Chapter Text
The New Rome Report
Opinion- Vigilantism: Where Do We Draw The Line?
October 1, 2021
by Minerva Aetos
The appearance of the mysterious vigilante known as Atalanta is a topic of high speculation. After securing herself a spot in the FBI’s watchlist and becoming a target of the local police, Atalanta may have acquired allies.
Recently, citizens of New Rome have claimed to witness black figures in dark helmets fighting crime between the hours of midnight and early morning. A witness claimed to see one turn invisible. Another witness reported sights such as forces pushing people apart, one of the figures turning into animals, and the appearance of objects changing. According to other sources, these anonymous vigilantes may be adolescents due to voice pitch and stature.
Statistically, crime has dwindled ever since the appearance of Atalanta nine years ago. To say that she is the only relevant force keeping New Rome completely out of the hands of Krios would not be an incorrect statement. What should not stand among the residents of New Rome is the endangerment of minors. Whatever may have given children extraordinary abilities should be dealt with appropriately, but placing them in the face of danger is not the correct strategy.
Vigilantism is a slippery slope, and messy politics often gets tangled within. A well-known fact is Atalanta’s status of infamy among the officials in the city and in Washington. If it is true that Atalanta is taking “sidekicks”, that only gives the mayor and Chief-of-Police more excuses to hunt her down.
When will Atalanta draw the line? When she does, will it be too late?