What is Up Everyone?! We're back Again for another Chapter of YJ: Legends Are Made. Sooooo. Remember when I said the chapters would be short? Yeah, apparently, I lied. My brain literally went: "Yeah you Thought! LOL" to my plans for smaller chapters. Because here we are again. For complete transparency this is another build up chapter. There's a lot to unpack, but I really like this chapter because it introduces a lot and is the base for setting up a lot of future events I have planned. I've had to mess with the When's for how I want things to happen, but overall I'm feeling happy with how this turned out. Let me get outta your face for now. There will be more at the end. So let's dive right in. Happy Reading!
GOTHAM CITY – GRANT'S GYM
May 27th, 2008. 1530 (3:30 PM) EST
Ted's POV:
Ted paced back and forth in his office, his cellphone on his large desk on speaker allowing him to carry on with his conversation.
"Listen I know exactly what I'm asking, and no I'm not having any second thoughts about it. So please just get the documents together; I'll swing by to get everything notarized when I can later on in the week."
A small sigh echoed through the speaker before the voice of his lawyer came back again on the line.
"Understood Mr. Grant. I'll have everything ready for… say… Thursday, so you can come into the office at any time then."
Ted nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest before speaking out again.
"Thank you, Silvia. I really appreciate all that you're doing for me. I really do."
A small laugh echoed on the opposite end of the line, and it carried with it a level of exasperation; but it was also resigned.
"I understand wanting to have your affairs in order Ted, and it's honestly not my place to question any of your decisions. I'll see everything handled. With that being said however…are you absolutely sure that you can bring this guy in for the secondary meeting? My firm and my business would both absolutely love to have a hand in locking down these licensing rights, and my boss with the firm will be over the moon if I can guarantee that this is a done deal. It'll wind up being a big thing for this firm, myself, and most importantly…your… friend."
Ted chuckled as he wound around his desk and took a proper seat, leaning back a bit as he rubbed his eyes some to ward off the slight stress he felt over the topic.
"Don't you worry about a thing. I'll bring him around, one way or another. He's a good one, but more than that he trusts me. This is to help secure his future. He's young and he's passionate, but like it or not he's chosen a dangerous profession. It's my job to look out for him as best as I can…Lord knows he's too busy worrying over everyone and everything else to prep for any of this stuff himself. You'll be working directly for him after all this is said and done… and I'm grateful that you're on board."
The line remained quiet for a moment, and Ted assumed that his long-time lawyer/business partner was taking a moment to compose herself before finishing the conversation.
Silvia Myers worked for Schwartz and Myer, a large legal firm that had actually set its roots in Gotham back in the forty's.
Ted had been a client since the seventies, and Silvia had become his attorney on retainer twenty years ago when she had just been in her early twenties; shattering many perceptions and expectations of that time.
The woman was an absolute sweetie outside of any kind of working conditions…
But she was known as an absolute Mercenary in the courtroom.
She also sported an immaculate business portfolio, as she was a career driven woman.
She had no family of her own outside of her immediate birth family, having foregone the chance to develop her own personal ties in lieu of her personal ambitions.
She had taken all of the time she gained from that choice and cultivated the kind of reputation that made most others in not only the working world, but the legal one green with envy.
She had only ever lost three legal cases in her entire storied career, and the amount of money she had amassed for herself managing investments, working on startups, and building new companies alongside her legal career was staggering.
'Still wonder why she even bothers working these days.'
Ted had met her at the resurgence and subsequent end of his boxing career.
She had represented him on the worst day of his life.
Not a day went by that Ted didn't feel the regret of having come out of retirement for that stupid exhibition bout... as it had led to him being accused of intentionally killing a young man in the ring.
He still till this day went out of his way to financially support the younger sister of the man that had died, even though it had been strongly advised that he shouldn't since he'd been cleared of all charges.
'But I Still feel guilty, and that at least helps ease it. Even if it wasn't my fault.'
From then on… Silvia had been in his corner.
They'd met and worked on his investments, increased his small personal fortune from the silver mine he owned, and turned all of it into something that definitely made sure he'd never want for money.
'Now hopefully I can get her to help Jack…put him in the same position. Never hurts to be prepared.'
The thought had come unbidden to him, and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't shut it out.
He knew for a fact that the Justice League had merchandise…so why shouldn't Jack?
Sooner or later, someone, was going to want to run with the idea of All Might merchandise…so why shouldn't Jack be the one to benefit from it?
Jack had never brought the concept up, and Ted knew that trying to even set up the meeting with Silvia without having talked to him first was probably gonna stir up an argument as Jack could be obstinate when he put his mind to it; and not being at the forefront of this decision was probably gonna rub him the wrong way.
'But he needs funds. He won't be able to live off of what he makes from the gym forever. We may not know how long he's gonna be here, he may be planning to go back home… but hopefully he sees that the benefits of this are worthwhile. I'm happy to put him up forever…but…'
Silvia's voice pulled Ted from his thoughts on Jack's popularity as a hero and the development of his future, and back into the present.
"Like I said I'll make sure everything is set up. Until Thursday, okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks again Silvia."
Ted reached out and tapped his phone ending the call, right before a knock sounded off of his closed office door.
"Yeah?"
Ted had been expecting Jenny's voice, or one of his other employees. Maybe even Jack stopping back in so that he could show his face and keep up the minor façade they had going.
What he hadn't been expecting, was to hear Dinah Lance's voice as she stepped into his office.
"Hey there Old Timer! How've you been?"
Any weariness Ted had been feeling over everything else that was going on in the background faded away in an instant, and he was up and hugging the young woman that was his niece in everything but blood.
The strong hug lasted for a few moments before Ted pulled back to get a better look at Dinah, his eyes drinking her in after not having seen her since just a few months before Jack had even wound up on their earth.
Dinah's face looked much the same, her eyes sparkling as she smiled back at him.
She was wearing a nice slim fit jacket and skirt combo, both being a silvery color that deeply contrasted with her dark undershirt/corset combo and her black heeled boots that came just barely up to her calves.
The only piece that stood out on Dinah's person that started bringing back memories, was the black choker necklace that held the golden canary emblem; the same choker Dinah's mother wore once upon a time.
'God, how long has it really been?'
Ted shook his head as he guided Dinah into a chair before he made his way back behind his desk to the mini fridge.
"You want a water Little bird?"
A small snort of laughter came from his visitor before she spoke.
"Sure. I'd love one. I'd also love to remind you that I'm not so little anymore. I'm willing to bet I could take you down old man. In fact, if memory serves, I did the last time we sparred."
The teasing and confident inflection reminded Ted so much of her mother, and for a moment he swore he'd been transported back in time.
Ted quickly blinked though so that he could keep the conversation flowing.
"Oh ho, really now? Because last I checked, your still a few decades away from being able to really best me in the ring there missy. But if you want, and you've got the time, we can lace up and go a few rounds. Just because I taught you, doesn't mean I taught you everything I know."
Ted watched as Dinah took a sip of water with a small smile on her face, marveling at the young woman sitting before him while comparing her to the memory of the little girl that she'd once been.
She didn't give him long to go down memory lane though, as she started talking again; her face having settled on a slightly subdued look.
"I'm sorry Ted. I really wish I had the time. But I don't. I'm actually here on League business."
Had Ted not been as weathered or as experienced as he was, her statement would have caused him to sweat a bit. Fortunately, he was able to keep his cool, and he kept his face set in its typical stony expression.
Ted had figured that someone from the League would be coming to Gotham, considering the debacle the Bat was currently up to his neck with.
'I mean hell, Jack Insisted that they probably would. But I didn't think it would be her of all people.'
Leaning forward Ted set his right hand on top of his desk, before gesturing with his left to get Dinah to continue speaking; before bringing his second hand back down to interlock his hands as he locked eyes with her.
"Sigh. With everything that's going on with the situation here in the city and Batman's alleged involvement…the League received a data packet. It brought up a lot of questions Ted. This new hero, All Might. Batman doesn't want him in this city, he's made that abundantly clear. Since finding out about him though the League decided it would be good for us to have a representative meet him; to get a read on what he's really like. Personality Wise. That's why I'm here. I was gonna stake out the city for a while, see if I can't run into not only All Might; but one of his little partners if possible."
Ted took the information in as best he could while trying to Not have an outwardly reaction.
'Why the hell are they stickin their noses into the kid's business? I don't get it.'
Ted decided that he'd voice at least That question out loud to his visitor.
"Dinah what's so important about this that they've got you coming here? There's plenty of hero's popping up all over the place these days. But one or two pop up here in Gotham and all of sudden the League's getting jumpy?"
Dinah's countenance remained cool and confident as she spoke.
"It's not so much the League Ted. Don't get me wrong, the League is actually quite interested in All Might. Huntress or the other young woman too honestly, though for different reasons. We're always keeping an eye out for eventual potential members, and though they might be young now; that won't always be the case. It'll be good to get a feel for these new heroes; to see what they may be like when they're older. Even if we aren't sure of their age. After all, it's good to know the people that you may be standing side by side with one day. But again, this circles back to Batman. He plans to find them himself once he's cleared up this catastrophe with him being implicated in that murder."
Ted decided that he'd do his best to change the course of the conversation and brought up some info that he now knew Dinah didn't have.
"Murders."
Ted's single word clearly had an impact, as Dinah's face became tense.
"What?"
"You said murder, but it's Murder's. Plural. Batman's suspect number one in two separate murders. Another scum bag bit it just the other night. Guy by the name of Buzz Bronski. It was in the paper."
While Ted watched Dinah digest the new information Ted's thoughts drifted back to Jack, and how he'd been two nights ago.
Jack and Helena had both come in late, almost pushing 11:30 PM, and normally Ted would have been on Helena at the very least about the time as she had to go to school the next day.
Jack's countenance at the time had stopped him though.
They both went on to detail that they'd been taking care of some minor gang violence in the Narrows when Jack had gotten the call from his two detective friends.
Another attack had happened, and two supposed witnesses put someone who 'looked' like Batman at the scene of the crime. Buzz Bronski had been crushed to death by a statue of an angel in an open and unmarked grave at the Gotham City Cemetery.
Ted had waited for a bit for Helena to leave before he had really spoken to Jack about it, and finally understood why Jack was seemingly frustrated and down.
"Ted, you don't get it! I hate this! I have an idea of what's gonna happen, but I don't have a timeline for it! And even if I did, if I interfere? Change even one thing? Who knows what could happen. I can't just do as I like and make massive changes to events that I know are gonna happen. That could have serious consequences. You don't mess with time. But as much as I wanna follow that it's driving me nuts. I could have stopped it."
Jack had gone on to explain all of his fear and worry over possibly causing irreparable damage to a timeline that was more compact and intricate then even he'd thought.
Ted had listened and done his best to just let him get it all off of his chest, as he had many times since hitting the streets as All Might.
Ted knew that logically Jack understood that he couldn't save everyone, but he also knew that each loss was something that Jack took personally. He'd make himself feel it, so that he could drive himself to push further, harder. He'd often told Ted that once he could use his full power things would be different. But even knowing That, Jack also constantly worried about the changes his very presence was making to the timeline.
"Ted I'm not even supposed to be here! That fact alone changes things. You have no idea how worrying this is. Whether by action or inaction, me just being here can change things; Has probably changed things. I Need to be strong enough to face what comes next. At the very least long enough until I can go back home."
Remembering those words in particular spurred Ted's mind on.
'But until that time, I gotta make sure he doesn't beat himself up too bad over every loss. Especially not some scumbag like Buzz Bronski. I don't like that the guys dead, but it's far from Jacks fault.'
Ted focused back up at Dinah speaking again.
"That changes things. I'll have to check in with the League later and make sure that everyone has been brought up to speed. My plan was to not get involved while I'm here, but if things continue to get worse, I may need to make my presence known. Ted, the main reason I'm here is because I need your help."
The final bit of Dinah's speech almost made him balk, but he did his best to keep his cool.
"Dinah I'm retired, you know that."
"That's not what I mean. I know you are, and I'm happy for you. But when we went over the data packet on All Might I noticed something, something the others clearly wouldn't. All Might fights like you do."
…
It was at that moment when those particular words registered in Ted's brain that he started to sweat a bit. Even with all of his experience he knew he'd have to play his next moves carefully, as while he didn't wanna lie to Dinah; the kid's secrets weren't his to share.
'No matter how close me and her are.' Ted thought before starting.
"Okay. And?"
Dinah remained unfazed at his slight change in tone and pressed onward.
"And? Ted it's obvious with the way that All Might fights that he was trained by you! I'm not saying that you've taken a sidekick, but he moves kind of like you. I know just a little about that considering you helped train Me. And the other one, Huntress, she flows almost the same way too! They have to train here, or at the very least they used to train here."
Ted fought the urge to rub his temples as he felt a stress headache building.
"Okay, and again I ask the question Dinah; And? What do you want me to do here? Start paying extra attention to Every client that comes in here? Hopefully point you in the direction of some new hero? Why?"
If Dinah was at all perturbed by Ted's slight rising in defensiveness, she didn't show it.
"It would be nice if you could Ted. Some of us on the League would rather have an element other than Batman being the first of our number to talk to these new fledgling heroes'. He doesn't have the best manner with other adults to begin with, so I shudder to think how he'll treat any of these three. The less spoken of his own ward, considering Robin's apparent age, the better. I mean for god's sake the worst of it is we don't think any one of them has a mentor. They're just going out there and taking the fight to the streets, without the safety net that a mentor can provide. We don't know how old any of the three that popped up on Batman's radar are, but if his theories are correct not a one of them is that much older than Robin is."
Listening to Dinah's argument and playing it back over in his head a few times Ted had to admit, that she was coming at it all from a good place.
Ted was confident that few people knew her as well as he did, and Dinah while controlled still in some cases as much as she tried to hide it; would wear her emotions on her sleeve. This whole thing clearly had her impassioned, and in many ways, she was 100% right.
'Though the part about them all not having a mentor isn't exactly right. Though what that chain-smoking nut job teaches Eva I have no clue whatsoever, and if we go off the fact that it all seems like its mystical mumbo jumbo then I want it far away from Jack and I. And that's not even counting the massive canon's she's walking around with.'
Ted pulled his thoughts away from all of that, and in the end did his best to formulate a response that would help play a proper balancing act with Dinah, as he couldn't just dismiss her out of turn.
'Full blown detective she may not be, but if I outright refuse, she'll get suspicious and try to poke around here herself. Can't have that with the odd hours that Jack keeps.'
"Look Dinah. I tell ya what? I'll do the best I can…see if I can't source this out a little bit on my end here for ya. But you gotta remember something, just because they seem like they fight like me doesn't mean either of these two still train here. For all we know they could have trained and then moved on. And even if, and that's a Big if, any of them are here; I don't want you confronting them anywhere near here. Deal?"
Dinah smiled at him and pressed on.
"Ted? This is Me we're talking about here. I know how much this place means to you, and on top of That I'm sure that you know I have more tact than that? I just want to get the chance to meet one of, or preferably all of these kids. Maybe get them to relocate willingly. It would kill two birds with one stone. It would get Batman to relax, for as much as that man Can anyway; and maybe it would give Me the opportunity to pass on some of things You and the other JSA fellas taught me. Arrow already has a sidekick, but who says that Huntress wouldn't fit right in beside Speedy? All Might seems like an excellent fighter, and it would be a privilege to help him develop further. The last one even had Giovanni's curiosity, he's our resident magician; and he has a daughter that can't be much younger than this other girl."
Ted couldn't help but smile, even if it held a sad undertone that he hoped Dinah wouldn't pick up on.
'Oh, Little Bird, always trying to do the best you can to do the most good. Too bad it's not really necessary or practical at this point. Still…no point in killing her hopes.'
"Well, hey, Anything's possible."
Ted's final remark saw Dinah smiling at him before she killed off her water bottle and stood up from her chair, which Ted used to his advantage to get another hug in.
After pulling away from their second embrace, Dinah smiled at him.
"I do have to go. I'm gonna check into my hotel room, and then see if I can't feel out a few areas discreetly. See if I can't pick up what the general populace thinks of All Might and Co. Unless you wouldn't mind me crashing in the guest room?"
The final request almost saw Ted losing his cool in a big way, but thankfully Dinah's phone going off cut their conversation short.
"Ugh. Hold that thought Old man. Hello? Ollie? What's going on? What? How did…never mind. I shouldn't be surprised. I'll deal with it. No, Ollie. I don't need back up to meet him. Yes, I'm sure. I'll call you later. Bye."
Ted considered asking what the whole conversation was about, but fortunately wound up not having to ask.
Dinah leaned in and hugged him again before stepping back and speaking.
"I'm sorry Ted, but I really do have to go. Batman knows I'm in town and wants to meet with me."
Ted could only blink before shaking his head.
"I thought you came here without saying anything?"
Dinah shook her head with a slightly sardonic smile on her face.
"Some think that people calling Batman 'The World's Greatest Detective' is just a fancy nickname to chalk on, but as much as it pains me to admit it the man is smart...and paranoid; so, it's a title well earned. I'll have to go deal with this to avoid making it awkward. Let's see if we can't do lunch later in the week okay?"
Ted nodded his head with a smile before following Dinah out into the gym proper, so that he could walk her out.
"That sounds like a plan kiddo. You just name the time and place, my treat."
Dinah shook her head as she walked away from him before throwing one last remark over her shoulder.
"Deal. And more than that I'm definitely taking you up on that sparring offer now. Calling me 'kiddo'. Pfft. I'm fully grown Ted."
Ted just smirked as he called out to her as she almost passed through the front doors.
"You'll always be that cute kid whose feet couldn't touch the floor in my office Little Bird."
He saw her smiling as she walked past the large glass windows, and out into the city proper.
After shaking off some of the creeping nostalgia Ted turned around, and just in time.
He saw Jack standing by the back door in his gym work attire, staring at the window Dinah had just passed by.
'Welp…there goes breaking the news easy to him I guess.' Ted thought as he walked over to talk to Jack.
GOTHAM CITY- THE NARROWS- CIA SAFE HOUSE
May 27th, 2008. 1625 (4:25 PM) EST
Agent Noah Bennet's POV:
He brought a wet white washcloth up to rub against the back of the knuckles on his right hand, wiping away the gathered blood that had accumulated there over the past few moments before dumping the rag on the small metal rolling table in front of him.
Noah Bennet could say that out of all the stations he hated visiting…Gotham's posting, was the one he hated the most.
At 42 years old, Noah stood at 5'11 while weighing in at 208 pounds.
His dirty blonde hair had started to recede slightly in the front, but it had maintained its length; so at the very least he was still able to say that he still had a full head of it. He was in far better shape than most his age, as being a 'Lead field operative' required him to regularly exercise.
His body wasn't rippling with muscle, but he was fit, and there wasn't much fat to speak of on him. What little there was; was evenly distributed enough that most simply dismissed him as an 'Average Joe' type.
Noah reached up with his left hand to take off his dark rimmed browline glasses, before using his right hand to rub at his now weary brown eyes.
Sweat had started to gather across his body at parts underneath his white dress shirt, and he felt tempted to remove his black tie; just as he'd decided to ditch the black suit jacket. His pants, socks, and dark wing tips matched the rest of his outfit perfectly.
He was dressed as a professional should be…but at the moment he couldn't lie…
His professional attitude was slipping. The result of dealing with an interrogation that seemed to be dragging on for far longer than he'd anticipated would.
He'd had to roll his sleeves up so that he could really get into the slightly more physical approach he'd decided on for his new round of interrogation.
But he was honestly getting tired. Not physically…but…tired all the same.
His mark sat before him; zip tied to a metal rolling chair with brown cushioning.
'Though you probably wouldn't be able to tell at this point…what with all the blood.'
The higher ups at the Agency were apoplectic in their rage over the most recent event's involving the Joker and his impromptu partners escape from the so called 'Superheroes'.
Noah had in no uncertain terms been told that he now had 'Carte Blanche' to act in gaining any and all relevant information to deal with the individual known as 'The Joker'.
'When I finally break this two-bit piece of scum, we'll find the damned clown. I have far better things to be doing with my time. Not to mention that this should have happened ages ago.' Noah thought as he replaced his glasses and walked to the left of his cap tee, grabbing his own black metal fold out chair that had been leaning against the wall; to then set it down in front of the man.
A swift slap to the left side of the face brought a bit of light to the man's slightly dulled blue eyes.
Said man being one Bob Mankavick, or as most knew him at Blackgate Prison 'Bob the Goon'.
Bob had been one of the very first to ever work for the individual known as the Joker, and quite surprisingly was still alive. Unlike the veritable laundry list of others that had turned up dead after their service to the so called 'Clown Prince of Crime'.
Joker being the well-known psychotic that he is, had surprised everyone with the fact that Bob was still breathing. Many years after Joker having started his crazed crime career to boot.
The man, when standing was about 5'8. His long scraggly blond hair currently being matted with heaps of sweat and blood, stuck on parts of the career henchman's half swollen face. His blonde stubble was slightly longer than most would recognize, signaling the extended stay he'd been subjected to here in Noah's safe house.
The man also now had multiple, large, gash like wounds on his face and thin body that would no doubt leave extra scars if left to heal properly after all the punishment that Noah had dealt to him.
Noah, using his free reign had had the man taken from Blackgate prison quietly. He'd been in possession of him for more than a week and a half now…
The man sitting in the chair before him wasn't even given the decency of small clothes at this point, being completely bare for all to see. Noah had taken his time with him at first, and it showed.
The entire two upper levels of the six-story apartment complex had been bought and paid for by the Agency. Every room on the sixth floor had been retrofitted and had a purpose.
For three days alone Bob had been subjected to sensory deprivation, followed by abrupt changes in schedule. Noah and his team would allow him to fall asleep, only to suddenly and most often violently wake the man up.
He'd get doused with cold water, and then the 'day' would begin again.
Realistically, Bob had slept plenty…
But because of how they were still variating his schedule it was never longer than two hours at a time at most.
Bob spent more time these days in genuine unconsciousness than anything even closely related to proper sleep.
'The adrenaline has unfortunately served its purposes though. Much more of relying on That, and he'll die. Again.'
Bob as it stood, currently had bamboo shoots shoved under each of, not only his fingernails but his toenails as well.
What other physical wounds the henchman had accumulated through his treatment was either subjected to a mix between being thoroughly rubbed with sea salt, or a literal slow set acid drip at intervals. The treatment had been meant to cause enough pain to get him to talk. But thus far the man had stuck to his guns of not knowing anything.
'He's either telling me the truth and knows absolutely nothing…he's That terrified of Joker…or he's actually made the list and is without a singular doubt one of the hardest bastards I've ever had the chance to cross paths with.'
Noah didn't much care at this point which option it was…
He just wanted to be finished here.
He'd been handpicked by the Section Chief and was meant to be heading up the work for the new branch of the department that was supposed to be working hand in hand with the NSA.
A half dozen other operations were going on at the very moment…
'And I'm stuck trying to find this… crazed clown.'
Noah sighed deeply, before speaking to his captive for what felt like the thousandth time in as many days.
"Bob? Bob I'm gonna be frank with you here. I'm tired Bob. I'm tired of what feels like you dicking me around. I'm tired of having to waste my time on you. And most of all? I'm tired of this shit stain that you people call a 'city'. There's not a snowballs chance in hell, that you don't know something regarding where Joker could be right now. So, I'll say it again to you. Tell me where the Joker is, and the pain will stop. I'll stop hurting you, I'll have my onsite medic treat you, and then after a special little cocktail you'll go on your way without remembering a thing about what's happened here. So…what do you say Bob? Do you want it to end in a good way? Or am I just spinning my wheels here? Maybe I'm better off just doing the world a favor and blowing your head clean off hmm?" Noah asked as he reached to his lower back to pull out his customized jet-black Strayer Voight Infinity 1911 pistol.
That course of action however drew a sharp double knock on the two-sided glass that had been set up in this particular room for observation, dividing it from what would normally be considered another apartment.
"Hold that thought. Okay?" Noah said before placing his gun back in his waistband, followed by rolling his sleeves down and putting his suit jacket back on; before passing through a reinforced steel door into the designated observation room.
As the door shut solidly Noah took in not only the room, but its occupants.
Eggshell colored walls, dark brown hard wood floor, and a set of light brown molding and trim. Overhead fans with quad bulb fixtures spun, a feeble attempt to back up the one and only running window AC unit that had been placed and was running on overtime to try and keep the room cool due to all the machinery that was running.
Seven stainless steel cubicle desks with multiple drawers sat scattered throughout the room with matching chairs, while a single stainless steel foldout break table sat underneath the two-way window.
Every table held multiple monitors, speakers, and PC towers for data.
The safe house had been up and running for two months, and other than one other outpost that held the reserve unit and one very important VIP working on a large project; Noah had all of his available resources in this very building.
Clearing his mind Noah brought his gaze up to his "Partner", one of the agencies best assets; dubbed 'The Haitian'.
At 31 years old 'The Haitian' better known to the agents in the room and the rest of the agency as Rene Louis, stood at 5'11. His dark skin had a healthy shine too it, as did his dark brown eyes.
The mans lithe but cut build was hidden beneath his two-piece light gray suit, and light blue shirt ensemble; his head having the distinct shine that comes from lacking in any hair.
Noah knew that much like himself Rene carried a Strayer Voight Infinity 1911 pistol on his lower back, while also having four hidden Kershaw brand Launch 13 auto knives on his person.
Rene was one of the Agencies aces in the hole, as the man not only had a wealth of practical infiltration and hand to hand combat experience; but also had his 'Meta' human abilities to fall back on.
While said 'Meta' abilities weren't completely combat oriented, their value was easily placed as being worthwhile through their utility.
'Not only can he suppress other 'Meta's' while in their vicinity, but his ability to alter memories is one of the best assets we have. As loathe as I am to admit it.'
Noah would never admit it out loud, but he had been working with Rene for a number of years now; and had actually come to enjoy the man's company.
'Even if he is a freak.'
Said man looked at Noah, and for once was the one among them to instigate a conversation.
"Noah. Is this really necessary? The man clearly doesn't know anything. I told you that when I did the initial read of him. If he knew anything, it would have been there for me to erase."
Noah listened and heard the subtext being sent out by his partner as he spoke.
'This is a waste of time. Why are you still pursuing this?'
As much as Noah wished he could say the same thing out loud and call off the interrogation…
He had a job to do and knew full well that he couldn't abort the OP without proper authorization.
Fortunately for everyone involved, Noah's phone chose that exact moment to ring.
Without a glance Noah brought his phone up to his ear and answered the call.
"This is Bennet."
". . ."
"Yes sir. We have yet to glean any relevant intel when it comes to the primary target, but I'm confident that- "
". . ."
"Understood. The switch in directive is unexpected, but we can handle it. What's our next course of action?"
". . ."
"…I Understand. We'll make it so sir."
Noah watched as Rene stared at him with a questioning glance while he put his phone away, before turning and looking at the other five agents occupying the room.
With a swift double clap of his hands, all activity in the workroom ceased as the other agents turned their attention to him.
"Alright Everyone, listen up. We're being redirected. This OP is officially considered scrubbed, and we're now in standby to initiate BLACKOUT Protocol. You all know what that means. Secure what is transportable and torch the rest. Rene? You and the doc are going to prep our prisoner, and after he's in as good a shape as he needs to be for transport; drop him in Crime Alley. Ms. Parsons? You'll be re-routed with Rene and I after he finishes his package drop off. The rest of you, are to report back to Langley ASAP. Rene after your package drop off and having done your assisting with our business at site B, you'll be taking the next available flight down to Colombia. It seems that one Mr. Snowflame needs a reminder that he's only continued his drug operation unchallenged, due to our government's involvement. The objective is for you to kindly remind him what the penalty is for such a thing. CLAP. CLAP. Let's Move people. I want this site cleansed within 40 minutes."
At the end of his speech Noah spent the next thirty minutes cleaning out what little personal effects he had, before checking in with the rest of his team.
At the thirty-five-minute mark Noah was already guiding his head analyst Ms. Parsons down to the street level of the building so that they could take their ride.
By minute forty the agency's Black Badge style Rolls Royce was pulling off the curb.
Just in time for the floor where the safe house had been to ignite in a fiery explosion.
Seated in the back seat of the car Noah turned his gaze to Ms. Parsons, taking her in for a moment before speaking to her.
The 24-year-old woman was 5'8, with her long straight blonde hair set in a single sweeping ponytail that hung from the left side of her head. She had a relatively slight gait, outside of her slightly broader than normal shoulders. Much like Rene she too had a two-piece grey suit on, though her dress shirt was white. Her black flats kept her at her genuine height.
Her face was slightly rounded, and she had very expressive hazel eyes set above a button nose and a set of pouty lips that were tinged with a light maroon like color.
'Hard to believe that someone this young is as capable as she is.'
Noah's voice brought Nicky's eyes up.
"Nicky. I need a brief on two of our OP's, preferably the one's that currently require the most attention. What are they?"
Noah watched as Nicky's eyes widened marginally before she pulled her laptop out of her travel bag, booting it up to go over the relevant data.
The car sped along the streets headed for the 'Business District' of Gotham while Nicky broke into the briefing for both Noah's and Rene's benefit while they drove.
"Ahem. The two OP's that require the most attention outside of Rene's upcoming deployment, are our dealings as follows. The first and considered the most important deal the Agency has is with one Dr. Eli Selig that's currently stationed here in Gotham at the Sorben Institute; that's our first major concern. The Agency floated not only the bill for the creation of the Sorben Institute but has also provided Dr. Selig with all of his off the books funding for his project. Dr. Selig and his partner one Dr. Donald Tannor entered into an agreement with the Agency that they would provide us with the 'perfect' infiltration unit. The goal, as listed by the higher ups is to eventually have a viable Synthoid Black Ops unit, one that will be supervised and managed by a high-ranking agent; one such as yourself sir. This plan was put into creation as a directive from the former President after an incident involving the Justice League. The Doctors have fallen through on their promised timetable, and they have yet to deliver even a singular working Synthoid for the agency to test run; let alone utilize. The directive of this meeting is to make sure that the Doctors understand that they are now on a limited timetable. If they can't provide a working test Synthoid soon then the Agency wants their program scrubbed, and they'll forfeit any and all materials and information regarding said project(s) before they are removed."
Noah listened as Rene turned the vehicle as they went onto the highway to make their cut off into the business sector proper, the lights of the Wayne tower catching his eye for a moment.
"The second OP that is listed for review was our insertion of our undercover agent into the closed country of Chong-Mai. The agent was chosen for his…unique qualifications and attributes. Agent Tyler was meant to smuggle himself into the country under the guise of being an ornithologist writing a paper. Intel from a defector states that some of the higher ups in their military are going against the UN's directives and are attempting to create what is described in the info packet as a 'Next Gen Version Nuclear deterrent'. Agent Tyler was meant to ascertain if the project is going on, how much progress has been made; if any, and was then also given the objective that if a working model exists in any capacity to sabotage it and its existence. Current listing is that he's missed his last three scheduled check-ins with his handler. The discussion is currently being had whether or not to consider the whole OP scrubbed and to consider Agent Tyler a loss, while also contemplating our next viable steps in this matter."
At the end of her speech, it took all of Noah's strength to keep from having an outward reaction.
'Of course, the site we're headed too is having issues. Not to mention that losing Tyler at all is a serious problem in of itself. But behind enemy lines? That won't do. Not at all.'
While formulating how to deal with both separate situations, Rene pulled their vehicle into the parking garage of the Sorben Institute.
Getting out of the vehicle, Noah made his way into the facility with both Nicky and Rene flanking him.
The interior of the large building reminded him almost of what the inside of a hospital was like.
Clean white walls, white tiled floor, stainless steel, the sterile feel to the air; it was all almost unsettling in a way.
The institute didn't seem to have many bodies on hand, and it showed. Noah and co. passed through four separate hallways, two elevator rides, and one set of stairs before finding himself outside of a set of large metallic double doors in a large hallway with a metal speaker box next to it.
After taking a brief second to ensure that he was physically presentable, Noah hit the intercom to get the rooms occupants attention.
BZZZZT.
Noah only waited five seconds before an older and refined voice came back over the speaker.
"What can I do for you?"
Wasting no time Noah pressed on.
"Dr. Selig, this is Agent Bennet. Open the lab doors Doctor. We have things we need to discuss."
A moment passed and Noah found himself wondering if he'd have to repeat himself, but the thought was banished when a loud hissing click sounded out; just before the double doors opened outward allowing his group passage into the Doctors lab.
The same white tile decorated the floor, as did the same whitewashed walls with the odd stainless-steel accents. But that was where the similarity between this particular room, and the rest of the 10-story building differed. This room took up seemingly half of the floor, and due to the strange layout of the building it made it difficult to reach. The lab itself was located on the 8th floor, and it was stocked to the nines. Machinery, parts, workstation computers, assembly flats, you name it; and it could be found in this very room.
'Any robotics engineers one stop candy shop.'
Noah walked to the center of the room and found himself in front of what could only be described as a metal modern day Sarcophagus.
On the other side of it looking down at it while working on the holo deck connected to it, was Dr. Selig himself.
Eli Selig was not an overly impressive man to look at, if one asked Noah to describe the doctor.
At 67 years old he stood at 5'8, weighing in at around 180 pounds. His hair had clearly started to recede off of his head, and every bit of it was gray. His black eyes sat behind a thin pair of glasses set low on his nose, which reflected the yellow glow of the workstation he was on as he perused whatever he was currently reading up. The man appeared frail and thin underneath his pristinely white lab coat, light blue dress shirt, beige kaki dress pants, and dark dress shoes as all of it outside of said shoes seemed to hang slightly off his person.
The man stopped for a moment, bringing his right hand up to massage his eyes before actually deigning to even look at Noah.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say we have things to discuss Agent Bennet."
The tired and resigned tone made Noah believe differently, but he'd hold his own personal judgements in reserve for the moment.
"Doctor. The Agency was kind enough to set you and your partner up here. When doing so with the vetting process they were made to believe in the interview that was conducted that you were with us, that you believe this program is important to not only our national security but overall, to the world. The Justice League cannot be our only line of defense."
'They shouldn't be a line of defense at all.'
Pushing forward before he could fall into any darker personal thoughts Noah carried on.
"So, what we have to talk about today, is simple. You. You delivering on what you promised when the deal was struck with the Agency. If you can't deliver? Then we'll find someone who can. You aren't the only expert on robotics in the world, hell; you weren't even considered for being in the top ten list. But regardless of that fact the Agency chose you. So, I'm here today for one simple purpose. To see where your progress is."
The old Doctor stared at him for a moment before letting out a tired sigh, and then brought his gaze back down to his terminal. After working for a moment, a holographic display kicked on, and on it was a veritable mountain worth of information.
Graphs, charts, objective markers, all of it. Plain as day showing the same thing. The man wasn't making the progress he had hoped.
"As you can see, the biggest problem comes from the multifunctioning purposes that you and your Agency are looking for. The chassis is overworked. All of the additions in as far as the weaponry go…Sigh...it's simply too much for a unit of this size to handle; even with the advanced alloys used. The programming that is required is astounding and that's for simply articulating simple movement from said unit's limbs, not to mention the so-called combat sims you want uploaded. Then of course there's the power source to consider, and the way that it interacts with the camouflaging system. It fails after two shifts, and your requirements are for it to be able to do so indefinitely. Sigh. I'm sorry Agent Bennet, but to reach these specific requests I would need a great deal more time than you've given me."
Noah could clearly see that the man was frustrated, and he himself felt that very same thing; though his own frustration was at the fact that the project was seemingly nowhere near being completed.
"Doctor I'm going to make this entire situation very simple by asking you a single question. Can you complete the project, or not?"
The Doctors response was clear and concise.
"I can. But I need more time. The programming is taking far longer than I anticipated. I'll need another month at the very least. With that I can at least provide you with a test model. I will however once again reiterate what I put in the email I sent out a month ago. The test model will not be heavily equipped. It will have a set number of defensive and offensive capabilities, and all of them will be set up so that the model performs as its supposed too. An infiltration unit has no need for over four dozen different weapons systems after all."
Noah took a moment to stare at the Doctor again before finally looking at Nicky and Rene, gaining a nod from Rene while Nicky simply looked at all of the equipment in the facility with a slight bit of wonder.
It took a moment, but Noah decided that they had far too much to do, and that meant that they couldn't afford to loiter. He turned back to the Doctor and pointed at him before making his move back to his colleagues.
"Very well Doctor. I'm giving you a month. One month to provide us with a test unit. If your unable to provide it…then your tenure here will be over. If you're in need of anything route it through the usual channels. Ms. Parsons here will be back fifteen days from now for a preliminary check-in. If I don't like what she has to say at that time? Your tenure will end effective that moment. Good day Doctor."
…
Waiting a few moments until after the three had left his lab left his nerves all a flutter…
'But it was better to be safe than sorry.' Dr. Selig thought to himself as he logged back into his terminal at the Genesis Cradle.
His eyes took in the blinking golden icon at the bottom of the screen, watching as it shifted from a singular box to three small dots that moved like a wave.
The dots trembled for a few moments before a new line of text generated onto the screen.
"Is everything okay father?"
Letting out a sigh, Selig typed back after a moment.
"I'm afraid not son. It seems we're going to have to speed up our timetable."
TAIPEI- UNKNOWN SAFEHOUSE
May 27th, 2008. 1225 AM NST
UNKNOWN POV:
A large set of gun metal gray, three-inch-thick blast doors hissed closed behind him as he entered his workshop.
The light electronic whirring started up overhead as the sensors in the box lights kicked up, bathing the room in the harsh luminescence of the high-quality LED bulbs.
The room was all function.
The concrete walls and floor, the hard metal cases and tables, the munnitions crates; everything contributing to the singular purpose that their owner set themselves towards.
'Murder.' He thought as a sick grin split his face.
He only had to walk a few feet forward from his main machinery table before he found himself in front of his computer assembly.
Multiple monitors, multiple towers, and two separate sets of keyboards with their own mouse assembly's. Those, and a singular microphone that was hooked up to the smallest of the screens.
The smallest screen being different from all the others though, as the screen was a bright blue and simply had a small blinking square icon at the bottom right of the screen.
The eight other monitors held different bits of information, some of it being written while the other bits were video files.
With deft hands and the light sound of clicking as he inputted commands, the man spoke out to the microphone while settling his main screen on a completely different set of still framed pictures and written data then had been on it just a moment before.
"Need calculations of the new main targets abilities. Inquiry as to the timetable for having all the necessary armaments for a physical confrontation?"
He watched the screen glow brighter for a moment before the icon disappeared, only to then be replaced at the top of the screen with a wall of text.
"New target subject's abilities have shown increase since initial debut. Timetable suggested for gear management is six months. Recommended that operator utilize combat enhancement skin chassis 'Alpha' in any kind of physical confrontation. Video analysis concludes that target subject is worthy of being ranked in the top 25 of the best recognized hand to hand combatants amongst 'Meta' humans and Hero's. Analysis on full scope of abilities incomplete. Recommended time to Actual confrontation? One Year."
After having listened to the words he did his best to steady himself, his breathing becoming slightly erratic due to his mounting frustration.
'I Just found him. I just found the one that needs to go first. I had thought that he was the one…but then this new one came along. Why would I strike against someone that's considered a symbol of fear…when killing a symbol of hope is such a better prospect.'
He brought his eyes up to face the screen…a picture of All Might clearly on display before him.
After a moment the frustration bled from his face, and a new and sicker grin then the one from before stole across his features.
'A test. That's what this calls for. Something to draw him out. To better get the measure of him. Not just his abilities, but his mentality. I'm not just going to hurt him. I'm going to break him, and then put him on display for all the world to see.'
He quickly turned to his second keyboard set up and cleared one of his monitors of information, before bringing up a call log.
The screen remained black outside of the small green colored square icon at the bottom right of the screen, and it remained that way until he typed out his inquiry.
"I have a new job for you. What do you know of Gotham City?"
…
AK- "It is said to belong to the Bat. What of it?"
"I want you and your associates to find a reason to go to Gotham. Once your there, find a way to instigate a conflict with the city's newest guardian. He's called All Might. I'll pay triple your usual asking price. I want any and all relevant data that you can pull on him. By Any means necessary."
…
AK- "Deal. I will deploy as many as I can spare to the city for now to take root. I will relocate myself in two weeks' time. Agreeable?"
"That's fine. Happy Hunting."
…
Having closed the conversation on his end, he stood back up and decided that now would be a good time as any to get some more practice in. He walked over to his assembly locker to break out some of his currently experimental gear, so that he could get a better feel for what would need to be tweaked to make it fully operational.
'After all, one can never be too prepared. Soon… All Might. I'll tear you down. Once I do that…all the rest will know that they're on notice. Time to go to work.' He thought with his sick grin still in place.
And There you have it folks! Another chapter for the log. I can't believe this. I did a calculation before posting and realized that this story now has over 200,000 words. Crazy Ya'll. Once again, a massive thank you to all of you and my friends Sauron and Wolfling, not just for reading, but for the faves and follows as well. I hope you can pick up all the little bits that have been dropped in this chapter, and if you have any questions or thoughts dont forget to leave a review or even a PM. I will do my best to get back to everyone in a timely manner. Please do let me know what you thought of it all. I hope that all of you are staying safe, happy, and most importantly healthy!