[BESM3 - RoD] His Calling

[Dash Carpenter]

One thing about being a major underworld mercenary was that settling down for any length of time was rare. Johnny Hammer had a network of small safe-houses around the world, and he and Dash tended to hold their temporary vacations in a different one each time, randomly selected.

No use in giving law enforcement or... others a pattern. This particular one was a cheap apartment whose landlord was a money-grubbing man who felt that as long as trouble didn't get loud and out to the neighbors, he didn't care what went on.

Dash lounged quietly on the threadbare sofa, watching an episode of Jeopardy. Trebek was casually reading off a question about a new television show being shown on CBS, when Johnny returned from a quiet trip to pick up TV dinners.

He had a grocery bag on one arm, strangely, an opened envelope grasped tightly in the opposite hand. The truly curious part- aside from the pair not getting mail at this location- was the expression on Johnny Hammer's face.

But before Dash could qualify it, it was replaced by a casual smile on Johnny's face. "Something for you," he announced, dropping the envelope on the table, "I'll get the meatloaf dinners warmed up."

Thus, stepping into the kitchenette, Dash was left alone with a dismal showing by the competitors on-screen, and the envelope. And a whole damn lot of questions, so naturally he opened the envelope and removed two letters.

The first one made him raise quite the eyebrow.

,,

Quote:

Hello.

I know this is sudden, but perhaps once you read this letter you will understand the haste.

To put it simply and as eloquently as possible, I need your help.

My corporation is known for it's humanitarian efforts, that is true, and I'm not asking for a contribution. What I need is your talents. Recently it has come to my attention that there are certain elements afoot that are proving themselves worrisome to someone like me who actually gives a damn about what happens in the world.

You are aware of the strange happenings of a few years ago. I know much more of the background details, but even CNN showed what would be the facade of just how far this trouble really goes. I have suspicions that I may need to act in a more proactive manner in the near future, and I feel you would be a prime candidate for the team I am forming. I will admit I have been observing you one way or another. I needed to be sure you were everything I was looking for. I believe my assumptions will be pleasantly correct.

Sincerely,

Sagara Sommers

CEO - POSEIDON TECHNOLOGIES

A great deal of rich and powerful people knew how to contact those shady individuals who provided the labor and talent for the more underhanded actions they could not have their own people perform. So much corruption and dirty deals greased society's wheels, Dash knew.

But Ms. Sommers, Dash knew ran a mega-conglomeration that did hold up the proclaimed position of charitable company, as hard as this sometime seemed. And that was the other thing- Johnny had once described "Miss S" as an old friend going far back, who he owed a lot to.

Johnny Hammer had hinted about the 'humanitarian projects' Miss S had on the side, but never went into great detail about those or her, as a mark of confidence it seemed. And the subject matter of hiring seemed curious as well, but Dash knew quite a thing or two, even if Johnny had been anxious to downplay his... connections with the British Library and Joker.

And Dash knew about the Pythian Council... At that moment, "...had signed a contract with a genetics company at age 17." Caught in brief memories, Dash bared his teeth and hissed, "Who is Briar Maxmillion?"

"Using foul language now?" Johnny asked, re-entering with a plate of microwaved meatloaf and mashed potatoes on each hand. Dash took one, and they ate without words for a minute before Johnny decided to broach the subject.

"How much have you read Dash?" The clink of forks on plates. "The first one.... Miss S seems to think highly of me."

Johnny put down his food before steadily gazing at Dash. "Even if I've never said it as much, in this world, when a fellow has few friends... she's a damn good one of them. And it was time you got some independent work in. You're like a son, I've trained you well. And I trust her not to put you into anything you can't handle."

Finally, the clincher statement that got Dash to agree. "I think it's basically what we've done between missions and the free time. Dealing with those people who feel only they have the privilege to make decisions and dictate them to everyone else. It's in the second letter."

There was a another sheet attached to the first one. The wording was handwritten and clearly a personal message.

Quote:

Ok, now that you've gotten past that fricking form letter, I want you to understand this Dash. As you know, Johnny and I owe a lot to each other. Even a friendly shag once- and sorry for putting your young mind to the thought. Johnny and I talked before I sent these two messages. He owes me currently, but the choice is yours in the end. That is what we're fighting for, the true choice that everyone must have. After all, you have the displeasure of being aware of the Pythian Council and the remnants of the Library and Dokushensha, but that's only the tip of the iceberg, boy.

Please say yes. I promise you'll have the chance before we're through to make Briar Maxmillion and that debauched daughter of hers squirm.

Sagara, though on the job you will refer to me as Miss S.

[Dash Carpenter]

Cardiff, Wales

The outside of Poseidon HQ didn't seem any more different than any other modern corporate skyscraper, aside from a slight blue tint to the windows as seen from outside. But Dash knew otherwise the moment he stepped inside. Patrick Stewart would have been at home in this facility's interior, with a profusion of wall-mounted flat screens, sliding doors and other advanced-looking displays.

According to the security guard escorting him, this was all viewable by the average Joe. Miss S had clearly done well for herself and her operations. Thus Dash found ample visual interest. The security guard on the other hand, had a professionally-concealed mixture of concern and desire.

Ironically, the latter fueled the former as she berated herself for having naughty thoughts about a teen, no matter how Adonis-like he seemed to be. In addition, she was a former police officer, and couldn't help the nagged suspicion that the well-dressed young man with dark sunglasses was armed. (In truth Dash was well-equipped, being a prepared man of his trade.)

The double entente was not well received internally.

Yet she cared about her paycheck, and this sex- special visitor, had the special pass-card that the Security Department had been briefed about. Whatever was behind the executives' decisions, word had come down from the top.

The carriers of the pass-cards were VIPs of the highest order, allowed unrestricted access to the HQ and not to be delayed in any way, even by normal security checks. And to be personally escorted to the Ultra-Restricted zone elevator where not even the normal security could head down to.

"Here you are sir." They were at the elevator, and Dash stepped in with a polite nod. Her eyes lingered on his scrumptious form for a final moment, then the doors closed.

With a sigh of relief, she turned away, cheeks flushed. Fine, she had a good body, he was a teen, perhaps he'd be amenable to a movie?

[Lady Aceworth]

Click to reveal..

This is now ret-conned into the M&M2 RoD Continuity.