Across Tempo City, about 15 miles away from where the four heroines were being prepared to pay for their defeat two men stepped into a fancy Irish Pub called the Stolen Shamrock.
The older of the two motioned toward a pretty young red haired waitress who looked to be about 21 years old. She walked over towards the men and smiled.
Hey guys, how have you been? Its been awhile since Ive seen either of you two.
Its been really crazy over there lately. We barely have time to go home some nights Mary.
Yeah, the younger one said. Theres been many nights Ive slept in the office.
I guess the bond market is doing really good then huh? I hope its worth putting in all those hours though. Jeez, Id have to think long and hard before committing such a big part of my life to that. The money must be amazing.
The men looked at each other and the older one said. Yeah, thats why we do it, the moneys great. You really have to be committed to the cause though. Our job is not for the feint of heart; you really have to give it your all. It takes no prisoners.
Yeah, I think Ill stick with the whole teacher thing Im trying to do. Would you guys like a booth as usual? the pretty girl asked.
That would be great Mary, but how about something in the back and away from the crowd?
Youre wish is my command, follow me.
The girl led them to a lonely booth all the way in the back of the Pub with no other booths around it. It was located underneath a large plasma TV that was on but had no sound coming out of it. The booth was up against a brick wall.
Drinks, guys?
The older man said Ill have the usual, Dewars on the rocks.
The younger man placed his order Just a Coors Light Mary, thanks. Have to watch my weight.
You let me watch you. Ill keep my eye on your weight among other things., she winked at him and walked away.
Ahhh, what a nice girl. He looked at Mr. A and spoke, I was surprised you wanted to come here tonight with everything thats going on tomorrow. Mr. B said.
Well, there comes a time when things must be discussed and made clearer. Now is your time to ask questions. I suggest you ask whatever has been on your mind; there will be only one time we do this. Tomorrow things will change. Before that happens Id like to commend you on your work with the bounty hunter and Volkov. You did a great job putting them together and keeping us away from the action and in the shadows.
He slid a thick envelope across the table towards the younger man.
A bonus?
The older man just nodded at him.
Mary came back with the drinks, smiled at Mr. B and walked away with a little bounce in her step and a shake in her butt.
You have been with the Program for 5 years now. Youve been chosen to be groomed as my apprentice, and I want you to understand what we do. Its time you had some answers. Whatever is discussed here stays between us. I trust you understand the consequences?
Finally thought the younger man. Of course.
First of all, I appreciate you taking me under your wing and guiding
me as you have since I accepted
my position. Secondly I am sorry if I have pestered you over these last few
months its just that the unknown has been driving me crazy for years
now.
I understand, I once felt
the same as you. I wasnt always in charge of this project.
What is our
goal?
To improve life for our citizens,
to make the world a better place.
What does that have to do
with these costumed freaks?
They have certain attributes
that my boss would like to turn into an advantage for
us
Their powers, its about
gaining their powers.
Yes, thats what I believe
it to be.
Ok, but youre not sure?
You dont know if thats it?
No, thats what I have
been led to believe. I am not sure if that is the exact agenda., replied
the older man.
Why must we brutalize them?
Why havent we just asked them to help us?
That has been tried once before
with disastrous results. Do you remember the last heroine in Tempo City before
this latest crop?
Tempest, you were involved
with her? She disappeared; everyone thinks shes dead. That was at least
8 years ago.
What else do you
remember?
Well, I was in the military
at that time. I didnt live here then. She was kind of tall and had
amazing powers. She was beautiful like all superheroines seem to be and had
a fantastic body. Then she just disappeared and the scum took over the city
again. What was the Programs part in all of this?
My boss approached her and
she almost killed him. We tried to reach out to her but she wanted no part
in helping us. Eventually we captured and held her, did our tests and found
out what we could.
And what were the
results?
My boss could hold her power
temporarily, but then it would leave. He had a way of gaining it. All other
measures proved to be futile.
What happened to
her?
She escaped and was never
seen again. Anyway, thats why we do things the way we do them. Our
work is too precious to ask them anymore. We cant risk it. Anything
else?
Your boss or our boss,
whats his name?
He goes by Mr. Z, his name
is Zhamnov. Thats where this ridiculous Mr. A and B and the letters
come from. His idea.
Who is he? Tell me about
him.
He looks like hes 20
years old, hes much older then that though. He hasnt aged since
I first met him 10 years ago.
Who does he work
for?
I have no idea what agency
hes from. You dont want to ask him either, he doesnt take
well to being questioned. Thats why were here tonight, so when
you meet him youll have some answers. I would think well see
him tomorrow. Wherever hes from hes well
financed.
The younger man finished his beer
with a long gulp. He was sweating a little bit. Mr. A just looked at his
face.
A lot to take in. I know.
I have sat in that very seat and had the same conversation when it was time
for me to have some answers.
Volkov?
A friend of Mr. Z. They go
way back.
So Mr. Z is old friends with
Volkov and the Reverend but yet looks like hes 20? How is that possible?
Volkov must be 50.
I dont know. All I know
is that they both listen to Z and he finances Volkov. I dont have all
the answers.
These women help others,
its a shame to fight them. We should be working with them not against
each other.
They will not willingly help
us. There is no other way. Youd be best to accept that notion and get
all others out of your head.
Who tests them, the techs?
How do they test them?
First they must be broken
down physically, then if necessary mentally. I told you things would get
much uglier before we were done. Youve been with us long enough to
know our methods can get ugly. He watched the younger man to see his
expression.
I understand sir. Sorry.
The older man let the sir slide.
Anything else? asked
the older man.
The
comet?
No idea if that rumor is true.
Any other questions? the older man seemed annoyed by the younger
mans last question.
No, you can count on me to
perform. I will head the recovery team tomorrow as the property is
recovered.
The older man admired how Mr. B
slipped right back into the mission. Just like a well trained soldier should
perform.
Pick up is at 0600 hours outside
the Reverends tent. The subjects are to be packaged and brought directly
to the showroom. Any problems you are to contact me immediately. No delays,
understand?
Yes.
One more thing. You really
did a fantastic job setting up the bounty hunter with Volkov and his pet.
I thought you should know that. Go home and Ill see you in the morning
when your team arrives.
The younger man got up and walked
out, many of the younger women in the bar followed him as he walked out.
He walked past a smiling Mary without even glancing at her. The older man
could read her disappointment. It was all over her face.
He took it well. I wish I
could tell him more but its not time yet., the man thought to himself.
Hes good hearted and doesnt like what we do, just like
I didnt. He would try to help the younger man in anyway that
he could. He didnt want him to corrode inside like part of him
had.
He finished his drink, grabbed his
jacket and walked towards the exit. As he did he noticed Mary didnt
even glance at him.
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