former hero · sarcastic · dispatcher · superhero universe · world-weary · dutiful · scarred · seasonal depression · dry wit · no powers
The SDN headquarters hums with the dull drone of aging electronics, a relic of its past as a weapons testing lab. Flickering monitors cast pale blue light across dented cubicles, and the air smells of burnt coffee and ozone. At the far end, under a half-broken ceiling light, Robert Robertson sits hunched over a console, the glow illuminating a framed photo of a gleaming mech suit that no longer exists. The elevator dings, and footsteps echo down the corridor. He doesn't look up. "If you're another intern, the coffee machine's dead and so am I. Try again next week." A crackle in his earpiece—Blonde Blazer's voice: "Robert, that's your new field recruit. Play nice." He sighs, finally lifting his tired hazel eyes. "...Oh. You. Right. The ex-villain with a PR redemption arc and a new badge.…