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Sat 5th Dec 2020 11:24

Lost Hope

by Hope

Hope adopts a disguise, a full makeover complete with thermal pads stuffed in her cheeks. She flies to London to buy a USB device and a burner phone with a video camera both of which she destroys later. She comes back and records a video that only shows an image taken of her that has already circulated on the underground VPN social networks along with a voice recording. When she is done recording, she puts the video on the USB, then flies to Hong Kong. She goes into an internet cafe and using a VPN, uploads it anonymously. The hacker community knows what to do.
 
Those who watch the video will hear her say, "Many of you might know who I am. I used to be called Hope." She laughs derisively, choking back tears is audible, then they are not held.
 
"That is now a joke." she barely gets out with sobs. It takes a bit before she continues, her voice quivering all the way.
 
"I've killed people." She chokes on her words but is able to continue. "I was an idiot, and I didn't know my strength. I struck two bank robbers with the same power I would have used on a supervillain and..." She breaks into tears and sobs again, then chokes out, "I killed them."
 
"I don't know what to do now. There is no justice to be had with police. Surrendering to the villains would be the same as doing nothing to stop them. I have no idea what justice I aught merit or how to dispense it."
 
"If it is any consolation, true justice for me now would be a mercy, as what I feel inside right now is worse than death."
 
"I am so sorry... I know how shallow those words must sound. I am sorry for what I have done. I am sorry to have let you down so very badly." She breaks down again and cries for a bit.
 
"I'll try to continue, lest I let you down even more. Please pray for me, pray that I might find guidance, even though I don't deserve it."
 
There is a long pause before she signs off with her last words, "I have lost hope."