City Runner Transcript of Prescott Industries Post-Catalyst Event Press Conference
Prescott Tower Plaza
Date: 3 days after The Catalyst Event
The glass has been cleared away from the plaza where engineers, technicians and other worker bees of the Industrial world move and reconstruct the area in a dance of organised chaos. The windows in Prescott Tower and the buildings nearby, HatsuCorp and Mercer Industries have been dutifully replaced and, although there is tension in those working here, life is returning to some semblance of normalcy.
The press conference has been called for 10:00 am, on the very spot where Silas Prescott made his speech, three days ago, regarding progress and a new beginning for Millennium City and the world. Shortly after that his world exploded, somewhat literally. As I look around me, waiting for Mr Prescott to make an appearance, I can’t help but notice the number of Powered People helping with the repairs and reconstruction. I spoke briefly with a group who jokingly called themselves The UnWrecking Crew. They all had the keen desire to use their powers for good, though, they were not fighters, but engineers, construction workers and technicians, all showing up in matching costumes, hiding their identities for fear of reprisals against their families, or losing their jobs because of their new ‘status’. Although they voiced the opinions that they weren’t heroes, to this reporter, showing up, facing the crowds who mistrust them, with that willingness to help, is all that it takes to be a Hero. You don’t have to be the front runner on a beatdown, you can simply help; doing good for the betterment of your community. For the record; you don't need powers to do that. It may make certain things easier, however.
I’m keenly aware that this strange phenomenon sweeping our incredible city is delicately balanced on a knife edge. Every demographic of people, and that is exactly what Powered People are, contain members who are good, honest and a benefit to their families and communities, as well as those who are not. We must take care to treat each Powered Person as an Individual and not as a Race or Creed, subjecting them to hate or descrimination, based on their differences. Indeed, if we want these people to continue to be a benefit to our society, they must be embraced, not shunned. We cannot attach stigma to them because of their changed nature. With the emergence of Scott Star, actor, playboy, and black sheep of his family, emerging as the Hero Comet, like a butterfly from it's coccoon, choosing to hold up the beacon by which all other Powered People will be judged. Only time will tell if we have a true Torchbearer for Hope and Justice, or if it’s all just a publicity stunt to fuel his ego and rebuild a career that was, until very recently, all but over. This reporter will be watching, along with everyone else.
At last, after a little after 10am, Mr Prescott , his son and a number of members of the board have arrived. The tension in the air has increased noticeably. Not from any threat, but from a clear excitement regarding what will be said to mollify a city that wants to crucify him, and shareholders who, no doubt, are looking for answers for the loss in their pockets.
“Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen of the Press, members of the public and those who have braved this new, different Millennium City, to hear what I have to say.” It’s a promising start, "As you are all keenly aware, three days ago, Prescott Industries tried to do something wonderful for this city. We tried to provide you a clean, safe and reliable energy source that would have revolutionised clean energy going forward.” “You blew up our City!” A heckler calls from within the crowd. Silas looks annoyed but contains himself. He doesn’t need more bad PR at this point.
“Although I understand the sentiment of that statement, that just isn’t true. As you can see, the city still stands, as do you, and I. though no doubt all three have been sorely tested of late.” A slight chuckle goes through the crowd. Silas Prescott, ever the charmer, when he needs to be, continued. “It has come to my attention that Prescott Industries was attacked at the time of the switch on. A competitor, or someone who wished to do us, and our illustrious city harm, managed to gain entry to Prescott Tower, through both the cordon of the MCPD's finest and my own security team.” That was a good move, showing that they alone aren’t culpable for the breach, “The individual or individuals, destroyed assets worth a great deal of money; assets that took years to design and build, including the reactor. The effects of that last one, this city is all too familiar with.” Silas pauses again. “We are working with the Millennium City Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, as well as the FBI to try to determine who the culprits were and what their motivations were.” Silas s looks uncomfortable. “I Also have to report that, during the exchange, a number of my staff were killed and more were injured. It will take some time to repair the damage to the reactor and it’s systems but we at Prescott Industries are confident that, the next time we turn on our reactor, this city will have the available affordable, renewable energy it so richly deserves. We also have to express our deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives as a direct result of the attack and its aftermath. If anyone has any information regarding the attack, or those responsible, Prescott Industries is offering a ten million dollar reward for information leading to the permanent capture of those responsible. Please contact the Millennium City Police Department's Major Crimes Unit if you have any informastion. Thank you.”
Questions start being fired at Silas Prescott. "Harry Hamilton, Millennium City News Network. Do you have any ideas who attacked the Tower?”
“Unfortunately, at this time, we do not. We do know, however, that the perpetrators were enhanced by the The Event and caused significant damage and injury as they tried to leave the building.” He pauses for a moment, “I do know, however, that other Powered People, as The City Runner likes to call these.. Individuals, did apprehend one of the assailants who subsequently escaped MCPD custody.” A pause again, “however, how can they stop someone who can turn into lightning and escape through wiring or out a window? I don’t envy their jobs, of late.” In on hand, he giveth blame, and in the other, he taketh away.
I speak up, “Lauren Lindermann, The City Runner,” he nods in my direction. “Is it true that the device used to power your reactor, something called the PRISM was stolen, or was it recovered when the assailant was captured?” Silas’ face darkens as he stares me down. It’s a perfectly reasonable question. He knows how we work. “Ms Lindermann , I can assure you that, although the perpetrator made it to the lobby, the PRISM did not leave the building at that time.” Silas has had enough and exits the stage floor. It appears I struck a nerve.
Date: 3 days after The Catalyst Event
Transcript of Presott Industries Press Conference
By Lauren LindermannThe glass has been cleared away from the plaza where engineers, technicians and other worker bees of the Industrial world move and reconstruct the area in a dance of organised chaos. The windows in Prescott Tower and the buildings nearby, HatsuCorp and Mercer Industries have been dutifully replaced and, although there is tension in those working here, life is returning to some semblance of normalcy.
The press conference has been called for 10:00 am, on the very spot where Silas Prescott made his speech, three days ago, regarding progress and a new beginning for Millennium City and the world. Shortly after that his world exploded, somewhat literally. As I look around me, waiting for Mr Prescott to make an appearance, I can’t help but notice the number of Powered People helping with the repairs and reconstruction. I spoke briefly with a group who jokingly called themselves The UnWrecking Crew. They all had the keen desire to use their powers for good, though, they were not fighters, but engineers, construction workers and technicians, all showing up in matching costumes, hiding their identities for fear of reprisals against their families, or losing their jobs because of their new ‘status’. Although they voiced the opinions that they weren’t heroes, to this reporter, showing up, facing the crowds who mistrust them, with that willingness to help, is all that it takes to be a Hero. You don’t have to be the front runner on a beatdown, you can simply help; doing good for the betterment of your community. For the record; you don't need powers to do that. It may make certain things easier, however.
I’m keenly aware that this strange phenomenon sweeping our incredible city is delicately balanced on a knife edge. Every demographic of people, and that is exactly what Powered People are, contain members who are good, honest and a benefit to their families and communities, as well as those who are not. We must take care to treat each Powered Person as an Individual and not as a Race or Creed, subjecting them to hate or descrimination, based on their differences. Indeed, if we want these people to continue to be a benefit to our society, they must be embraced, not shunned. We cannot attach stigma to them because of their changed nature. With the emergence of Scott Star, actor, playboy, and black sheep of his family, emerging as the Hero Comet, like a butterfly from it's coccoon, choosing to hold up the beacon by which all other Powered People will be judged. Only time will tell if we have a true Torchbearer for Hope and Justice, or if it’s all just a publicity stunt to fuel his ego and rebuild a career that was, until very recently, all but over. This reporter will be watching, along with everyone else.
At last, after a little after 10am, Mr Prescott , his son and a number of members of the board have arrived. The tension in the air has increased noticeably. Not from any threat, but from a clear excitement regarding what will be said to mollify a city that wants to crucify him, and shareholders who, no doubt, are looking for answers for the loss in their pockets.
“Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen of the Press, members of the public and those who have braved this new, different Millennium City, to hear what I have to say.” It’s a promising start, "As you are all keenly aware, three days ago, Prescott Industries tried to do something wonderful for this city. We tried to provide you a clean, safe and reliable energy source that would have revolutionised clean energy going forward.” “You blew up our City!” A heckler calls from within the crowd. Silas looks annoyed but contains himself. He doesn’t need more bad PR at this point.
“Although I understand the sentiment of that statement, that just isn’t true. As you can see, the city still stands, as do you, and I. though no doubt all three have been sorely tested of late.” A slight chuckle goes through the crowd. Silas Prescott, ever the charmer, when he needs to be, continued. “It has come to my attention that Prescott Industries was attacked at the time of the switch on. A competitor, or someone who wished to do us, and our illustrious city harm, managed to gain entry to Prescott Tower, through both the cordon of the MCPD's finest and my own security team.” That was a good move, showing that they alone aren’t culpable for the breach, “The individual or individuals, destroyed assets worth a great deal of money; assets that took years to design and build, including the reactor. The effects of that last one, this city is all too familiar with.” Silas pauses again. “We are working with the Millennium City Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, as well as the FBI to try to determine who the culprits were and what their motivations were.” Silas s looks uncomfortable. “I Also have to report that, during the exchange, a number of my staff were killed and more were injured. It will take some time to repair the damage to the reactor and it’s systems but we at Prescott Industries are confident that, the next time we turn on our reactor, this city will have the available affordable, renewable energy it so richly deserves. We also have to express our deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives as a direct result of the attack and its aftermath. If anyone has any information regarding the attack, or those responsible, Prescott Industries is offering a ten million dollar reward for information leading to the permanent capture of those responsible. Please contact the Millennium City Police Department's Major Crimes Unit if you have any informastion. Thank you.”
Questions start being fired at Silas Prescott. "Harry Hamilton, Millennium City News Network. Do you have any ideas who attacked the Tower?”
“Unfortunately, at this time, we do not. We do know, however, that the perpetrators were enhanced by the The Event and caused significant damage and injury as they tried to leave the building.” He pauses for a moment, “I do know, however, that other Powered People, as The City Runner likes to call these.. Individuals, did apprehend one of the assailants who subsequently escaped MCPD custody.” A pause again, “however, how can they stop someone who can turn into lightning and escape through wiring or out a window? I don’t envy their jobs, of late.” In on hand, he giveth blame, and in the other, he taketh away.
I speak up, “Lauren Lindermann, The City Runner,” he nods in my direction. “Is it true that the device used to power your reactor, something called the PRISM was stolen, or was it recovered when the assailant was captured?” Silas’ face darkens as he stares me down. It’s a perfectly reasonable question. He knows how we work. “Ms Lindermann , I can assure you that, although the perpetrator made it to the lobby, the PRISM did not leave the building at that time.” Silas has had enough and exits the stage floor. It appears I struck a nerve.
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