Makima cooed as Twinkie yipped, playfully biting her fingers as she tickled his chin while resting in her apartment.

"Stop that," she scolded, but not harshly. As expected, the puppy refused to listen and continued his war against her digits. It was inappropriate to bring a pet to her office. But her home was unlikely to be safe for long.

"I still don't see the appeal," Alice scoffed, her mask dangling from her bandolier as she glared in disdain at the mutt rolling around on her superior's lap. "Look at its dumb face. It looks so fucking retarded. Cats at least don't look like they're missing half a brain."

"And what's wrong with that?" She asked, lips curling into a smile. "Ignorance is bliss."

Alice rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Oh, come on Miss Makima. That's just an excuse for stupidity."

"Perhaps. But Twinkie will always smile. Be happy. Even when the world burns. That, by itself, is an enviable trait for some."

"What. Second thoughts? I can call it off if you want. We can go grab a bite to eat at-"

"No need," Makima dismissed without a glance. "But look," she gestured at the T.V. "What do you see?"

"Dumb kids hanging around heroes? Can't say I get your point."

"Hello Brockton Bay!" The speaker jubilantly greeted. "It is finally time, the minute that you've been waiting for. Let's welcome our city's newest Heroes! Darkstar and Frostfire!"

Whistles and a cacophony of claps erupted through the T.V., only growing more boisterous as the aforementioned heroes displayed their powers to the delight of the audience.

"Some are happy, others merely amused, and the rest bored. But if they knew. If they saw their futures. Would they stay the same?" Makima asked.

"Probably not? But what's the point? It's not like it'll make a difference."

"When choosing between dying happy and dying scared, there is only one real option. Even if the end converges off the same cliff. Sometimes, knowing too much will take away the pleasures of life." She said, glancing at the time.

12:30

"Can't say I agree," Alice shrugged. "Do you?"

"Not particularly. I value knowledge and understanding.

"Then what's the whole point of that lecture?!"

"It took only days for Twinkie to grow attached to me, merely because I fed and sheltered him. He did not suspect ulterior motives and took what was given as is. I guess I find the ease with which they form bonds to be… Enviable." Makima admitted as she continued to entertain the husky.

"… You know, if you're looking for something like that, I can-," Alice suggestively started as she opened the buttons of her vest.

"Ah! Our dear director is finally up."

"Tch."

"This year alone, Brockton Bay has surmounted innumerable hardships," Piggot started. "Whether it was the lunatic Bakuda."

"That bitch!"

"Or even an Endbringer. But our defenders remained strong. We— have remained strong."

"She acts as if the Protectorate did shit," Alice commented derisively. "That was the Undersiders and the whole world knows who killed Leviathan. It's fucking ridiculous that-"

"Tea?" Makima offered.

"Hm? Sure. Anyways, piggy needs to-."

"Snacks?"

"Oh, thanks. She's such a-"

"Alice?" Makima interrupted once more.

"Yeah?"

"You're prettier when you're quiet."

Alice flushed.

"However, villains still thrive in this city. Just last week, the Protectorate scored a major victory against the Empire. But that victory was soured when the ABB broke them out. An event that would have been inconceivable before the Bureau was created."

"Director Piggot, are you suggesting that the ABB and Empire have allied? Because of the Bureau?" A reporter questioned.

Piggot nodded. "While I do not doubt Makima's good intentions, she has forced the gangs to adopt. Evolve. In response to her escalation, the gangs are now stronger than ever."

She wasn't wrong, Makima mused. In fact, she was closer to the truth than she realized.

"Isn't that rather unfair?" Another reporter asked. This time, a blonde woman. "The CBC News Station reported a marked reduction in crime in areas where the Bureau was present."

"How long do you think that peace will last. A week? A month? Mark my words. The gangs have not been cowed. They are merely waiting for the spark to set this city alight. And Makima has stacked the powder keg so high that it can blow in our faces at any moment."

Makima glanced at the clock.

12:41

In 19 minutes actually.

"Director Piggot, the Bureau has shut down the dockyards and warned every news network that a Bakuda bomb threat was detected. What steps have the PRT taken to mitigate this possible crisis?"

"Nothing," Piggot snorted derisively.

"Nothing? But-."

"There is no bomb threat. Armsmaster has built a detector and nothing of the sort was found. The Protectorate and PRT will keep this city safe as it always had."

"Ugh, that fucking pig. Can we kill her? Anything is better than letting her constantly squeal," Alice complained.

"If she dies, she becomes a martyr. If she lives, she becomes a scapegoat," Makima explained. For once, she almost felt pity for the director. Her face was an unhealthy shade of pallor, and dark circles were well-formed beneath her eyes. Evidence of long hours and chronic illness.

Most of the deformities were hidden beneath layers of makeup, but it did little to deceive her eyes. Yet despite looking like she belonged in a hospital bed, Piggot fought on, showing a determination present in only a few.

Unfortunately, her career would soon be ruined whether or not her policies were correct.

"But the Bureau claims that several bombs were found and neutralized! Would it not be safer to allow the Bureau to survey the city-."

"The Bureau is made of ex-criminals who's only skill is peddling drugs. Makima is their only parahuman, and possesses no power that would allow her to detect what Armsmaster cannot. This fearmongering is just another naked attempt to take control."

12:52

"Miss Makima," Alice alerted. "Lung and Oni Lee have finished their preparations at the Rig. The Bureau is ready to deploy and save the day."

"Good. Continue to have them stand by until the signal," Makima ordered.

"Also, Rin Sakeda has escaped. Dug my bomb out of her skull," Alice whistled in appreciation. "Should we get her out of the way? She may jeopardize the operation."

"No. All she cares for is safety. She will do nothing."

It was disappointing that she failed to procure another thinker, but a tinker was just as valuable. But considering that she was expecting the latter, the development still through her in for a loop. It just showed that there was still much to learn. Fortunately, she would be obtaining more spare bodies soon enough.

12:55

"I want a date," Alice suddenly demanded.

"Hmm?"

"For my reward. I want a date."

"… I suppose I did promise one. But a date is…" Makima trailed off.

"What, gonna break your promise?" She glared as if almost daring her.

Impudent girl.

"Alice…" Makima softly whispered as she leaned closer until her lips nearly brushed against the other.

The girl flinched in surprise, blushing red at the intimate gesture. But her eyes became downcast in disappointment as Makima's lips went past her own and stopped near her ear. "Do well. And we can. But for now, get ready."

12:58

"Numerous foes are arrayed before us. But there is no better time than now to stay united as one!"

"Did you remember to plant a few in Brandish's law firm?" Makima asked.

"Of course!" Bakuda exclaimed, almost offended at the insinuation that she would forget anything. "That woman is good as dead."

12:59

"Go ahead first. I'll get dressed and join you," Makima ordered.

"Need help?" Alice offered, far too innocently.

"Get out."

"No matter the threat, the PRT and Protectorate will stand together. We have always protected this city and will continue to do so as the bastion of heroism!"

A storm of cheers and applause thundered through the speaker.

01:00

But the sound of encores became one of screams when the first bomb detonated.

**************
This is not a revival. I am still dead as far as this fic is concerned.