all decompress a bit before they got into the meat of the next issue, or else they'd wander back into this territory unwittingly.
"Maybe not," Juarez admitted. "But it does explain how he was able to influence so many people. Several don't seem to know exactly who they were working for."
"I don't know if that's better or worse," Roberts insisted.
"Ma'am?" Renick asked, soliciting her opinion. Emily leaned forward, and reflexively her people leaned in as well, sensing the more serious shift in her mood.
"My primary concern is that he might not have been bluffing about the identities. What do we do, if a list is released, in just under nineteen hours?"
The Deputy Directors exchanged glances. They'd all thought about it, she knew they had. It was how the job worked: you couldn't not think about such things. By silent consensus, Roberts was elected to speak first. Her position gave her the most official contact with the public.
"If it is sent to the media as well as to us, we'll have to act on it. Issue warrants, or at least try to bring people in for questioning. The rules are all well and good among capes who all have an interest in maintaining them, but you can't explain that to Joe Public."
"It will be a bloodbath," Renick said, not in contradiction but simply because it needed to be said. "Maybe not literally, but it won't be pretty. Any list of any kind, even just a few names, will be seen as a direct attack. With Coil dead, the PRT might well be the enemy they come gunning for. And to be frank, the Protectorate might not even be willing to execute the warrants."
"So we have squads do it," Roberts replied.
"Do you want to tell our people they're taking down Kaiser without backup? And with half the contract squads still on leave, pending investigation?" Renick barked harshly back at her.
Emily held up a hand to stop the discussion before it got out of control. She glanced at Juarez next, who spoke up obligingly. "We could downplay it. Insist that this is a lie from Coil meant to force his enemies into attacking each other. We declare that we are investigating every lead, but will take no premature action. Then we can proceed slowly in whichever direction is best."
"That depends on what sort of evidence he releases," Renick countered, but he sounded more thoughtful than contrary.
Roberts was not so optimistic. "Coil wasn't an idiot. His list is probably accurate, or at least very plausible. As soon as it goes public, we'll have neighbors and coworkers breaking down our doors to confirm it, or else panicking if we do nothing."
"Damned if we react, damned if we don't," Renick summed up.
"That being the case, I'd rather bring the villains in," Roberts stated forcefully.
"I agree," Emily told her. "What is the best way to do so?"
Renick reluctantly answered. "We could provoke them. If we issue a press release pre-emptively, stating only that Coil made threats of an unspecified nature against unspecified capes in Brockton Bay, the papers won't run it. It's too vague. Once a list comes out, if it does, the media will latch on once it's already too late and at that point it will only serve to rile those that have been exposed. If they attack, it would put us in the clear to arrest them immediately without breaking the unwritten rules or upsetting the public."
Emily grimaced. She spent her days trying to minimize and control cape violence. It felt dirty to be thinking of purposefully poking that delicate balance. Even though she knew the answer, she still turned to Juarez. "Have the IT people found his list, yet?"
"No, ma'am. No list, and no definitive proof that one might exist."
They sat around the table in silence for a moment, faced with their unpleasant alternatives. Ultimately, however, this was her choice, as the director. She turned to Renick, who was in charge of PR as well as the cape teams and intelligence gathering. "Draft a press release for tomorrow morning, 6 am. Include Coil's threat, our inability to confirm it, and an announcement that if any such list appears, the PRT will investigate any claims and react only after receiving independent confirmation.
"Emphasize that we will not accept the word of a villain against his rivals as automatically trustworthy. See if you can also work in a bit of legal details. Any 'evidence' Coil posts will be tainted, legally, and I'd like to try to get the public to understand that. Cape law is already convoluted enough; let's avoid starting a plague of vigilante information gathering that would interfere with normal investigations in the future."
"Yes, ma'am," Renick agreed, his pen flying as he finished his summary of her dictation. Emily knew he'd have a draft ready for her within the hour, even if he had to write it personally. She'd probably left the situation too late, but she'd been hoping until the last minute that they'd get confirmation of the threat and be able to call on wider resources.
"Is there anything else?" she asked, opening the floor.
"We could use the capes themselves," Roberts offered tentatively. Emily motioned encouragingly for her to continue. "Tell the local Protectorate about Coil's threats, and ask one or more of them to speak up about cape identities if the list does go public. Secret identities are already a subject of concern here in Brockton Bay because of New Wave. I'm sure at least one of the Protectorate would have views that might help the situation."
"The Protectorate are all technically PRT agents. Anything they say is just as bad as if we say it," Renick disagreed.
"The Wards aren't," Juarez offered.
Roberts understood his hint immediately. "Contract would be a good choice for a lot of reasons. She's the public darling, for one. Generally speaking she's handled herself well enough in front of the camera."
Renick snorted. "The problem with Contract is that she'll ultimately say whatever she wants to say. We'd have to talk to her about her actual opinion. If we give her a party line, she won't follow it. And even if the Wards aren't technically full agents, whatever she says will still reflect back on us."
"So we at least ask her," Roberts insisted.
Emily considered the idea. There were advantages and disadvantages to using Contract. They'd be turning her into a lightening rod for the issue of secret identities, when she was already championing her "capeless funds" and refusing to pick a costume. Certainly, she'd have to stick with a single image after this if she was going to defend a cape's right to a mask.
It was useless to try to speculate without data more data, and it would all be a moot point if she wasn't willing to cooperate with them. "Get her up here. We'll see where she stands on the issue." Emily turned to Renick, "You should probably have someone start on the press release as well. We're not hanging our hats solely on a teenaged cape."
April 16, 2011
Saturday, PHO
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Topic: PRT Press Release: Coil's List?
In: Boards ► Brockton Bay ► New and Events
Reave (Original Poster) (Verified PRT Agent)
Posted On Apr 16th 2011:
Hello everyone!
The PRT just released [this] to the press and other major outlets. I thought I would repost it here for general discussion. The major points are this:
1) After Coil was arrested last Sunday (see [this thread] for details) and before he killed himself 40 hours later, he threatened to release an unspecified number of cape identities. This release was supposedly auto-timed to happen at noon today. No timezone was specified.
2) He did not specify whose identities he knew, how he knew, or even what teams they were on.
3) The PRT have been unable to verify his threats. Neither thinkers nor evidence support his claim. However, because outing a cape is so serious, the PRT has chosen to issue this warning.
(Showing page 2 of 9)
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
First, even if Coil only releases villain identities, he would still be putting innocent people in the line of fire. Kids, wives, friends, even coworkers.
Second, I think it's pretty optimistic to hope that he doesn't have at least one or more hero identities in his security plan. He was trying to threaten the PRT. If a hero does get outted, then they are in danger and so is their family. WE don't get any protection, guys, and our loved ones are out there risking their lives for all of you. So I'd appreciate it if you would take this seriously.
►White Fairy (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Alexandros makes an excellent point. Here's another one you guys seem to be missing: secret identities protect EVERYONE.
If Coil suddenly releases a bunch of names, he's not the one that has to deal with the aftermath. He's dead, checked out, and gone. Brockton Bay is the one that has to clean up his mess. Oni Lee is bad enough as-is. Do you want to be standing next to him in a couple hours when his face gets splashed across national television? Or Kaiser? Or even Uber & Leet?
Capes still have to eat. Right now, they can do their grocery shopping in their civilian identities and no one gets hurt. If they don't have that option, things are going to escalate and fast.
Brockton Bay has enjoyed a tense quiet ever since the Ender finished the job. I would hate to see something like this set off all the various powder kegs who have been living here in relative peace. We've got good heroes and PRT peeps, I don't mean to disparage them, but I don't think we've got close to enough of them to contain the situation if Coil does have some big "F*** You" waiting in the wings.
►XxVoid_CowboyxX
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Yeah, but we've got the Ender. What is anyone really going to do?
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
dude, what is wrong with you? she's not a fairy godmother. She can only be in one place at one time.
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm with Cowboy. I wouldn't want to be the cape that pissed off the Ender.
►Ne
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I don't think you guys get it. Having your face exposed is literally game over as a cape. It's a threat on their lives and the lives of everyone they love. They have no reason to hold back anymore.
►Ryus (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
This is BS. Coil doesn't have a leak list. If he did, he wouldn't have killed himself.
►Space Zombie
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I'm taking a vacation just in case. Can you imagine what Hookwolf could do if he had reason to go no-holds barred?
►BadSamurai
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
where have you been? Hookwolf was arrested the day before the Simurgh vanished, and has been in the Birdcage for twenty days now.
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Hookwolf is down because Contract put him down. Like I said, you don't mess with the Ender.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 7, 8, 9
(Showing page 3 of 9)
►Reave (Original Poster) (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Strictly speaking, Clockblocker and Gallant took down Hookwolf. Contract was engaged with his non-powered backup, who were turned over to the Brockton Bay police on scene.
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
So you guys say. Contract killed the ENDBRINGERS. Why would she need backup?
►Helsing (Moderator)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Let's not get into that again. If you want to argue about Contract's powers, apparent powers, or what have you, go to the [appropriate board]. This thread is to discuss the PRT press release from this morning.
►Contract (Verified Cape) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Thanks Helsing. Reaves is correct. Clockblocker and Gallant took down Hookwolf while I handled his accomplices. And for the record, I am hoping that Coil's threat was an empty one. I have no wish to see any cape exposed like this, nor do I want to deal with the aftermath.
Having a secret identity or not is a personal decision, and each cape has to make it for themselves. Capes with secret identities have good reasons for that decision. Even for criminals, it's not just about getting away with crimes. It's about protecting the people you love. It's about taking control over your life, usually following an extremely traumatic experience. It's about defining who you want to be.
We've got ten minutes until the deadline, and I'm praying that this has all just been a theoretical exercise.
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract, I don't mean to disrespect what you or other heroes do, but I think you're wrong. When a villain uses a mask to hurt others and protect themselves, they lose the right to that mask. They've decided that they are "defining" themselves as a killer, and it's not right that they get away with that, with the support and help of heroes like yourself.
►Glory Girl (Verified Cape) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Even as a hero who chose the other road from Contract, I'm not sure you can say she's wrong. New Wave advocates for heroes choosing to expose themselves, but not for forcing capes of any kind to be forced into the open.
If you start requiring villains to unmask, where does it stop? Can you unmask every villain, no matter the crime? In doing so, you'll force many much deeper into the criminal world. Would you unmask everyone you arrest? Technically, they're not guilty yet.
And what about people like Purity? She just turned herself into the Protectorate in NYC. She was a villain, yes, and killer. But she still fought the Endbringers. She's negotiating now for what sort of punishment she'll serve and when or if she'll be able to take up work as a hero. Now you can argue all you want about whether she should be allowed to switch sides or what sort of punishment she deserves. That's not my point.
My point is that if her identity had been exposed, she and her entire family would be in danger for the rest of her life, no matter what else happens.
►Bagrat (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
This just crossed from a theoretical exercise into practical reality. [Here's] the list.
►TheGnat
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Really? Like, all the Empire were out-ed except Kaiser? Isn't that a bit of an oversight?
►Brocktonite03 (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Coil's website has been taken down, but he also emailed the list to a number of news outlets so we should have more details soon. For everyone's convenience, I am going to keep a running list of the cape names who are confirmed to be on the list.
From the Empire...
1) Hookwolf
2) Purity
3) Menja
4) Fenja
5) Stormtiger
6) Night
7) Rune
Possibly some other non-parahuman people too. Details are a bit sketchy, but I've heard there's somewhere from three to twenty normal lieutenants on the list.
Note that this is more than half the Empire's cape roster, and evidently Coil wasn't keeping the list closely updated because it includes Hookwolf's information even though he is in the Birdcage.
The list seems to be mainly aimed at the Empire, but there are a few others:
8) Browbeat, who is evidently an underage independent hero. None of the news outlets are releasing his information, but I was told verbally it was on the list.
9) Trainwreck
10) Labyrinth, who is apparently also underage. Even though she's a mercenary for hire, none of the media are touching this one either, at least not yet.
There may be others. I heard there are a couple names no one recognizes, possibly other US heroes or even international capes. No one is willing to send out their list, these are just the ones I compiled from various sources and snooping.
►Answer Key
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Holy shit. Contract is interviewing live on this very issue. Stream it [here.]
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 7, 8, 9
(Showing page 4 of 9)
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "This is an attack on all capes"
Really, that's the line you're going to stick with?
►Space Zombie
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Coil's list included at least one hero, so yes, Coil was attacking ALL CAPES regardless of their alignment. Considering that he also put unpowered minions on the list, it wasn't even about capes. It was about trying to paint a target on his enemies, which does in fact include heroes.
►One in a Minion (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I think it's important to remember that Coil was not an officer of the law. Quite the opposite. Just because his list claims someone is guilty doesn't mean that they are.
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
At least now we know why Purity jumped ship.
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
If Purity knew that her name was on a list somewhere, she would have taken Coil out personally. She's almost as strong as Legend.
She said in her interview last night that she left the Empire ages ago. She's been going after the ABB on her own for months. She gave herself up after she heard that Coil had been captured. One, as one of the only other independent capes in BB, she knew it was a matter of time before she got arrested for her past. Two, she wants to go straight and is hoping the PRT will give her leniency, since she's had a couple months as an "independent vigilante" to prove her change of heart.
Her reasons might be crap, (personally I think she was afraid of being taken out by the Ender now that she's "independent") but there's no way she knew about this and didn't tell anyone or act on it in any way.
►Answer Key
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "The mask is a way for people to stay in control of their powers, instead of the other way around. Even those who aren't protecting a secret identity, like New Wave, still understand the importance of having a hero identity separate from your daily life... in the case of capes, keeping your life segregated is statistically proven to help with mental health. Look at people who don't draw that distinction. Most of them are unbalanced in one way or another. Jack Slash in particular comes to mind."
Is Contract saying that every cape would go Jack Slash if they didn't play dress up?
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Of course not. But they would break down. That's not just capes, either. Police and other officers are also encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance. Look at soldiers who come back from war and the mental trauma they go through.
Contract isn't worried about capes turning into killers, she's worried about them falling apart, personally and emotionally. Like a police officer hangs up his gun when he gets home, capes need the ability to distance themselves and decompress.
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
And why should I care about the mental health of killers?
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Well, then, that's where you run into the Jack Slashes of the world.
►Reave (Original Poster) (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "This so-called evidence isn't legally admissible in a court of law. It wasn't obtained legally, and it wasn't submitted legally. This isn't even usable in the same way as an anonymous tip. It might be possible to get a search warrant or bring someone in for questioning, but I doubt it. Coil is not a trustworthy source, in the least."
Thank you, Contract, for acknowledging that a villain cannot do our job better than we can.
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(Showing page 5 of 9)
►Bagrat (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
A little more legal background which was just sent to me by a lawyer friend, and is relevant to what Contract just said live on the air:
"An anonymous tip alone is not enough to bring someone in. If it was, everyone could use the police as their personal pranking service. Coil's list is even more suspicious, because it is not an anonymous source, it is a criminal source. Now, if there is already suspicion on anyone, then this might be enough to ADD UP to a search warrant, but that requires there to already be other evidence gathered."
[personal details omitted]
"Even IF Coil's information is accurate, and complete, and verifiable (and any one of those is a big if) it was almost certainly obtained illegally. He probably hacked into bank records and private accounts to get this info. If the police did the same thing, people would be up in arms, and rightly so. Accepting this information could constitute a serious breach of privacy. Lawyers would be able to use that to get mistrials for their clients, and put the villains right back on the streets."
►Nod
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
OMG. This is information is so completely true! My neighbor disappeared at the same time as Hookwolf was arrested, and the list says they're the same guy!
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Be glad he's already locked away, or you might be dead right now. This, right here, is why this list is a horrible idea.
►Antigone
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Does anyone else find it weird that there's been zero villain response so far?
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "Americans have the right to privacy. They have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This list flies in the face of both of those basic rights."
Preach!
►bothad
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Maybe the villains are waiting to see what the heroes do before they make their move?
►Deadman
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "My secret identity protected my family after New York. It may not be a stipulated right, yet, but it ought to be. And being a hero means fighting for everyone's rights, not just your own."
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
We have a right to freedom, but we lock up criminals. Being a criminal MEANS forfeiting rights.
►Ekul
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I'm with TuringTest. Why are we protecting Nazi bastards?
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Voltaire said it best, when speaking of freedom of speech. "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Freedom means protecting all rights.
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(Showing page 6 of 9)
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "I am a survivor of rape, and an escapee of human trafficking. If anyone has a right to hate white supremacists, it's me."
Holy crap. Does that mean what I think it means?
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Why would the E88 target Contract? She's white.
►Bruce Lao
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Don't stop the quote there: "I am a survivor of rape, and an escapee of human trafficking. If anyone has a right to hate white supremacists, it's me. Even so, I do not condone condemning their children, their siblings, and their spouses. That is what Coil is doing. And if we let him succeed, we are just as bad."
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Lolitup, she didn't say E88 specifically. It could be any white supremacist group.
Supremacist groups will go after anyone who doesn't fit their perfect image: race, sexuality, religion. Maybe just because she got in the way of something else, or to intimate her family or something.
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "No one has the right to say, 'my pain justifies causing pain.' I am a survivor of rape, and an escapee of human trafficking. If anyone has a right to hate white supremacists, it's me...Being a hero isn't about slaying dragons. It's about protecting people. All people."
This is just so poignant. Heroes get a lot of crap for all the things they can't do, because they're not perfect. This is the perfect encapsulation of how my wife feels: It's not about the big things. It's about putting aside personal feelings to help people, in whatever big or small ways you can. That's why the capeless heroes movement is so powerful.
►Bagrat (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
The essay Contract just referenced was published in July of 1997. [link]. Here's the relevant passage...
"Humanity had a choice to make. We could treat capes as citizens, or we could treat capes as capes. We made that choice, and we declared that capes are not citizens like you or me. They are capes. They answer to another standard, another code, another law. They must have their own prison, their own legal decisions. They retain the right to mask themselves in court, among other allowances. With the passage of the three strikes law, they now also face immutable life sentences in a prison for non lethal and even non violent crimes. This is a risk no citizen will ever share
"Why are we surprised when our laws fit capes uncomfortably? We have already set them apart from the law. It was we, and not they, who declared them to be inhuman. Cape law is currently a contradiction in terms, and sooner or later, that will have to be widely acknowledged."
She was correct, this was written by then-Judge (now Chief Justice) Walters, but not widely published due to its controversial nature.
►Reave (Original Poster) (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
The PRT has just issued another [press release.] Bottom line? We won't violate cape code unless the villains drive us to do so.
There are too many questions around this list, not least of which is its validity. We won't make hasty decisions. The information will be investigated in due time and according to the proper regulations. This investigation will include trying to understand how Coil obtained it.
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract "I can't comment on a document I haven't read"
Really blondee? Did you miss the part where he READ IT TO YOU?
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "Considering that this interview is going to be quoted and requoted for the foreseeable future, I have every reason to consider my words carefully. I definitely can't comment on a document I haven't read, based on the few phrases you just cherry picked to read to me."
Hows that for handling the press? I think it's totally reasonable for her to ask to read the whole press release before she comments on it. If only all teenagers had that much sense.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
(Showing page 7 of 9)
►BadSamurai
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Considering this is Contract's first live interview, I wonder if he'll ask about her power mechanics?
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract: "To be completely honest, I don't know why my name isn't on Coil's list. When we arrested him, he addressed me by name, by my civilian name, in front of a number of people. So yes, this is personal to me."
I wonder if TuringTest and others would being more understanding if Contract's name was on the list? Coil outted one hero, so it's not about her alignment. I'd guess the only reason he didn't put Contract's name on the list was that he didn't have the guts to do so. You can't argue that Coil was right to out the Empire and Browbeat, unless you're willing to defend outting Contract too.
►Koalaman (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
"If I was told to execute a warrant, at this point, I'd want to see the evidence for myself, and I wouldn't accept this stupid list as grounds. I feel strongly enough about this that I'd accept the punishment for insubordination if necessary." #Endersays
"Don't misquote me, I didn't say it would be necessary. There's good people in our legal system. Capeless heroes who will do the right thing, so I won't have to do anything stupidly dramatic like that. Plus, you know, Wards don't typically execute warrants." #EnderSays
EDIT: Is it just me, or did this thread get hijacked? Not that I'm complaining, of course. I'm just surprised no one else has said it yet.
►Answer Key
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Dave: "Will you say anything about your powers?"
Contract: "I've got three dozen sarcastic answers to that. Which one do you want first?" #Endersays
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Did someone cough off camera before she answered? And then she looks off-stage for a moment! I think someone was telling her to be nice. I'm not imagining it, right? What do you think she'd have said if she DIDN'T censor herself?
►Ekul
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
They're taking a commercial break? what the hell?
►Bagrat (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
The break probably has something to do with [this] video which was just posted by the Empire Eighty-Eight. Helpfully, they also posted a transcript, which I've copied below.
"Today, Brockton Bay is fortunate. Brockton Bay is lucky. My people have been betrayed, attacked, in the most personal and despicable of ways. And we were preparing to defend ourselves, as is our right, had not someone else defended us first. In light of Contract's interview, the Empire will not retaliate. We will not exact our revenge for this attack; we will forgo bloodshed to answer this insult.
"However, we would not have anyone make the mistake of thinking we are weak. We are and have always been the strongest power in this city. We do more to defend these streets and citizens than anyone, especially the Protectorate. We recruit from across the country and the world in order to make possible a more perfect America, a stronger America, a free America, and that has not changed. It will not change.
"To those that would injure us, I warn you: you will find us as strong and as unyielding as ever. To those that would mock us, I warn you: you will not find our rejoinder amusing. To those that would join us, I welcome you, brothers and sisters! Come, and know what it is to be powerful, to work towards a worthy goal.
"For it is we who have kept Lung and his thugs at bay! It is we who have suppressed the Merchants and their vile trade. It is we who guard the loyal and patriotic American citizens of Brockton Bay. Had the PRT done their job, that snake would not have been allowed to violate the sacred code among capes. In our mercy, we will allow this provocation to pass unanswered. Do not mistake this for hesitation. We remain as we have always been: a brotherhood doing our duty to lead Brockton Bay into a golden age."
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I can't believe they're showing his whole speech. Why give him the air time?
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
"Honestly? My first reaction is that Kaiser is an excellent showman. Maybe he was a debate geek in high school." #Endersays
Did anyone catch her statistics? I was too busy laughing at her opening line.
►Bagrat (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
According to Contract:
PRT and BBPD combined have handled (in the past year)
*6 confirmed deaths and 23 assaults related to E88 gang initiations
*38 other deaths or violent crimes which fit the E88 MO
*57 bystanders hurt or killed from encounters where the E88 were involved.
*More than $12 million in property damage related to encounters between the E88 and another group.
I'm working on confirming those numbers.
EDIT: this seems about right, or even conservative.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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►Chilldrizzle
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
How does she memorize all these statistics? Is she a thinker?
►Lolitup
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Maybe her teammates are feeding her answers in her visor! LOL. What does it matter?
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I'm surprised those numbers aren't higher.
►Space Zombie
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I just hope Kaiser doesn't decide that her rebuttal is good enough reason to revoke his mercy.
►Koalaman (Veteran Member)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
"I have good reasons for not discussing my powers. Considering those powers, by your own words, wiped the Endbringers off this earth, y'all might think about trusting the cape that's been using them for six years, yes?" #Endersays
As a survivor of the Simurgh's last attack, I trust you Contract.
►TuringTest
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
"I have good reasons not to discuss my powers."
This is such bullshit. Contract thinks she's a law to herself. Even the Triumvirate discuss their powers and have multiple times. No one else on the planet needs to keep their powers a secret, but Contract does because she's special. All hail our new overlord!
►AppleHat (Veteran Member) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Contract saved billions of lives. When you've done the same, THEN you can criticize.
►z0mb1e KILLER
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Dude, what's your problem? What cape shat in your cheerios and made you into such a bigot?
►Reave (Original Poster) (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Just because she isn't discussing it with the media doesn't mean she isn't accountable to someone. If her superiors don't think the world needs to know, then we don't need to know.
►AverageAlexandros (Cape Husband)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Why the hell do you care? What is knowing going to change in your life?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 6, 7, 8, 9
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►Glory Girl (Verified Cape) (NYC 2011)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
At no time has it ever been a law that capes have to disclose the details and mechanics of their powers to the general public. Contract is no more a law unto herself than you are a lawyer!
►Acree
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
TuringTest, I get that you have your own opinions. That's your right. And based on your early posts in this thread, you seem like a reasonable guy with reasonable concerns. But attacking Contract for exercising her right to privacy is a bit over the line, don't you think?
►GoodDog&BadCat
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Normally I prefer just to lurk around PHO, but I have to chime in here. Contract showed up today to give an interview about Coil's list. She said so in the very beginning. And as she just said,
"Freedom of speech by necessity implies the freedom of silence. Since it seems you have no more questions about cape identities and Coil's list, I think we're done here." #Endersays.
She was polite throughout this entire interview, even when Dave pushed her and was abrasive or even abusive. You should take your cues from Contract, the hero, not Dave the media slimeball.
►Helsing (Moderator)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Enough. This thread is now locked. I think the original purpose is irrelevant anyway, at this point.
To discuss Contract's interview, go [here]. We've just set up a new original post with the entire transcript. Enjoy. To discuss her powers, go [here]. For details about [Kaiser] and the [Empire Eighty-Eight,] there are appropriate posts. For moral arguments, try the Issues boards.
To be clear, in none of these threads is it okay to gang up on other members. Seven posts in less than a minute! You should be ashamed. Take a warning, all of you.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 7, 8, 9
Author's Note: another huge shout out to SlowMercury. Thank you, thank you, thank you. She's been a great beta since she first signed on, and I can never thank her enough for all her help and her time.
Also, the poem used in the PHO section is a popular English translation of a German speech by Pastor Martin Neimoller. It is not mine, in case anyone didn't recognize it.