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California’s governor and legislature are rushing to replace the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which was destroyed in a battle between police and a superpowered mutant calling himself Knightmare. . . .

—The New York Times

The Port of Los Angeles is still conducting damage assessments following the battle involving several mutant creatures, but early estimates run to the billions of dollars. . . .

—Press Office, Port of Los Angeles

The president has issued a tweet criticizing late-night comedy shows for portraying him as paralyzed in the face of this novel threat. . . .

—Associated Press

Ministry of State Security (MSS)

People’s Republic of China

Electronic Communications Intercept (ECI) #42-8909

The following conversation took place between Deputy Undersecretary of US Homeland Security Peter Stroudwell (PS) and Angela Britten (AB), a senior advisor to the Homeland Security General Counsel, at a restaurant in Washington, D.C.

PS: The president has suggested asking the population to take direct action. His words. Direct action.

AB: What action? Does he want the whole country hiding in shelters indefinitely?

PS: Not that kind of action. He’s calling for a Second Amendment solution.

AB: You’re kidding. He’s suggesting every gun nut in the country go on a mutant-killing spree? Come on, Peter, you must know—

PS: Of course I know! Jesus, Angela, why do you think I’m talking to you? You’re in the counsel’s office, you’re a lawyer, you need to do something to head this off.

AB: Right, because I can somehow stop POTUS. I need a drink.

END OF ECI

Madam Chairman, to be honest, we haven’t got the first goddamned clue how to stop these monsters.

—Secret testimony of FBI director