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Among us transports, how many used to be involved in their world's justice system? As police, lawyers, detectives, judges, [ heroes ] and the like. Nobody's required to answer, of course, but I'd like to know. Curiosity, if you will.

[ He goes for text for once because he doesn't feel like broadcasting - it's been two weeks since the VR and if nothing else he still believes in keeping up appearances, the instinct to pick up and carry on for his goal more deeply rooted than almost anything. What goal, he's wondered so much for so long lately, but he found an answer at home and there's no reason to let go of it now. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So all of your senses. I was just wondering if it includes something rather less natural, like shooting fireballs from your hands or something.

Nothing so dramatic. It can't amplify what's not already there, after all.

[ Okay so you're like... Superman without the laser eyes or flying part. Got it. ]

You weren't born with that ability, I take it.

[ That's a funny assumption. ]

I was. It's not uncommon in my world.

[ Funny but PROBABLY BANG ON TARGET.

Okay then. ]

And do all of you become heroes.

[ Gosh don't be closeminded. ]

Not at all. Many choose to live normal lives.

But you don't.

[ there's a why lingering ]

No. We heroes use our powers to do what we can to help people in trouble.

Admirable. But when you say 'we', it implies that there are more who've chosen this kind of lifestyle where you're from. So how many are there?

[ Ah yes topics he's much more willing to get into at the moment. ]

Quite a few of us. There are seven other heroes I work with, plus a separate auxiliary group.

[ 'heroes' still sounds so cheesy somehow. ]

Somehow I was expecting more. Unless you're just talking about your city or district or whatever.

[ oh man a city that has more heroes than regular civs wouldn't that be something ]

[ His real power is saying and doing super cheesy things with a straight face. ]

Sorry. Yes, just in my city.

So

do you have to fight over the criminals? I mean, with seven heroes plus a bunch of others plus the police, I imagine there's not enough left for everyone.

Heroes step in when the Justice Bureau and police force ask for our assistance with situations, so there aren't any conflicts. Heroes are technically rivals who compete for the highest number of points awarded for things like catching criminals or rescuing civilians.

[ This is the plot of Hero TV, their reality show. ]

Excuse me?

[ oh this is gettin good ]

Was I unclear?

Yes. What's this about points? You made it sound like a game.

Not at all. Think of it as an additional motivation and way to keep track of how one's doing.

No, it still sounds like a game. And this is legal and encouraged where you're from?

The mayor and city council have no problem with it, nor with calling upon us when the city needs us.

Which city?

Sternbild. However, I've yet to meet anyone else familiar with it.

[ isn't that... German. Yeah, he's pretty sure it is. ]

Is that supposed to be in the States? Or Europe--Germany?

In the States, on the East Coast.

Then you're right. I've never heard of it either.

[ and he's kinda glad for that because that just sounds all sorts of Not Remotely Okay. then again he probably has bigger problems to worry about in his own world but oh well. ]