✥ video .005

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe is sitting at her desk with the camera propped up in front of her, and she looks wholly uncomfortable, which is par for the course whenever she addresses the network. She takes a deep breath, speaking with an even tone, clearly having rehearsed what she's about to say quite a few times. ]

Hi, everyone. If you don't know me, my name is Chloe Decker. I've been in Wonderland for almost two years, and before I came here I was a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. For the last few months I've been running the Deux Lux bar and nightclub, so if you don't know me personally, maybe you've seen me there. That's, uh, not really the point of this, though.

[ She clears her throat and pushes her hair over her shoulder, trying to get back on track. ]

I'm not closing down Lux or anything, but I've come to terms pretty recently with the fact that I'm always going to be a cop. About a year or so ago someone put together a guard to help protect people who had died multiple times in Wonderland. That person has since gone home but I always thought it was a good idea, and even though our relationship with the Mirrorside has seemed to change a little since last year, I think the concept is still applicable. So what I'd like to do is talk about reforming something similar, a group of people who have experience that might be able to offer resources or even protection for those who need it, especially during the more chaotic events.

And even outside of them, when necessary. Some of you are probably aware of an incident that occurred last year involving one of our own being murdered, and I don't think I'm the only one who felt helpless to do anything during that situation. I don't plan on laying down any law here... For the most part, I've learned we take care of each other as best we can. But I do think there is a basic code that needs to be upheld and that is one of decency towards each other, and for me, that means letting the people I care about know that they have somewhere to turn when they need help. I think this idea could help with that, whether it be organizing rescues or safe areas during events, or developing some kind of due process when someone is doing active harm to our community.

[ The part of the script she's more or less memorized is over at that point, so she presses her lips together and nods at the camera. ]

I'm open to suggestions, and volunteers.

Comments

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[screwedontight]

I have to say, given some of the things we've seen, I like the idea especially for being there for those that need it during events. We get those that never have been to one war or another, and I know we've both had to be there for others.

How many slip between the cracks and die.

[He pauses, knowing he had let himself forget about this talk until recently with things with Claire.]

Also... Do you know that most of Evelyn's deaths were not because of issues in events like we've dealt with? It was others here.

[thevulnerability]

No, I didn't know that.

[ She musters a glare, and he's probably glad he's not in slapping distance. ]

It never occurred to you to tell me that?

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[outstandingbalance]

So you're picturing being able to assign bodyguards to people, something like that?

[Natasha tilts her head, foregoing any small talk or introductions.]

Not a bad idea. It's an easier sell than an actual police force would be. More practical too.

[thevulnerability]

That's what I was trying to go for, something more practical. I don't think a traditional police force is something Wonderland needs or even something people might want.

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[beautifullies]

[ Claire doesn't have much to say except: ]

Thank you.

[thevulnerability]

I just don't want to see what happened to you happen again, to anyone.

[ She still feels pretty responsible for it, so this is her way of trying to make up for it. ]

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[hypoxic]

What a narrative you've constructed for yourself.

[thevulnerability]

I guess I should have added that suggestions are welcome from anyone but you.

video, private.

[poppycock]

( klaus has never thought any sort of law and order in wonderland would be a bright idea, mostly because he lacked any confidence whatsoever in the people fabricating those laws and tending to their order. in part, also, because it would so inconvenient to be between anyone's crosshairs.

he's not precisely known for heeding human conventions, let alone decency.

chloe leading the face of this, however. that he has faith in, and in her.

it certainly helps that her aim is more realistic than any other he's heard.

klaus is lounging on his couch, one ankle propped on his knee. ) Glad to see you're coming into your own.

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe is relieved to see the response. She knows she'd have some support from her friends: she didn't know what Freya would think exactly but she's her best friend and Chloe never doubts she'd have her back; Georgia will probably think it's stupid but go along anyway; Seth, outside of mocking her, will help in his own way, and Maze likely the same. Lucifer, had he been there, would have never allowed for her to take it all on by herself, but he wasn't a factor anymore.

Klaus, she hadn't been so sure about, but in her heart of hearts, she never would have doubted him. ]

A lot has happened since you've been gone. [ Things that, outside of Lucifer, she probably wouldn't admit to anyone. Except, maybe, Klaus. ]

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[thisismadfreaky]

[Cisco nods, in keys of agreement straight from the beginning. He can understand the reservations about making an actual-factual police force, Wonderland's not really the place for such a thing. The rules are too different, the people too varied, too many factors to consider in trying to police the place. But this idea had legs, and he was so here for it.] Count me in. I'm definitely down for this. I really dig the sense of community you're gunning for, here. Especially in a place like this, that does so much to try and tear us all apart, I think it's a really important thing to create and try to hold onto.

[thevulnerability]

Thanks. I think so too. [ She seems relieved, glad that she managed to pitch the idea in a way that is appealing to people. ] Do you have any background in law enforcement, the military, anything like that?

video;

[persevere]

I'm always willing to help out.

[She's pretty sure Chloe already know that, but it's worth saying so out loud, too.]

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe smiles brightly. ]

I would love that. It's so good to have you back.

[talesuntold]

I'm glad you're doing this. Though I'm more likely to need rescue than be able to provide it, so that may be self-serving of me.

[thevulnerability]

Well, that's the whole point of it so I'm glad it helps. I want to help people feel more secure if I can.

[video forever]

[shrimpheavennow]

I definitely can't help defend anyone, but this all got me curious. Do we even know for sure what people need protecting?

[thevulnerability]

Hopefully, people who feel like they need back-up will come to us. Other than that, maybe it will offer some general protection during events that people feel like they could take advantage of.

[ Why is she not surprised the drunk girl on the network might need some protecting? ]

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[selfworthbitches]

Why are you allergic to fun, Decker?

[thevulnerability]

You did not just imply murder is fun, Maze.

[huisclos]

[While he's not planning to jump into the volunteer police officer profession, Michael does find himself once again impressed with humans' capacity for trying to help each other.]

So you're not laying down any laws but you are trying to develop rules for this neighborhood?

[This could have been sarcastic, but it sounds like a genuine question. He's curious how she's going to approach this, and he's curious how it's going to go.]

[thevulnerability]

[ Considering it does sound genuine, she raises her eyebrows. ]

Uh, I don't think we really need rules, besides 'don't hurt anyone.' Which is apparently a concept a few people haven't entirely grasped.

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[choosetruth]

[Georgia takes a while to think before responding. She has a lot of knee jerk reaction, but she trusts and respects Chloe too much to go there immediately.

She, as a rule, distrusts police, or any government organization authorized to use force. She didn’t always feel that way, but after taking down a government conspiracy or two you start to feel like you’ve earned your paranoia.

But this isn’t just any cop. This is Chloe. So she waits, and she thinks, and she fully forms an opinion before saying anything.]

This will be difficult to do well and to sustain. Are you prepared for that?

[thevulnerability]

[ That's a better response than Chloe actually expected from Georgia. They are close friends, but she knows Georgia won't let that get in the way of criticism. Still, she can't help but slightly smirk that pulls at her lips. ]

You've never known me as a cop. Believe me, I'm ready to take this on.

[licksthirium]

[Look. When you're a police officer designed to be a detective basically, this peeks your interest.]

Hello, Chloe. My name is Connor. I worked for the Detroit Police Department before coming here myself. That seems like a good kind of organization to have around here during times of strife. [Events really..] I wouldn't mind helping out if you need more people.

[thevulnerability]

I don't think in this case there's such a thing as too many people. I want this to work, and that's going to take people with a varied skill set. What department did you work in?

[video]

[waitin]

( When Clementine met Chloe, she was eight years old in the previous Event so she doesn't know how much she'll be believed. If her offer will even be accepted given she's still technically sixteen despite everything she has been through, despite the position she's been in at home, being a leader, being responsible for a lot of people, trying to lead an assault against a bunch of raiders. Her arms fold loosely across her chest.

When she was thirteen, she volunteered for a 'war' in Wonderland, because she thought she could help protect the only place that had felt like home to her since she was eight. It wound up with her becoming a chess piece in a game with no control and no power to fight, and then drowning, out of some stupid form of protest to not be- to not lose her willpower. Her ability to choose, to fight, to be herself still.

She still wants to protect this place, but not on the side of any Queen. She still wants to use her skills for something... good. The concept of police is hard to wrap her head around anymore, but she knows there were laws and rights and wrongs. Maybe she wants an outlet for all her violence that's... good. for once. Not that she regrets fighting raiders, it's just all dirty and messy. )

I want to help.

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe's knee-jerk reaction is to say absolutely not. Clementine might be older now, and Chloe doesn't have any idea what kind of background she comes from, but when they met she was only a child.

Not just that. She was her daughter's age. Her instinct is to protect her, not to put her in the line of fire. Still, the girl's confidence can't be completely ignored and thus, neither can her offer. ]

I'm sure we can find a place for you, but I don't want you fighting anything unless absolutely necessary. [ She reminds her too much of Trixie, and Chloe isn't sure she can completely get past that hurdle. ] If something happens to you, it would be my responsibility and I... I'm not sure I can risk that.

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[1743]

[ Oh, this is right up Jamie's alley. Claire's murder has never left his mind, it won't. He wasn't here when it happened, and there wasn't much he could do in the aftermath, but he won't soon forget what was done to her. And he wants to ensure it never happens to her, his daughter, or anyone else again. ]

What ye speak of, lass, there's a great need for it. I thank ye for bringin' it forward for everyone.

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe knows exactly who Jamie is and what he may have staked in this. She's also a mother, and knows what lengths she has--and will--go to in order to protect her daughter. ]

You don't need to thank me. [ It certainly doesn't help what Claire has already been through, and Chloe still feels far more responsible for that than she probably should. ] I just hope that it helps.