Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Research & Preparation (Part 2)

Don's fingers hovered momentarily over the sleek surface of his desk, an instinctive pause before he commanded the Gary Assist to summon up profiles on some of the city's most pivotal characters. Sёarch* The ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

As he settled back into his seat, a pop-up on the augmented reality display suggested an upgrade to the communication interface. "Wear the earbuds for enhanced interaction," it advised.

Don raised his brow at this but didn't question it and just rose up from his seat before going to the drawer, retrieving the high-tech earbuds. Slipping one into his ear, he was greeted by another message, "Wonderful," which was followed by Gary's voice, noticeably more monotone and robotic than usual. "Can you hear me clearly? Blink once for yes, twice for no," the voice instructed.

Don blinked once, and the system responded with a brisk "Marvelous." It then inquired, "For our interaction, do you prefer text or audio? Blink once for text, twice for audio."

Preferring to keep his visual focus clear for the information about to be displayed, Don blinked twice. "Brilliant," the voice confirmed, "Processing your request now. One moment, please."

Seconds later, the augmented reality display flickered and refreshed, revealing new tabs stacked atop one another, each one showing a concise profile.

"We will begin with Commissioner Gordon Bateman," Gary Assist informed him. "Should you have any questions during our session, feel free to ask, and I will provide further details."

[Subject Name: Commissioner Gordon Bateman]

[Alias: The Trench Coat Tyrant]

[Visual Identification: Commissioner Bateman is invariably cloaked in his voluminous trench coat, which seems to serve more as a personal security blanket than a piece of professional attire. It lends him an air of outdated mystery and misplaced authority, like a character plucked from a bygone era of detective stories.]

[Behavioral Analysis:]

[Chronic Skeptic: Exhibits a persistent mistrust that could challenge even the most straightforward facts. His approach to truth is akin to someone who would question the sun's promise to rise.]

[Brittle Authority: While he carries an air of command, it quickly crumbles under pressure, particularly when confronted by stronger wills. His authority is more façade than foundation, easily cracked by those who dare to challenge it.]

[Data Pad Dependence: Relies heavily on an antiquated data pad, which he wields more as a talisman than a tool. This reliance is both a shield and a shackle, highlighting his disconnection from the digital pace of modern-day governance.]

As Gary Assist paused after outlining the commissioner's characteristics, Don leaned back, digesting the information but finding himself a bit curious about one aspect not fully explained. "Gary," he started, his tone contemplative, "about this Data Pad Dependence—could it be a potential weakness that can be exploited? How often does he use this device in public?"

[Response: "Indeed, Don. The commissioner's frequent use of the data pad, especially in public, suggests a significant reliance that could be leveraged. Observations indicate he consults it not only for professional references but also as a psychological crutch during confrontations and debates.

This could be used to your advantage by disrupting its functionality or integrity, thereby undermining his confidence and authority in critical moments. I can gather more data on this if needed."]

Don nodded, more than satisfied with the analysis. "Uh, I'll Keep that in mind, Gary. Let's put a pin in that for now and proceed."

[Operational History:]

[Armchair Strategist: Commissioner Bateman has spent considerable time engrossed in strategic theories rather than practical enforcement. This preference has noticeably impacted his physical presence and tactical acumen in the field.]

[Agent of Chaos: His knack for escalating crises rather than containing them is well-documented, turning manageable situations into tumultuous ordeals.]

[Recent Operational Conduct:]

[Master of Mishaps: His handling of the Central Mall incident was particularly criticized. His approach managed to not only offend victims but also exacerbate the tension, turning a potential de-escalation into a spectacle of mismanagement.]

[Technological Anachronism: His staunch reliance on outdated technology underscores a broader issue of his inability to adapt to modern law enforcement tactics amidst a world of superhumans.]

[Interpersonal Dynamics:]

[Conflict Catalyst: Bateman has a peculiar talent for transforming potential allies into foes, his abrasive and confrontational style isolating him within the community he serves.]

[Superhuman Supervisor: He often misinterprets complex superhuman incidents as mere bureaucratic issues, significantly oversimplifying and mishandling them.]

[Operational Challenges:]

[Authority Erosion: His credibility and command are consistently undermined by his own actions, further diminishing his stature in both public and professional eyes.]

[Public Relations Quagmire: His continual struggle with public perception often results in a general consensus of incompetence and mistrust towards his capability to lead.]

[Strategic Objectives:]

[Blame Redistributor: Adept at shifting accountability from his office onto others, particularly in scenarios where his own shortcomings are glaring.]

[Illusionist of Order: Focuses intensely on maintaining a facade of control and stability, often neglecting the actual deliverance of justice and effective leadership.]

Don leaned back again, considering the possibilities of use from the information given. "Gary, considering all these facets, which do you think can be exploited with minimal direct interaction with Bateman? I want something that uhm… unravels him, subtly but effectively."

[Response: "Based on Commissioner Bateman's profile, targeting his 'Public Relations Quagmire' could be the most strategic move. By anonymously enhancing the visibility of his mishaps and strategic failures, particularly through digital platforms, we could further erode his public image and authority.

This could be executed without direct interaction, simply by using data and media manipulation to highlight and exacerbate his already precarious position. Additionally, exploiting his 'Technological Anachronism' by subtly interfering with his data pad's functionality could introduce further operational failures, amplifying his perceived incompetence.

The psychological impact of such maneuvers would likely induce a defensive posture, compelling him to make more public errors and deepen the distrust among his allies and the public."]

["The consequences, however, would need careful consideration,"] Gary continued, his voice taking on a cautionary tone. ["Such psychological pressure could lead Bateman to take drastic measures, either doubling down on his autocratic tendencies or making erratic decisions that could unpredictably affect the city's socio-political landscape.

There's also the risk of him uncovering the manipulation, which could lead to backlash against perceived enemies, further complicating our operations."]

Don nodded, taking note of the implications. "Alright, then plan out the initial steps for the digital manipulation strategy, Gary."

"Understood, Don," Gary Assist acknowledged. "I'll prepare the necessary adjustments and initiate the procedure upon your confirmation."