entranceway | ✥ video .005

[ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You hope it won’t. Giving a group any kind of power, even when it’s theoretically only for protection, can always go wrong.

I'm incredibly aware of that.

[ She's seen plenty of people fall into that trap, who let their power get the best of them. Her ex-husband certainly did, and then abused her trust in him. And that's not even including the cop to try to kill her and her daughter. ]

All I can do is my best to make sure that doesn't happen.

Yes, but do you have a plan.

[That’s the crux of her issue.]

[ There's a bitchy come-back right on the tip of her tongue because, no Georgia, she doesn't have a plan, but Chloe manages to take a breath and instead just switches the feed over to private. ]

Remember last year, when you had that crazy idea to ally with the Mirrors to take our control back here? And I told you no matter what, I'd have your back?

[ She pauses. She knows Georgia. She knows she might not like the answer to this but she has to ask, anyway. ]

I'm not sure I know what I'm doing. I don't have a plan. I just want to put together something that will help people feel safe, and yeah, it's going to take a lot of effort, but I know I can do it. And it would mean everything to me if you could just go out on a limb and have my back on this. Please.

[Georgia raises an eyebrow.]

Who said I didn't have your back? Do you think I'd be this hard on your idea if I thought it couldn't work?

[It's her way of helping. She'll never be the go-to person for hugs and unconditional support, but she can give honesty, and she can tear things apart so that they can be rebuilt stronger. She's always been a better boss than a friend. It's what she knows how to do.]

[ Most people would probably have found that comment to be bitchy and alienating but, this is Chloe. And Georgia is one of her best friends and, really, that was exactly what she needs to hear. ]

Thanks. [ She actually looks relieved. ] That's probably exactly what I need right now. Someone to tear this down so I can figure out how to put it back together so it works.

[Georgia's expression doesn't shift much, but she's relieved too. It's nice having someone who understands. Explaining emotions and expressing unconditional support is not her forte.]

Let's make you a plan.

[ Chloe has enough emotions to go around, and she regrets even the moment of doubt she had that Georgia wouldn't be there for her. They've been friends far too long for that to even be an issue. ]

Let's do this in person. I'll bring the coke?

[George gives her a not-quite-smile which is about as close as she gets to all out grinning.]

I like any plan that involves me getting Coke. Office work for you?

[ Don't worry, George, Chloe can see that internal grin. ]

Probably a better location than Lux. I'll be there in ten.

✥ video .005

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