The Convention, Part 2

Plumstead, London...

Griffin was at home, reading the Grapevine, the only news site that focuses on the superhuman, supernatural and gangland communities in Britain. The latest headline was about a shooting in Newham, the borough which ExCeL is based in. It would be a good idea to read the article, if only to know how to alter the route to the MCM Expo...

LONDON: Saints slain in Newham gang war!
The latest battle in London's recent gang war has resulted with the deaths of an entire 3rd Street Saints crew at Millennium Mills in Newham. It appears that the deaths were at the hands of the vigilante known as Faceoff.

Our Man in the Met informs us that the rounds used in the shooting were both pistol and assault rifle-calibre, which is consistent with Faceoff paying a visit.

The Saints, who are attempting an expansion into Europe, currently specialise in the franchise model of doing business. Basically, a few Saints from the U.S. lead a crew of 15 locally recruited gangsters (preferably those who are willing to betray their old gangs), engaging in activities like growing and selling cannabis, chop-shop operations and the occasional armed robbery.

Those from other gangs who wish to join the Saints must kill a member of their old gang, and prove they actually made the kill themselves.
Their aggressive presence in Britain means that there's a risk of a nationwide gang war between those who support the Saints and those who oppose them.

'At Millennium Mills?' Griffin thought. 'So I fly a bit further to the left before turning right.' He got his gear together and then made for Plumstead Common. Once he was there, he revealed his wings and took off. His route was the same as before. Straight over Plumstead, over Woolwich, turning left to fly over the Thames Barrier (So he'd be certain he wasn't too close to London City Airport) and right to ExCeL.


ExCel, London Docklands, Day 2 of the MCM London Expo...

Griffin was now at the New Faces Q&A at the MCM London Expo, where recently empowered superhumans were interviewed by the public. It was an open secret that there would be a few heroes and villains attending in disguise, and at least two Ministry agents. And there's always the media, and most of those guys lean to the left. The worst rumour this time is that there's apparently an AEGIS agent or two amongst the interviewers.

A well-dressed woman said "I have a few questions for the Griffin."

"Go on."

"Do you honestly believe in the supernatural?"

"Yes, I do. I obtained my powers, my sword and my wings as a result of going through a near-death experience." He then unfurled his wings and sent a slight breeze through the Q&A area, to prove that his wings are real. "I can tell you for a fact that near-death experiences are not as 'near' as you'd think, ma'am. In an NDE, you're really dead, but someone on the other side knows that you're not meant to be there yet, so they have to send you back. Yes, this has actually happened before, with most of those caught in that situation choosing to go back.

I'm not a religious man. I believe that the supernatural exists - I'd be mad not to, given how I found out - but I don't worship it. I show supernatural beings that I respect them without sucking up to them. Here's a piece of advice you'll find vital if you're near me: If you hear me address someone as a 'Lord' or 'Lady' and they're not nobility, it's safe to assume that they're a really powerful supernatural being, so you should show some respect yourself or keep your distance."

The woman said "I see. What is your opinion on the use of lethal force?

Griffin said "I can think of three reasons where the use of lethal force is legitimate: Self-defence where the other guy is capable of and actually trying to kill you, to prevent an innocent from being killed and to avenge a murder. And I have access to certain... resources that allow me to check that it's murder before I draw my sword. I can draw it with or without the scabbard still attached, allowing me to perform non-lethal blows, thus reducing any heat emissions produced by the Ministry when I have to floor a thief or show a street gang what time it really is!"

Griffin heard a laugh and a gasp at the 'heat emissions' joke.

"What about the sixth commandment? Aren't you being hypocritical every time you kill someone?"

Griffin rolls a DC20 Expertise: Philosophy & Theology check and gets 23. He has a good idea on how to answer the woman without sounding like an idiot.

"I'm actually being very consistent, ma'am. You see, 'Thou shalt not kill' was a mis-translation from the original Hebrew, which I've actually read. It's actually supposed to be 'Thou shalt not murder.' Killing someone in self-defence or immediate defence of another isn't morally wrong or a sin. Neither is executing a cold-blooded murderer where they stand. I usually give anyone I've got good reason to kill just one chance to surrender. If they don't, it's because they either think they can take me or they're too far gone to listen to reason any more. Generally speaking, as long as the kill isn't cold-blooded, out of madness - or worse, out of power - it's simply something that sometimes needs to be done but can usually be avoided with skill, knowledge or understanding. I thank you for your understanding, ma'am."

Some of the audience clapped.

An Asian bloke said "Have you been in a fight since your transformation?"

"Oh yes! About a week ago. No-one got killed, but it ended with two blokes in the hospital, with both of them being done for carrying an unlicensed firearm, and one of them being done for possession of a Class S substance. Let me tell you how it went down..."