✥ 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

[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. ]

° private video

[beautifullies]

I've been terrified, not....quite so much about myself, but because my daughter arrived. My husband.

[ She switches to private to discuss this, next. ]

What do we do for those we know are dangerous from home, but bide their time, here?

[thevulnerability]

[ Chloe sighs. Seth brought up the same thing, and she knows what he's done at home (or rather, she doesn't know the extent of it, which makes it clear that it's a lot worse than he's let on). ]

We can keep an eye on them, but we can't punish people for crimes they potentially might commit. That's going into territory I can't support. [ It's taking a risk, but Chloe isn't about to organize the equivalent of thought police. ] For some people, Wonderland has become a second chance. We just have to hope that's enough.

[beautifullies]

It wasn't for my family. A man who tortured my husband and son arrived during the influx. He's gone now, thank Christ, but I know for a fact he's a man who won't change. He's a sadist and lives for hurting my husband in any way possible. There have got to be contingencies for that.

[ Her tone hasn't shifted; she's not angry, but she is Stressed. It's no small task Chloe is trying to suss out and Claire doesn't envy it, though she does appreciate it. ]

Some people will take this second - or third or fourth - chance and, to be quite blunt, shit on it. If we know who those people are, for a fact, will it truly only be my word versus his until he tries to come after my family again?

[thevulnerability]

For this to work and be fair, it will be. If we take it too far, someone might accuse another person from home for atrocities they haven't even committed. We could be punishing people for crimes they aren't guilty of if we immediately assume it's true on someone else's word.

[ She sighs. ]

You know I believe you. And if he shows up again, there's every reason to make sure you have around the clock protection. That's what I want to do this for. If anyone feels like they're in danger, for any reason, I want to be able to protect them. Passing judgment is a different thing we'll have to figure out.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire can't argue; it won't change anything. They'll have to allow proven monsters to roam free until they harm someone.

It's good to know, at least. ]

I appreciate what you're attempting to do. It isn't an easy task to undertake, I know.

[thevulnerability]

And it's probably only going to get harder.

[ Not only is she dealing with Claire and Georgia's scrutiny, but now she has people volunteering for something she hasn't entirely thought out yet. Putting up a front that she knows what she's doing is only going to get her so far. ]

I'd like for this to work, but it's asking for a lot of trust from people here. I just have to hope they want to offer it.

[beautifullies]

I wish I could promise...that if certain people from my home arrived my husband or I would give them the benefit of the doubt, with our daughter here especially.

[ Not going to mention she murdered the man mentioned earlier in the conversation. She isn't sure how it would be received, abuse of Brianna aside. ]

Still, it's noble of you to try and build something lasting.

[thevulnerability]

[ When it comes down to it, most of Chloe's friends have killed for less. The mention of Claire's daughter is far more relatable for her, though. Chloe has killed to protect her own daughter, and its not something she wishes on anyone. ]

I have a daughter, too. If she were here, I'm not sure I'd put much stock in what I'm trying to do, either.

[beautifullies]

We would, most of us, go to incredible lengths for the people we love. Though at home, I recognize there are laws and rules and punishment.

[ There's also justifiable homicide. ]

[thevulnerability]

[ She nods. Wonderland isn't home, though, and Chloe isn't sure how far rules will get any of them. It's just in her nature to try, even if she's finding herself doubting her own abilities. ]

I appreciate the vote of confidence either way. I'm not sure whatever solution I try to come up with will make everyone happy.

[beautifullies]

If there is anything you think I can do to help, I would like to.

[ She has no idea what that would be, but she'll keep herself open to it anyway. ]

[thevulnerability]

I'm always looking for other points of view, so I'll let you know.

[ She might be putting herself in charge, but she is a team player. Having other opinions never hurts. ]