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[indent][b][u]January 1st, 9:58 AM (Eastern USA)
Justice Station, Space[/u][/b][/indent]

“...And that’s it for us! As always, I’m Kenny Beauford.”

“And I’m Amana Snow.”

“And this has been your Morning Show broadcast!”

[b]”Welcome back, Operative Grim.”[/b]

[color=crimson]”Morning shows, Matthias? I suppose it’s better than the dramas.”[/color] The deep, masculine voice of Grim permeated the room, the mechanical slide of the door behind him accompanying it. On the couch in one of the spacious rooms provided in the Justice Station, the masked man in his button up shirt and dark vest waved a hand, tilting his head to look at the new occupant.

[color=gray]”I’ll have you know that [i]Savior of my Heart[/i] is a visual masterpiece. The acting, the passion, the [i]drama[/i]!”[/color]

[color=crimson]”I [i]do[/i] like the catfights,”[/color] was the deadpan response from the taller hero. Placing his hands on either side of his helmet, Grim pulled it up and off. Immediately crimson bangs fell into Zoey’s eyes, being blown away as she tucked the wolf-styled helmet underneath her arm. [color=crimson]”What are you doing here so early, anyway?”[/color]

[color=gray]”Ah, coffee of course! Alfred brews it to perfection.”[/color]

[b]”Thank you, Operative Masquerade.”[/b]

Zoey didn’t respond, merely quirking a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. Matthias seemed to stare right back, his white and black full face mask hiding his expression. Finally he coughed into his hand and looked away.

[color=gray]”... I also may have accidentally opened a portal here instead of home after last night. You [i]do[/i] know how I feel about celebrations.”[/color]

A non-committal hum was his response.

[color=crimson]”As long as you didn’t bring any stragglers along.”[/color]

[color=gray]”Perish the thought of me being so careless, Miss Kasimir! But it begs the question, why are [i]you[/i] here?”[/color]

[color=crimson]”Work,”[/color] The response was dry as Zoey once more began to move, walking by with a straight back and a flick of the short red cape hanging off her shoulder.

[color=gray]”Of course, I should have guessed! You work too hard, Miss Kasimir - it’s still New Year’s!”[/color]

[color=crimson]”And with the new year, a slew of new problems I have no doubt. I won’t be here long anyway, I was stuck at the mayor’s New Year’s party until one in the morning. Then there were a few incidents in Gotham with a group of drunk Terrans, and a metahuman with a gigantification ability nearly blew up a city block enlarging fireworks. Then there was the increased demon activity at the Shattered Scar border...”[/color]

[color=gray]”Ah yes, every year they get a little rowdy around this time, don’t they?”[/color]

[color=crimson]”Indeed. With that in mind, if you’ll excuse me Matthias…”[/color] The Justice Leaguer known as Masquerade merely lifted his hat, tipping it towards his teammate. With a last nod of her own Zoey continued deeper into the Justice Station, leaving him behind.

[color=crimson]”Alfred, have you already compiled the yearly reports?”[/color] Immediately the smooth voice of the Station’s A.I. sounded from the walls, following Zoey along with every step.

[b]”Of course, Operative Grim. The reports of last years’ crime statistics, the obituaries of all heroes within the past twelve months, the-”[/b]

[color=crimson]”Good, good.”[/color]

[b]”And the quarterly review of Vanguard and the latest initiatives proposed.”[/b]

A low sigh escaped Zoey’s lips, still painted a deep red from the party she had attended earlier as her civilian persona. So much to do, always so much to do. Finally she reached her destination, the door sliding open at her approach. The room itself was spartan, if rather large, containing only a computer chair and a white desk.

Setting her helmet down on the desk, the Gotham Hero sunk into the seat with a tired groan. Immediately a screen appeared in front of her, glowing as the displays lit up ten feet across. A keyboard similarly lit to life, the light-construct seemingly hovering in front of her.

[color=crimson]”Right then, Alfred, let’s start with… Vanguard’s initiatives with non-human Terran relocation.”[/color]

[b]”Of course, Operative Grim. Since last quarter, views of non-humans have increased by nearly five percent in the public eye, however the majority of citizens in the USA and the Pacific Federation in particular are still largely against non-human rights. With that in mind, relocation by Agents of Vanguard has been heavily protested…”[/b]

Another huffing sight, and Zoey reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose.

[color=crimson]”Alfred?”[/color] She interrupted.

[b]”Yes, Operative Grim?”[/b]

[color=crimson]”Please pour me a drink, and have one of the drones deliver it.”[/color]

[b]”Of course, Operative Grim. Your blood pressure appears to be rising as well, would you like me to administer a sedative?”[/b]

[color=crimson]”Why did I even program that in?”[/color]