[83: Watch Who You Call Your Allies]
(A/N: Shoutout to Michael in Los Angeles, California for Currently Reading This Chapter.)
"And so, it's our conclusion that the victim has unfortunately passed away. I know the news is disappointing, but we did find something that would at least give you more closure." An investigator was consoling a family member. One of their assistants brought in a small box.
The father of the affected family opened it. Inside the box were personal items. Items that belonged to his son. He could barely hold back his tears.
"I'm truly sorry about this. We weren't able to find a body. When we investigated further, your son was mentioned as, and forgive me for this, 'acceptable and collateral damage' according to the reports related to the HPSC operation that resulted in your son's passing." The words struck the grieving father.
He couldn't hold it in. He started to cry. He had always held out the slightest bit of hope. His son was considered missing, but no clues ever came about, no matter how much he tried. It was like something was blocking him. Now he knew why.
"T-Thank you for your work," The father said through his emotions.
"We will not publish the full details of this investigation; the only thing people will know is that this was a failure. Your privacy will be respected, and no identifying information about you will be known. We will leave now. I hope this helps you." The investigator and their assistant left.
Outside, both of them let out a breath. "This is why I do this. I hate it. I feel like I only bring in more sadness to people's lives, but…at least I can help them move on," the investigator said.
"Someone has to do this, doesn't it? It never was a job that was exactly happy."
"I know, but coming face-to-face with families, friends, and lovers who've had those close to them killed or silenced…it really shows me just how much the HPSC has affected people so personally," the investigator said.
"At least now, we have the MLA helping. We've cracked some of the cold cases that were ignored. Or well, purposely ignored," the assistant said.
"Yeah, I think I may join them. My little business could probably contribute to helping so many people," the investigator said before the two of them went into a car and headed back to their office.
The MLA's investigation groups started fulfilling requests. Some of the investigators were private, some were small, and some were long-established MLA undercover businesses. With every report they published, whether it was a good result or bad, they uncovered more of the HPSC.
People could read and see the personal devastation the HPSC's actions brought on families and people; things that weren't hidden away with bureaucratic language or reduced to mere numbers.
Every published report brought more criticism to the government. But more than that, the MLA built its own archive, attracted more witnesses, made more relationships with families, and connected itself with local investigators and businesses.
Slowly, they were building a trusted network.
⁂
"We denounce the MLA as an extremist organization. Their platform is a radical position in our society and a dangerous one." On the TV, a government representative was giving a special broadcast to viewers.
Of course, there was a response.
"Do you really trust the government? The only reason they are denouncing us as an 'extremist organization' is to look out only for themselves! They want to stop us from bringing more attention to their crimes! They are trying to shut down an organization trying to help the public!" An MLA spokesperson spoke passionately on the broadcast. Not only on MLA-affiliated channels, but also on digital platforms.
The responses on social media were mostly negative.
"They've helped me! The government is attacking the benefactors of multiple people!"
"Instead of talking about the MLA, they should be doing something themselves! I've seen the MLA take more action than the government!"
"It's all just a bunch of theatre! They're trying to distract us!"
Comments like these were prevalent on multiple platforms.
The government had unintentionally strengthened support for the MLA and caused undecided people to join the MLA.
Publishing companies controlled by the MLA took the story and ran with it. Magazines, newspapers, and broadcasts spread propaganda to the people.
⁂
(Prime Minister's Official Residence, Tokyo)
"This isn't good. Every response we give is likely to make the situation worse. Public trust has declined too sharply. If we push back, the MLA will use it against us. If we do nothing, the MLA will also use it against us. Prime Minister, we are in a very difficult situation." An advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister said.
"And what of the Diet? What are the attitudes of the Lower House and Upper House?" The Prime Minister asked.
"It's mostly positive, but things might not stay that way for long. While most members are still pushing for gaining back the public's trust, some outliers have been voicing some ideas of hearing the MLA out," the advisor said.
The Prime Minister had an outburst as soon as they heard that. "What‽ Are you serious? Do they know what kind of message that would send? If we willingly offer them any sort of invitation or audience, that would only make them look more legitimate to the people! We can't have that! Not now of all times! Things are too delicate in this situation!"
"Prime Minister, I understand, but we have to make use of this situation as best we can. While we still have strong support from the Upper and Lower Houses," the advisor stressed to the Prime Minister. They agreed with much of it.
"What do you mean while we still have it?"
The advisor stayed quiet for a little bit. "It's just…we need to prepare for the worst scenario. Some of the members of the Lower and Upper House have been a little more lenient to the MLA. I know I said they're outliers, but if even some are already like this, it has the potential to spread."
"Spread? Are you really saying what I think you are? They'd be willing to turn on the country?"
"No! It's just…talks of compromise or negotiation might become more common if things worsen."
The Prime Minister had never felt as stressed as they are now. Every single action, word, and step taken would need to be carefully analyzed to avoid causing even more damage to public relations.
⁂
(Remote Location, Japan)
"Okay, Toga, we should be getting closer."
Twice and Toga had been travelling for some time now.
"I know Eleanor said it was a remote place, but I wasn't expecting the woods." Toga panted a bit. She'd never walked this much before. It was dark and slightly cool. Large trees were all around them as they moved.
The journey had been slow, and agonizing. Physically, they could deal with it, even with having to carry the drones Eleanor provided them, but it was the pressure of operating this deep into League of Villains territory that got to them.
Sure, they've attacked the League of Villains before, but that was still within city limits and not what could be considered "proper territory" of the League of Villains.
"I feel like this is a bit of a step-up, don't you think?" Toga asked Twice as they kept moving.
"What do you mean, Toga?" Twice asked.
"I don't know. I was so close to drowning an undercover politician of the MLA when Eleanor suddenly called us back," Toga said.
"Okay? But why do you feel this is a step-up?"
"Well, like, we go from little hideouts to this really big one in, like, the middle of nowhere?"
"Hmm…now that you say it—" Twice was interrupted.
"But that's what makes it so exciting!" Toga cheered, her smile wide and revealing her little fangs.
Twice was taken slightly aback by this, mostly by how loud she was. He had gotten used to the sudden and exciting outbursts Toga had at random moments. "Oh, uh…alright then. Exciting it is. Let's do this together, Toga. Like we always have."
It was almost time.
⁂
End of Chapter
(A/N: Is there a Michael in Los Angeles, California who read this? I was taking a random shot in the dark to see if I could spook someone.)