He walked into the discreet building where the interviews were being held.
He was still slightly preoccupied with the earlier revelation that he knew the girl from TV. It was bothering him that he couldn't remember.
But he brushed it aside as his name was called.
He walked into a room with a large, well-built African American man.
He tentatively took his seat as the man opened the conversation.
"Winslow Schott, age 22. Previously worked as an IT at CatCo, no criminal records or prior incidents, and an only child. Everything right so far?"
Winn nervously nodded his head. The man dropped his intimidating stance slightly, and Winn seemed to relax a little.
"Winslow, my name is Hank Henshaw, but you can call me 'Sir.' I am the acting director of a secret government agency called the DEO. I take it that you're familiar with the kind of work we do here?"
Winn once again nodded.
J'onn let a hint of a smile on his face to put Winn at ease. He could feel the nerves radiating from the boy, but also sensed something different.
Something special.
He carried on. "Winslow, no need to be nervous. Just be honest, that's one of the most important qualities of an agent. Be who you are. If you aren't a fit, then it's no big deal. Treat this like an ordinary conversation and try to relax a little."
Winn smiled slightly, but still didn't speak.
"So, tell me Winslow. Why do you want to become a DEO agent?"
Winn took a deep breath, readying himself. "It's mainly because... Because I want to help people. I've always been the kid who held the door open for others, so they wouldn't have to do it themselves. I'm always the one to make jokes at all the wrong times. I do it to make life easier for the people I care about, and there's very few. I want to make a difference outside of myself, help others, be a part of something bigger."
J'onn cataloged that response, already liking the vibe he was getting from the newest potential recruit. Winslow seemed to remind him of someone he knew.
His mind immediately went to...
Kara.
He smiled encouragingly at Winn to keep going. "Uh... I... I've never really been the jock or the athlete. Or the popular kid, for that matter. I've always been the nerd. But computers are my specialty. Always have been. My fathe- Um... A guy who I used to idolize taught me everything I know. It's really my only talent, except for being awkward 110% of the time. I just want to harness my only talent into saving lives."
Despite what Winn thought, J'onn caught that moment's hesitation when his father was mentioned.
"A guy who I used to idolize.."
J'onn didn't want to push, but felt this was exactly the kind of thing Winn needed to open up about.
"You mentioned your father. You said you used to idolize him. Is there some kind of connection between him and why you want to work here?"
Winn sighed, knowing he'd been caught. He felt great reluctance telling a virtual stranger something so personal. He had only ever trusted one other person with this information. His former best friend from middle school.
He had finally developed enough trust in her. Seen her deep, piercing, and compassionate blue eyes one too many times to keep the secret in. She had been the best part of his day, and they were the closest two friends could get.
But then one day, she was gone.
And she didn't come back.
He set his jaw. He was determined to get this job, and would do whatever it took, even if it meant exposing his darkest and most guarded secret. He looked at J'onn who smiled at him reassuringly.
"My father, he's... not a good man. He had a talent in technology, and invention, like I do. But he abused it, used it to hurt people. You may know him actually as the Toyman, notorious for killing his boss with an explosive he implanted into a toy. With that explosion, he killed others too. The horrifying part was that he felt no remorse. He's in jail now, but I can never get out from under his shadow.
I try to spread light, to be the light. He only had one talent, and he passed it on to me. I'm afraid I'm capable of doing the things he did. I want to help people, not hurt them. I need to prove to everyone, but mostly myself, that I am not my father. If by taking this job, I can make this world safer, heck, even this city safer, you can bet your life I'll do whatever it takes."
J'onn nodded approvingly of his answer. He told Winn that he'd consider and call when he made a decision, but his mind was already made up.
The kid was a good one, a rare gem. Having someone like him around could really brighten the mood and maybe even help Kara. He knew Winslow would be perfect for the DEO.
"Thank you for your time today, Winslow. Personally, I believe you have nothing to worry about, but even if things don't work out here, I know you'll change lives wherever you end up. You did well today. I wish you well on your way."
Winn smiled with gratitude as he shook J'onn's hand.
They both sat there awkwardly. "Winslow... You are dismissed..."
Winn abruptly stood, with a sheepish grin. "Oh! I didn't mean- I didn't know... Maybe I should just... Hah, this is great. Uh, well. Thank you Hank- I mean, Mr. Hensha... Sir?"
J'onn laughed at his complete lack of confidence and confusion. Winslow has this in the bag, I like this kid, and I got a good feeling about him. Everyone tries to be so professional, but they don't realize I have agents like them already. I need someone unique, fresh. I need someone with personality. And he's the one.
As Winn turned around, J'onn confirmed. "Sir is just fine. Goodbye, Winslow. We'll talk soon."
Winn smiled and nodded. Right before he left the room, he spun and said,"Sir, it's Winn, by the way." And with that, he was gone almost as quickly as he had entered.
J'onn shook his head slowly and chuckled slightly.
He already knew who he was calling at the end of today.