2015-02-19 The Cavalry

"... surprising turn of events on the heels of yesterday's shocking video. Gotham city officials have confirmed that private investors have contracted Vigilance Security Group to protect key areas of the Bludhaven district. Armored tactical vehicles and heavily armed mercenaries have begun to pour into the city to the cheers of some of Bludhaven's neglected citizens."

The screen switches over to footage of a convoy of black HMMWV and Casspir fighting vehicles intermixed with conventional SUVs. The streets are lined with some of Bludhaven's disgruntled citizens, holding up banners and cheering the convoy on.

"There has still been no official statement from the Governor's office, but many political analysts are condemning the use of private military contractors on US soil, calling the security contract a veiled occupation attempt. Joining us from Arlington, VA is William Wintergreen, CEO and co-founder of VSG. Mister Wintergreen, thank you for being with us today."

The screen divides, and the anchorwoman's face is confined to the left side of the screen while William Wintergreen's is confined to the right. An elderly man, he nevertheless seems very alert and comports himself with a well-practiced military bearing.

"It's my pleasure, Veronica." His British accent is obvious, though his tone is clipped and a bit harsh.

"Mister Wintergreen, what can you tell us about the situation in Bludhaven? Is this simply an attempt by Gotham officials to look tough for the cameras after the hostage video released by Deathstroke?"

Wintergreen thinks for a second before answering, keeping his voice clear and even. "The situation in Bludhaven is simple: Nobody cares about it or the people who live there. They've had no support from the Governor's office, federal authorities, the BSA, or from SHIELD. The recent video is nothing new to people who've lived in Bludhaven for the last few years, that sort of thing happens nearly every day there. But the people of Bludhaven are sick of it. They can't get their government or their heroes to protect them, so they've turned to us. VSG stands ready to protect Bludhaven's infrastructure and civilian population during this crisis, as we've done many times in other parts of the world. It's right there in the name of our company: where others are apathetic, we are Vigilant."

The anchorwoman nods along with guest during his opening spiel before responding. "But, Mister Wintergreen, what do you say to reports of..."