Duality (solo)

It started out as another lazy evening for Clyde. No homework, no chores left. No one else home. Bored, he flopped onto the couch. Well, there was nothing better to do.

Bzzztt, went the television as he turned on the power.

“This just in,” went the voice of a news anchor. “Senseless Beating? A Viewtube video of an attack upon a mutant girl has gone viral.”

Clyde jolted to an upright position. He had to admit, stories on human-mutant relations often piqued his interest.

“The policemen claim they were just following protocol,” she continued. “We'll let people decide for themselves.”

The clip that followed was like nothing he had ever seen. What started out as a teen goofing off and clandestinely taping a gargoyle-like girl ended with police beating the said girl. Perhaps it was the poor quality of the footage or the bias that came with being a mutant himself, but he was completely horrified. It was probably one of the worst things he had ever seen. He knew he should not jump to conclusions, that a case that would likely follow would straighten things out, but that thought did not stop him from feeling like the girl did not deserve the treatment.

The screen returned to the hostess. “Investigation is underway, and we can assure you, those policemen will wind up behind bars.”

Click, went the remote as he changed the channel. That clip, all of the brutality, made him sick to the stomach. He didn't want to think about it.

“For those of you who were with us earlier for Equal in Stupidity, a clip was shown that is stirring up controversy. Unprovoked attack or required force?” announced the hostess. A logo in the corner marked it as Wolf News.

Clyde raised an eyebrow. This channel, too? This must have been big news.

“We clearly need to hear both sides of the story,” the anchor declared. “And for that, I have here with me a friend of one of the accused policemen. What are your thoughts?” she asked as the screen split in to two frames: one with her, and one with the acquaintance.

“Thank you. I came on here because I want everyone to know, they are great men – great officers,” said the man in the other frame. “It's sad that they've got themselves into this misunderstanding. Now I know that it's easy to assume that they just beat her – it's a poor quality video. What you don't see from the video is that the girl fit the description of a wanted criminal. They tried to apprehend her peacefully, but she resisted. They simply were using the force needed to keep her from hurting anyone.”

“Indeed,” agreed the hostess.

Strange. It didn't look like the amount of force was necessary. Curiosity about this whole thing was overriding his initial reaction. Clack. He changed the channel back to the former.

“It was none other than an act of blatant cruelty.”

Click. Back to Wolf News.

“...known fact that mutants can be dangerous, that having a mutation is like carrying a gun around twenty-four seven, though people can sometimes forget it. In that particular situation, they needed to arrest an armed individual, and they did. They had-”

Clack.

“...and those cops need to be brought to justice so that other mutants-”

Click.

“...course. What do you have to say about mutant rights?”

“Agree on something, will ya?” Clyde mumbled, as the anchor and the guest blabbed on. The media was clearly all over this story, and they, his father included, were going to mull over it as long as they could. Given the duality of the issue, this was not going to be over anytime soon, was it?