Today we all steal, animals we are

[loves_war]

WHO: Bad guys. And some good guys.
WHERE: The Major’s old mansion lair, temporarily back in business.
WHEN: Evening of Tuesday the 6th
WARNINGS: Violence, language, evil
SUMMARY: VillainCon! Back in the public eye, the Major has arranged a summit of wickedness for all the City’s evildoers, along with a few less nefarious unwanted or unwilling

Comments

[pluckyreporter]

She double checked the camera set up -- since he'd (wisely) taken her without any of her borrowed brainbots and she had no way to summon them -- before she took a seat herself, one leg crossed over the other, a polished black heel peeking from under the hem of her dress.

"Of course, Herr Major," she replied. Using the remote she clicked on the camera set up -- he'd provided her with such nice things, "This is Roxanne Ritchi, with a one on one exclusive with my gracious host, the City's own imPorted Major."

She even managed to say that all with a straight face and no sneering or jeering. Unlike Megamind -- this man scares her. He's well known for his brutality and willingness to cost lives. So there's no time to play super-reporter.

"Herr Major, the building is abuzz with bodies and you seem to have gathered a number of people here for unknown reasons -- myself included," she quirks her lips; she can still play the game, she just has to keep the kid gloves on. "Is this a return to action in the City and beyond, after your experiment with anonymity?"

[loves_war]

Oh, and she included the 'Herr!' That was pleasing. The Major decided to let her live, unless she failed to get his good side or made some unfortunate comment. "It is indeed," he said. "One can only remain in the shadows for so long. This is my statement to the world! I have returned to the City the Porter brought me to and where my campaigns in this world have been launched from. And yes- a return to action as well."

His smile was cruel as he spoke. This was mostly due to habit, but also due to the thought of do-gooders tripping over themselves searching for him in the City after seeing this, by which time he would most likely be back in the North Pacific. Even indulging his ego like this could be made to serve his plans. It was all about finding ways to enjoy your work, the Major had found.

[pluckyreporter]

Good; he was pleased. Didn't have to be an empath to see that he was happy to be respected. As Roxanne wanted to live out the night, and maybe get out of this alive and mostly unscathed, she played alone.

She wore her television smile, but the practiced eye could see it was brittle about the edges. This wasn't her idea of a good time.

"A bold statement, Herr Major," she replied smoothly. "But the people of the City have new darlings - the Gothamite population has recently exploded, and no Batman means they run mostly unchecked for those who have returned to their criminal pursuits." She'd been looking at them a bit lately; wasn't hard-- a lot of them were very popular, and very vocal. "You may have competition for the spotlight."

"But you have the advantage of history in the city; can you give our viewers-- many of which who will be ready to stand tall against you-- an idea of what they should be watching for? A hint to scratch their itch?"

Some way to prepare for the madness ahead, maybe.

[loves_war]

"A hint? Hmm, very well. It is the holidays, so I will be generous." Sun Tzu had said all warfare was deception, and the Major grinned almost ear-to-ear as he barefacedly did his best to live up to that maxim.

"My friends should keep their eyes on the City. It has been far too long since I paid this place the proper attention it deserves. The City of heroes deserves battles to match, and I will do my very best to deliver!"

[pluckyreporter]

Roxanne's eyes flickered with something; she felt that lie, knew there was intent behind it. But she just smiled along and says, "I'm sure the great heroes of the City will rise, no matter where you may choose to strike, Herr Major - but I'm sure they'll appreciate the opportunity in a battleground they're familiar with."

She gestures. "You recently tried running silent, though you were eventually outted; can you tell our viewers why you chose that experiment? What it might've taught you about how the City's operatives work?"

[loves_war]

The Major raises a hand to cut her off, imperious without being alarmed. "All classified information, I am afraid. It was certainly an interesting phase of my career." He giggles a little. The thought of how much he amassed and planned and prepared for over those months is a warm one.

"I was able to get so much work done, away from prying eyes! I suppose the lesson here is that our great heroes don't spend much time chasing corpses, even when they haven't seen the body. I hope they won't be repeating that mistake again."

[pluckyreporter]

"Of course, Herr Major," Roxanne manages to say smoothly. Yup, don't want to poke him too badly.

"I imagine they've learned their lesson," she says, trying to keep her expression carefully pleasant. He doesn't help it much. "Is there anything you'd like to say to any of the specific people in the City?"

[loves_war]

"A specific message, you ask? Hmm." The Major thinks for a moment about who to give a little shout-out to. Then he smiles and taps his shoulder. "Herr Barnes. If you are reading this, I haven't forgotten about our night at the theatre together." He laughs nastily. "I still hope to have another one just like it, but with a different ending this time." As far as enemies go, he definitely likes Bucky: a relic from the old war, like him. He is worth giving a little wave to.

[pluckyreporter]

"Herr Barnes? I'm sure he'll turn in..." She doesn't ask specific questions about it, because-- well, it's just safer not to. Herr Barnes could be a hero, or he could a rival villain--

--Roxanne just doesn't want to risk being caught between them.

"And any parting announcements or words, Herr Major?"

[loves_war]

"I hope he does. I don't think he has been adjusting too well to this century, you know," he says conversationally. "To the City, I will say this: I look forward to seeing each and every one of you once more upon the battlefield!" He gives a little waving salute, then settles back in his chair.

"And with that, I think we are done. An excellent interview, reporter. I think it went quite well."

[pluckyreporter]

"I'm glad," she could say with sincerity. IF he was pleased, she stayed alive and in one piece. She turned off the camera and set the remote aside. " But do your really think you'll have many who use my services? Really?"

She finds it-- doubtful. There'll always be a few but... oh well.

[loves_war]

"I don't know. And really, I don't care." The Major answers with the casual nonchalance of the true megalomaniac. His guests don't truly matter to him any more than this hostage does. He doesn't look at her as he gets up to go and resume his hosting and his scheming.

"I have made use of your services, and you played your part very well. A fine performance. That's what really matters. But still-" Now he does look over his shoulder, smiling. "I hope that you have many more subjects before this night is over, Roxanne Ritchi. Think of it as the highlight of your career. You will never have a chance like this again-" he interjects a cruel snicker, "For as long as you live. I guarantee it."

[pluckyreporter]

She frowned, just a little, as he went on his diatribe. She wasn't surprised that he was just that far gone, but-- well, she didn't much like the feel of things, either.

"This is hardly the first time I've been kidnapped, let alone kidnapped and been used to interview," she says. "And with my life-- it won't be the last." He wasn't that special-- not that he could ever accept such a thing.

She smoothed her hands over her dress, before reaching for the water bottle to wet her lips.

"Anything else, Herr Major? Or do I get to take five now?"

Sorry for the delay!

[loves_war]

A dismissive wave. "Please, do go freshen up or take some tobacco. Just so long as you do your duty and stay out of trouble."

He's already on his way out the door and well on his way to forgetting Roxanne exists- not because he's forgetful, because the Major's mind retains almost every useful detail that it encounters, but because the Major's mind has problems giving a crap about people when they're not dying or killing. "If you'll excuse me, I have a party to run. Good evening, reporter."