MomOfThree: So, I’ve been digging a little deeper into all this… and I’m starting to think those stories about monsters outside the walls might be real.

VirtualKing23: Whoa, wait, what? Like, actual monsters?

MomOfThree: Yeah. I found some old reports and forum threads, and they’re all saying the same thing. People have been seeing things out there for years—things that don’t make sense.

SilverHawk: That’s… unsettling. I thought the monsters were just rumors to scare people.

CivicMind: Or keep them from leaving the city. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

MomOfThree: Exactly. And if it’s true, what does that mean for us? We’ve got enough problems in here without worrying about what’s lurking out there.

ConstructionJoe: Hey, guys. Just got some news from my insurance. Looks like I’m getting that cyborg arm after all.

VirtualKing23: That’s great, Joe! How do you feel about it?

ConstructionJoe: I mean, it’s a relief, but… I’m also worried. You know how it is with cybernetics. They require maintenance, drugs to keep them running smoothly… and that’s where people start to spiral.

SilverHawk: Yeah, I’ve seen it happen. Someone gets the implants, then they need more and more just to function. It’s a slippery slope.

MomOfThree: I didn’t even think about that. So it’s not just about the tech; it’s about what comes with it.

ConstructionJoe: Exactly. And there’s a stigma, too. People look at you different when you’ve got metal where your arm should be. Like you’re less human.

CivicMind: That’s how they control you. Make you feel like you need the tech, then keep you dependent on the meds. It’s just another way to keep people down.

SilverHawk: So, did you guys hear about Iron Knight and Silencer?

MomOfThree: No, what happened?

VirtualKing23: Iron Knight left Silencer tied up on the city hall steps. Battered, bruised, and covered in blood. There was a note pinned to him that said, “NOT THE SAME.”

CivicMind: Damn… that’s a message if I’ve ever seen one.

SilverHawk: Yeah, but what does it mean? Is Iron Knight saying he’s different from Silencer, or that Silencer’s changed?

ConstructionJoe: Maybe both. Silencer’s been taking out people without hesitation, but Iron Knight… he’s got a line he won’t cross.

MomOfThree: It’s like they’re on the same side, but not really. Iron Knight is trying to send a message—to the N.E.O., to us, to everyone.

CivicMind: Well, whatever he’s trying to say, it’s got the N.E.O. rattled. They’re doubling down on the checkpoints, cracking down harder than ever.

VirtualKing23: It’s just one thing after another. Joe’s worried about his arm, there are monsters outside, and now the people who should be on our side are fighting each other.

SilverHawk: I guess it just shows how messed up everything is. Even the heroes can’t get on the same page.

ConstructionJoe: Yeah, and if they can’t figure it out, what hope do the rest of us have?

MomOfThree: I don’t know. But if there really are monsters out there, maybe we need to start thinking about what’s next. Because if the city isn’t safe and outside isn’t either… where do we go?

CivicMind: Nowhere. We’re trapped. And the people in power like it that way.

>>>End of Chat