Mask Or Menace - IC Contact Post

[helpdesk_hero]

This is David Alleyne, I'm not available at the moment.
Please leave your name, contact information, and what this is regarding after the beep.

Comments

[helpdesk_hero]

It was the knowledge that I had that caused him to turn the illusions against me. And when I got past them he said I didn't want to make him hurt me. Telling him I'd show you him using his illusions as a weapon made him attempt to delete it all through EDITH. And learning that he tried talking me into doing what he wanted.

Because I 'forced his hand.' It makes me sick every time he uses that phrase. Like he can't take responsibility.

Sadly anything after he called to EDITH won't be recorded, due to shutting down my systems for security.

[made_up_names]

[ That - is a suddenly illuminating bit of context, isn't it. No wonder Beck had been nearly pacing when Peter got there. Probably the man was counting down the seconds until David sent him the footage. There's no way Peter would have stayed after seeing Beck pull out David's worst nightmare. ]

that
that sounds like him.
and it explains why he was so twitchy.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Yeah, David REALLY didn't like looking at himself in all his dark glory, thanks. He'd mostly managed to keep that part of himself compartmentalized and never face it.]

Which is why I apologize. I caused it.

[made_up_names]

you did but
it's like you said. the longer i stayed, the worse off i'd have been.

[helpdesk_hero]

That's my professional opinion.

[made_up_names]

yeah
so. this wasnt ideal, but it was a good thing in the end.

[helpdesk_hero]

When we can, I'll transfer the files to you in person. And I'll stay out of this if you want. But getting you out of his home was too important.
Because sooner or later you either wouldn't be able to get out, or he'd hurt you for trying.

[made_up_names]

like he tried to do tonight.

[helpdesk_hero]

Like he was always going to do, Peter.
When the paperwork went through he probably would have pointed out how easy it was. How your friends live in De Chima. How he could help by providing food. How it was easier to collaborate if you were living together.
Keep moving the goalpost out until there was nothing you could think of to displease him.
And it worked because you wanted to help him.

[made_up_names]

...

[ Yeah. He can't argue with that, can he. Beck had already moved the goalposts multiple times before. ]

what else am i supposed to do?

[helpdesk_hero]

Sometimes you step back and realize people don't want redeemed. Sometimes you ask for help. Sometimes you find a way to talk them into getting help they need. But mostly? You try and you don't always win.

[made_up_names]

yeah.
yeah, no winning tonight.

[helpdesk_hero]

I'm pretty used to losing. Try not to get my track record.

[made_up_names]

youre here to help, right?

[helpdesk_hero]

I am. To try my best at it.

[made_up_names]

so maybe with the two of us we won't do as badly

[helpdesk_hero]

Fuck, Peter. How do you always manage to be the best person?

[made_up_names]

???
im not?
this seems like normal friend stuff to me

[helpdesk_hero]

I mean in general, Peter. You're just good.

[made_up_names]

am not
you just havent seen me fuck up that badly

[helpdesk_hero]

Everyone fucks up. Badly. It's the believing in other people. Faith in how they can help others.

[made_up_names]

it's
it's practical, okay
what the hell else do you do with a supervillain. if i fight him, this escalates. and neither of us can die.

[helpdesk_hero]

Typically? They get jailed. In less than amazing places.

[made_up_names]

here?

[helpdesk_hero]

I don’t know what happens here.