Heroic Measures (continued)

Undated Archive Recording . . .

“This isn’t a philosophical argument,” he said, raising his voice for dramatic emphasis. “Seventeen innocent members of the public were killed, dozens were injured, and the authorities are still calculating the costs from the damage.”

The hero could say nothing at first. To hear the events of that evening recounted so directly only served to reopen the inner wounds that had barely begun to heal.

“Couldn’t it be argued, though,” Collins continued, “that many of these so-called ‘super-villains’ would not exist were it not for the existence of their brethren from the opposite side of the law, the heroes?”

“Some,” the hero answered flatly.

‘Some,” Collins repeated, making it sound like an accusation.

Walter wanted to stand and walk away, but knew that doing so would draw unwanted attention. He had heard the familiar swift in Collins’ tone. His Southern accent would become stronger now as he tried to emphasize his points while appealing to the “down home” sensibilities of his audience.

“You’ll note, ladies and gentlemen,” he went on, now addressing those gathered. “That I said ‘opposite side of the law’.” He paused, turning to look at the hero, but not staring directly at him. “I did not say that they were ‘lawful’.”

There was a rising murmur from the assembled crowd. Collins allowed it to subside before he continued.

“Where is the line between good and evil?” he asked those gathered, sounding to Walter every bit like a Baptist preacher. “What is it that makes this man good?” he said, pointing toward the hero. “And this one evil?” He gestured toward the projection of Naja.

A series of renewed murmurs came from the audience. Walter waited. The comparison in this case was quite clear-cut. There was little doubt of the horrors that Naja had inflicted on the city, the destruction he had left in his wake before this hero and the others had finally managed to defeat him. Whether or not Naja would have performed such heinous acts, were it not for existence of the heroes, was debatable, not there seemed to be little doubt in most minds that his deeds far outweighed such considerations.