Issue Thirteen, Bungle in the Concrete Jungle, Part Two
"So you all decided to rejoin the living, huh?" asked a sardonic
voice.
The Wanderer, The Defender and Ka-Sador opened their eyes, and
the Wanderer recognized the figure of Detective McNally.
"Looks like you all have had better days," he continued. "You," he said
jabbing a finger at the Wanderer, "I know. You two, not so much. But
I'm betting you can tell me a little bit about this." He turned
and the heroes could see the conflagration that enveloped the
warehouse, and the firefighters who were concentrating on hosing
it down.
The Wanderer reclined back on the pavement and looked to McNally, "And you
were all there. There was a lion, a tin man, and a scarecrow." He
chuckled to himself and rose to his feet. Detective McNally, may I
introduce to you Defender, and ..."
Ka-sador snarled and quickly took to the air disappearing in the blackness
of the Port Alexander sky, presumably to fan out and search for the foes.
"And...well, that was Ka-sador. He's not from around here," The Wanderer
whispered as if it was hush hush.
"Really?" said McNally. "Care to fill me in on what's been happening?
We got a call about four supervillians at this address. When we
show up, you three are laid out in a row on the sidewalk across the street
and the warehouse is starting to warm up nicely."
"I heard there was a drug deal going down at this address and you'd have
thought it was Halloween when I showed up," began the Wanderer. He regaled
McNally with all he could remember before blacking out, complete with
exaggerated gestures acting out the epic battle with PowerFist. The
Wanderer then stopped mid-sentence and rushed to the warehouse to assist
the fire department in rescuing the dealers who got waylaid.
"Seems they get points for style if not originality." Defender slowly sat
up, rubbing his head. "There were four of them... oh my god! Was there
anyone else found? There were several dealers and buyers down when we got
here."
"No," said McNally, "there was no one else out here ..." he trailed
off as the Wanderer bolted for the warehouse followed by Defender.
"I didn't get a good head count of the crooks," Defender shouted over his
shoulder. "They must still be in there."
The fire was mostly under control by this time. The warehouse
was still giving off a lot of heat, though.
As Defender reached the warehouse, he paused to look within. Would it be
too hot? Would the air be too poisonous? Would it be too dark? His thoughts
raced.
The Wanderer rubbed his hands together in front of the smoldering warehouse
and murmured, "Mmmmm, toasty." Then he leaped through the smoking door to
look for anyone who needed saving.
The smoke was thick and vision was obscured, but the Wanderer had the
advantage of not having to breath the stuff. The heat was still pretty
bad, though, and he wasn't sure how long he'd be able to take it.
He moved quickly toward where he remembered some of the fallen
figures and stumbled over a body. He picked it up and carried it
out of the warehouse.
The Wanderer was met by some paramedics who began treating the unconscious
body. Again he retreated into the warehouse trying to find the bodies that
were near the crates and any others he could locate. Finally he returned
to speak with McNally after pulling four more people out of the flames.
"There were four assailants who really roughed up these hoods, they got the
money and dumped the powder," he said trying to adopt a hard-boiled
detective stance. "I doubt they were just looking for cash since First
National is bound to have more on hand, so there is more to it. You boys
in blue better not tangle with them if they show up again. Call the
Guardians and we'll be sure to lend a hand. There are some scores to
settle, yesiree," said the Wanderer thinking of PowerFist.
"Five of them, I think," added Defender. "I saw another costumed type in the
office while I
was on the ceiling. He was watching the fight, but shrunk away when he
realized I saw him. Black bodysuit. Red dagger emblem here." Defender
motioned to his chest. "Carried a couple of nasty pointy bits on his belt."
"Just before I went out, the goons told me that they were making a
statement. Looks like they are trying to take over. Why they drug us out of
the warehouse and left the dealers doesn't make sense. You know, I have no
proof that DaggerGuy was even a part of them. I mean, why didn't he help?"
Defender finished.
The Wanderer looked at Detective McNally, "Sounds like our boy." He turned
to Defender, "We've been looking for that character, could you give an
artist a description so maybe we could get a picture?" The Wanderer looked
back at the warehouse and then back to Defender, "He wasn't one of them, he
was there to ice the dealers. His killing is getting bolder," the Wanderer
commented to McNally.
"Shouldn't be a problem. Which reminds me," Defender said as he activated
the record feature on his wrist comp. "Projects to work on: audio and video
capture for wrist comp. Download and install more powerful drawing
utility." Rubbing his jaw, he added, "Install place to carry asprin."
Turning back to Wanderer and McNally, "Is there a frequency used by the
Guardians I could put out a call on, in case I get in over my head...
again? Anyway better way to get in touch with you detective, or someone on
the force?"
The Wanderer eagerly swapped the communications information, making sure to
get contact information for Defender as well. It was always good to have
another set of eyes out there in Port Alexander, and Defender impressed
him. Now that they both knew Pointy-Man it could be the break he had hoped
for, as well as knowing now that the "Four Bosses" were still on the loose
-- with a prideful heart full of victory.
"By the way, Defender. How should we contact Ka-sador?" asked the Wanderer
hoping that the alien wasn't too spooked by all the action.
"Not really sure. That one is a mystery. He blew in, talking about his
friend and something about a 'Dark Lord.' Hmm... He might still be in the
area. I could hop up to a roof top and take a look around," Defender
offered. "Of course, as dark as it is, I doubt I'd have much luck seeing
him. Oh yeah, that number will sometimes hit a pager and sometimes get
straight through to me."
"Understood," said the Wanderer with a smile. "Well, McNally, do you need
us for anything else? I doubt the trail is still warm, no pun intended,"
he added looking over the warehouse.
McNally had followed all of this byplay with great interest, "Can I
get those contact numbers, too?" he asked. "You know how to get hold of me."
"Certainly, my good man," the Wanderer replied. "But no calls from the
Policeman's Benevolence Society, we do hate telemarketers," he joked to the
stoic McNally who ignored all nonsense.
"Hmm, phone numbers. I thought you masked avenger types had a secret
underwater base or something," said McNally.
"Can you imagine the real estate taxes on one of those?" asked the
Wanderer. "Unless you happen to find a vacant one, that is."
"Don't look at me, I'm still working out of my kid's tree house in the back
yard." Defender tried to keep the smile from his face as he said it. Taking
on a more formal air, "Gentlemen, I bid you a good evening, unless you'd
rather get the artist out of bed this late. Otherwise, is tomorrow lunch
time adequate enough?"
"Tomorrow's fine," said McNally and gave the address of the precint house,
"unless you'd rather meet somewhere else. This one," he jerked a thumb
at the Wanderer prefers coffee shops. Something to do with dark
and mysterious I think."
"The precint is fine, assuming the desk sergeant doesn't freak at a masked
man walking in." Defender smiled as he spoke.
"Not at all, my flatfootted friend," quipped the Wanderer, "but doughnuts
and strong coffee are not *my* idea of a healthy breakfast!"
"Farewell, Defender," saluted the Wanderer. "You did quite well,
youngster, we'll meet again!"
"And good evening to you as well," Defender said. "And thanks." With that,
he touched his fingers to his brow and leapt for a nearby rooftop.
"Bouncy fellow, isn't he?" the Wanderer commented to McNally before
disappearing into the night.
* * **
Defender took to the rooftops and returned to where he had left his
clothes. He reclaimed them, and dressed then drove thoughtfully home.
Mara was waiting up for him, and knowing that she would worry more
if he didn't tell her the whole story, he settled down to fill
her in.
A knock at the door interrupted the conversation. Surprised,
after all it was very early in the morning, he opened the
door carefully.
Standing on the stoop was a figure at once strange and familiar;
a dark-skinned black man with Asian features wearing a wrinkled
suit thirty years out of date and a raincoat. For a second,
nothing came together then it clicked, something like
Denzel Washington playing Columbo, but with a more Asian look
in the face.
"May I help you?"
The man looked around curiously and appeared to be fighting off a cold as
he audibly sniffed. Appearing pleased, he nodded and in a low husky voice
said, "Hello frendt Defendter, yoo look different."
Suddenly looking frightened and confused, the man in his pajamas asked,
"And you are?"
"Me look different too," he cooed with a grin. "Call me Starzkee Enhutch
when like this." The man craned his neck to look within the house and
commented, "Very nyce, like South Fork onlee smaller."
Realization slowly dawning, the man asked softly, "Ka-Sador?"
"Yess," the man leaned over to impart secrecy, "it's Ka-sador undercover
like Baretta. You like?"
"You are one strange dude. Get in here before you freeze."
Once inside the comfort of the living room, "Stay here. I'll be right
back." With that, Alden returned to the bedroom to explain the strange
visitor to his wife.
"Okay. Remember, the alien I was telling you about? Well, he seems to have
followed me home somehow."
The man slowed considerably entering through the door and stood somewhat
uncomfortably inside. He looked about the room and listened to the sounds
of suburbia.
When Alden returned, he motioned for Ka-Sador to join him. "You followed me
in the air, didn't you?"
"Ka-sador watch and track yoo," he replied in a low whisper. "Myke in
coma, and wee no have earthlander frendt to help us."
Alden thought for a minute. Sometimes he was too trusting. But here was
someone who needed his help. He sighed deeply. "I'm trusting my identity to
you here. And I'm trusting much more than that to you." Alden looked over
his shoulder toward the bedroom door his wife was peering around. "My name
is Alden. My wife Mara is the one watching from the bedroom. Now, what can
I... we do to help?"
Ka-sador looked to the bedroom door and dropped the whisper, [AHHH YOO HAVE
GENETIC FOOSION PARTNER, VERRY NYCE]. He fumbled around in his pocket and
produced an metallic disk with unusual markings that hung from a FUBU neck
strap. This he handed to Alden and said, [PUT ON].
Defender slid the neck strap over his head. "Okay... what does this...
whoa."
Ka-sador began speaking to Alden in a strange series of gutteral, harsh
tones which became immediately clear as it fell upon his chest. [ZHETY
URULAX....."easier as the translating device will allow me to speak in my
native tongue," said the odd man.
With a glance toward the bedroom door, he said "Your wife is welcome to
join us, Ka-sador does not bite," and a grin broke across the bald man's
face as his eyes smiled.
Alden was impressed with the sophistication of the device. Something so
small could be so effective. Dozens of questions leapt to his mind and
fought for priority. It was when he hard Mara clear her throat behind him
he remember what he had forgotten.
"Sweetheart, come in and meet Ka-Sador." At least that's what he heard
himself say. By the look on his wife's face, he didn't know what she heard.
She wrinkled up her nose and chuckled at her husband. She pointed toward
her chest, drawing his attention to the translator device. Understanding
dawned and he motioned her into the room.
"Do you have a second translator disc for her, or is they a way we can
share this one?"
"Only one," replied Ka-sador looking sorry in the direction of Mara and
holding up one finger for her benefit. "You must translate for her," said
the alien patiently.
It felt good for Ka-sador to speak in the comfortable tongue of his people,
English was difficult but he was picking it up nicely. He could
communicate with the people in the Ramparts and they didn't mind his accent
too much for there were many people from all over this planet there.
This Defender was a good man, he sensed it. Ka-sador had not felt such a
kinship since leaving his Arena partner with any other besides Mike. As
such, he began to relate his story of slavery under the brutal heel of the
Krai Empire, his escape with M'Krell, arrival on Earth, meeting Mike, and
the battle here in the Port Alexander wilderness. [See Issue #9 "Don't you know that you are a shooting star...
for these events.] Ka-sador
gave a brief recounting of where he had been staying and what he had been
doing over the months since his arrival. Periodically he would pause for
Defender to translate for his wife, and even add greater detail in his
broken English so that she was not put out too much by the situation.
Defender/Alden listened intently. It only took a little while for him to
get used to translating for Mara. About half way through, he even asked
Ka-Sador to pause while they switched duties. Mara immediately took to the
strange man. After Ka-Sador finished, the young woman began a barrage of
questions. Her excitement from contact with an extraterrestrial got the
better of her.
"Did you live under a different gravity? How different were the cycles of
you planet's tides? How large were the quarters in the typical space going
vessel? Tell me about..."
Alden cut her off by gently placing a finger to her lips. He knew where her
questions were going even without understand the language. He smiled at
her, then lifted the translator disk from her neck.
"Dear, you've been up working all night and you're tired. I think we all
are. Let's not overwhelm our guest, okay?"
Pouting, she replied, "I could have been the first SF writer on my block to
have interviewed someone from another planet."
"There will be time. Unless I heard incorrectly, Ka-Sador will be on the
planet for a while. There is time enough for questions. I'm sure he has
dozens about us as well." Alden gave his wife a gentle kiss. He smiled a
weary smile. "But sleeping time is now."
Turning toward the alien, Alden held the disc in its functional position.
"Your friend Mike is injured. Is he currently undergoing medical treatment?
My company has a ward we use for experimental purposes. It functions quite
well as a regular hospital ward as well. We could have him placed there
where he might be a little safer. As you say, he has some special abilities
that might be safer to keep quiet."
He let Ka-Sador consider the offer, then moved to the next one. "Do you
need a safe place? We have an extra bedroom that could make up for you as
well as your companion. We'd be more than happy to help you find a more
permanent place as well, if you like."
Mara nodded along slowly, excitement giving way to need for rest. When she
slumped against her husband's arm, Alden smiled. "Give it some thought
while I take her to bed. I'll be right back." With that, he placed the disc
on the coffee table. He scooped his wife off the couch and carried her
toward the bedroom.
-sador considered the gracious offer, but he knew that with he and
M'Krell went danger. Mike was in the hospital taken there by his friends
in the "hood," as his neighbors sometimes referred to it. Any offer of
relocating would have to be made jointly between he and M'Krell, he could
not strand the business that Mike had worked so hard to build, besides the
people there needed someone to protect them. They needed a Defender and
Ka-sador smiled at the way things worked out. He waited patiently for
Alden to return.
Alden returned to the living room. The evening's events had finally caught
up to him and he looked very tired. Still, he smiled at the alien sitting
on his couch.
"You look deep in thought." He said, taking the translator back up. "Sorry
about that. When she is working, or really excited about something... well,
she's forgotten to eat before. What's on your mind?"
The man shifted his position on the couch and a creak prompted him to get
up and find a spot on the floor. Sitting cross-legged he reached in the
direction of his necktie and a crackle of refracted light revealed Ka-sador
squatting his nine foot frame in that pose reminiscent of the old
gargoyles. "I hope I did not damage your furniture," he apologized. "My
friend Mike spent much of his time protecting the residents of the Ramparts
from the oppression of crime and exploitation. Often they cannot afford
monetary compensation but payment comes in many forms, housing, food, and
other tokens of appreciation. Now that Mike has been injured I am afraid
that my lack of knowledge regarding human culture will leave these people
defenseless. I have made some other friends within the Ramparts but need a
partner who can be more visible than I," Ka-sador punctuated this dilemma
with a wiggle of his wings.
Alden sat and thought for a few moments. He yawned, then smiled. "Ka-sador
my friend, I do this because I feel it's my duty to protect those who are
weaker than me. And thanks to a little incident with a nano-serum, that's a
whole lot of people." Alden shifted in his chair. He rubbed his forearm
absent-mindedly. "Don't do it for the money, or fame. I do it simply
because it needs doing. No offense to anyone who tries to make a living at
it. Just saying that part's not important to me. And rambling, do doubt,
because I'm tired."
Alden yawned again, pausing to collect his thoughts. "I decided to be the
defender of Port Alexander. That includes the 'Parts as far as I'm
concerned. And if my new partner wants to concentrate in that area, then
who am I to object."
"Excellent," said the alien with a smile. Ka-sador rose into a crouch due
to the standard eight foot ceiling and started toward the door. "I will
return to the Ramparts and discuss relocation with M'Krell," he said as he
touched a device on his belt causing the image of the man to reappear.
Grabbing the door handle Ka-sador asked "Perhaps Mara can even teach
M'Krell the way of females on earth?"
"Perhaps she can. But if M'Krell learns from my Mara, she will be a
handful." Alden smiled, stood and offered a hand to Ka-sador. "Are you good
for the night where you are now?"
"Yes, we are as safe as can be expected," he said. Ka-sador stepped out
onto the porch and turned to Alden, offering his hand. "I must speak to
M'Krell and see what she wishes to do. Ka-sador will contact you soon."
And with that the man stepped around the side of the house and with a flap
was gone.
Alden waved as he slipped into the inky darkness. With a yawn, he
contemplated the day. It had started slowly, but in the end, his life had
been changed. Like it or not, he was now a hero; a Defender. Morning would
come soon, and he had an appointment to keep with a sketch artist. He
slipped off to bed with thoughts of acquiring some new company facilities
in the 'Parts.
* * * *
When Ka-Sador arrived at Mike's apartment, M'Krell was watching television.
She stood when he arrived, "Ka-Sador, was that you?" She pointed
at the television where footage was showing of the warehouse fire.
Ka-sador shut the door and turned off the holoprojector. Sliding the chain
lock and turning the deadbolt, he answered "Yes, I sought to avenge Mike
and ran into another like us from afar and another earthlander.*" (*
translated from Orionid)
"Will they be able to help us?" asked the Princess. "We have only
a little money, and that is Mike's. We have no way of making more --
There is a thing called a 'green card', and we do not have one. We can
not even venture out of the apartment together since we have but one
holo-projector." M'Krell became silent as Ka-Sador's words soaked
in. "Another like from afar? A High Ilana? An Orionid? Or a Krai?"
"They have offered to help us. The male's name is Alden and he has a
female named Mara. They are joined," Ka-sador stated as he slipped off the
flexible but extremely resilient armour from his wings. "Their kindness is
immense, but I am afraid they do not understand the risks we carry. Alden
becomes Defender much like Mike became Shockwave, and is thinking of
helping me continue Mike's duty of protecting the 'Parts."
His lithe form squatted on the floor as he came eye-to-eye with the
Princess. "The one called Wanderer is neither High Ilana nor Krai. I have
not seen or heard of his kind, but he is not from this planet. Stranded, I
think not. There is little sorrow in his scent, but I cannot be sure.
Perhaps your education has told of those who can travel great distances in
the blink of an eye?"
"There are some that can do such things, Singularity of the Star Guard
can do so. But I do not know of any in this sector. Not stranded?
Then perhaps we could reach High Illana and go home!"
"It is a possibility, but do not harvest your halib spores before the dust
season. We must assure our safety first, and I will talk with him about
returning home," Ka-sador tried not to dim her hope too much.
"Mara is very curious and I believe would like to assist us, even teaching
you the ways of the females here on earth," Ka-sador attemped to sell the
idea. "But she is not equipped for battle. Alden is quite skilled and
would do well in the arena, but Mara would offer little protection for you,
princess." Ka-sador got up and retrieved a can of liquid refreshment from
the refrigerator, ripping the top off the can. Humans didn't exactly
design pop-tops for his oversized hands, but these things called Peaches
were good.
"I am thinking we should move before we are found. I will continue Mike's
good work with help from Defender, and you can have companionship," he
said. "I will work at night so you can use the holo-projector during the
day to see Port Alexander, but I may need it sometimes. Days, I can spend
in the wilderness, looking for the Krai." He drained the last of the syrup
and posed the question, "Do you feel comfortable placing our hosts in
danger? the Krai will be back."
M'Krell reached under the couch and produced a krai blaster, "I am
not completely without defenses," she said. "You may be right,
the trail leads here without too much obfuscation. Tracing us
to the next step in the chain may be harder." Her face hardened,
"There will be an accounting, though. To accept charity grates
on my nerves. They must and shall be repaid."
"The customary act of double favortism will be sufficient, I am sure."
Ka-sador wiggled his wings with a smile, "And I am sure that will teach
Mara many things as well." Ka-sador unclipped the holo-projector from his
belt and handed it to M'Krell, "Defender appears to be quite versed in
things mechanical, perhaps you can share with him the Krai technology we
salvaged."
He turned to look over Mike's apartment, "We must pack up all our things, I
will deal with the landlord tomorrow. Then I will introduce you to your
new home."
The next day, Ka-sador and M'Krell begin to pack in earnest,
although their actual possessions were few. By noon, they
were prepared and Ka-sador took the holographic projector
and the last of their ready cash and went to visit the landlord.
The meeting went smoothly, and soon 'Starzkee Enhutch' was walking
back to the apartment.
"Hey, you Enhutch?" asked a man stepping out of a doorway.
He was relaxed, but Ka-sador saw he walked with the step of a warrior.
"I gotta talk to you about a big guy with wings, you know who I'm talking
about?"
Ka-sador turned slightly to the left and eyed this man. A sniff of the
air, and he answered in a whisper "Maybee, me knows lots of peeple, what
yoo want with him?"
"I got some information for him. For him and his buddies, that is.
Someone wants to talk to them about something that went down last
night," his eyes narrowed. "Now, can you put me in touch with him
or not?"
Ka-sador had seen Mike deal with the information providers in the 'Parts
and remembered how they always reacted to Mike's questions for data.
Holding his hand out he said, "My memry needs a leetle help, ameego."
"Allright, I got a little taste for you," the man said reaching into
his pocket and coming up with a pair of $20s. He handed them to
Ka-sador, then grabbed his wrist, "but if you screw me over then ..."
his voice died as he realized the wrist he was holding didn't
feel like the wrist he was seeing.
Quickly Ka-sador spun away sending a forearm crashing toward the man's
torso.
The man flew back into the wall hard and sat down. He gasped
and looked up at Ka-sador. "What the hell is going on?"
Ka-sador picked up the pair of twenties, and looked deep into the man's
eyes. "Nobuddy puts hands on me, comprenday?" he said in a low snarl.
"Where and when boss want to meet wing-man and frendts?"
"Tonight, 7 o'clock. Here's the address, it's an office building
just being built. The first floor exterior walls are up -- inside
there," the man gasped out.
"See what me can do," he said pocketing the twenties. Ka-sador turned away
from the man and with a few long strides he disappeared down the hallway.
Turning the corner, Ka-sador waited to make sure the man did not follow.
The man got to his feet rubbed his chest, then headed for
the stairs and the exit.
Ka-sador followed, tracking the man by scent, cautiously staying out of
sight.
The man exited the building and entered a car parked nearby on
the passenger side. Ka-sador was able to hear a few words before
the noise of the car drownedout the conversation. "Some kind of
freak ... must have been the right place."
The car pulled away.
Starzkee Enhutch waited for the car to disappear before stepping out onto
the street. The streets always had some kind of foot traffic, and he had
through Mike made some acquaintances. Many people, he lived on the streets
instead of the structures. Ka-sador enjoyed the outdoors, by preferred the
woodlands to the cold city. He looked around for a friendly face who may
have seen the car and its driver.
None of the people in the immediate area were ones that Ka-sador
knew.
Disappointed, he quickly returned to Mike's apartment and M'Krell. "I have
spoken to the landlord, and was approached by a man who is looking for me
and my friends from the fire. He wishes to meet with us tonight," informed
Ka-sador. Then the alien began to pick up whatever possessions remained,
"We must hurry, there is danger in the air if they knew to come to me."
M'Krell finished sealing a box, "I am ready." Their collection of
possessions was pathetically small.
Ka-sador had never had much that he could claim as his own. M'Krell, on the
other hand, had been born into privilege and he knew this was certainly a
shock to her. He approached M'Krell and pulled the cloak hood up over her
head before switching on the holo-projector on his belt. Ushering her out
of the apartment, Ka-sador turned out the light and returned the key to the
landlord. Then he escorted her out to the street and hailed a cab as he
had seen Mike do.
It took awhile, cabs were rare in the 'Parts, but eventually they
found one and Ka-sador put M'Krell and their luggage aboard. He told
the cabbie the address and watched them drive off, before heading back
inside and up to the roof. There he dropped his holographic
cover and took to the air.
Quickly Ka-sador soared out of the city limits. Every now and again he
would sneak a peek down below and privately smile at the few people whose
mundane urban existence was now punctuated with a truly remarkable sight.
Eventually he showed up at his destination and looked to find an
inconspicous place to land and turn on the holo-projector. He would walk
the rest of the way to Alden's home and wait on the cab to arrive.
He found a park-like area and swooped down. Using his hunters
skills he moved in and out of the cover, finding a place to switch
on the projector and then slipped out of the park from a different quarter.
Mr. Enhutch made his way to Alden's home and waited.
He was just beginning to get worried when the cab pulled up. He walked
over to meet the cab and found M'Krell in a bit of a crisis. The fare
was quite a bit more than she actually had on her. Ka-sador, of
course, had no cash on him at all.
Distressed, Ka-sador floundered for a bit and spoke to M'Krell in Orionid,
much to the confusion of the cabbie. "I must secure funds from elsewhere,
remain calm." Turning to the cabbie, "How much me oh?" he asked.
"Lessee, another six bucks, and hurry it up, eh? I'm losing money, here."
"OK, be ryte back," Ka-sador said quickly before turning and striding up to
Alden's house. Ka-sador rapped on the door.
Mara answered after a moment, "Ka-sador! Come in, I've got a room
prepared."
Ka-sador bowed slightly, and sheepishly said "Me need sicks dollers for
cab." He punctuated his shame and helplessness on this world with a
longing point to the impatient cabbie.
"Oh, of course." She ran into the house and came back with a $10.
"Here give this to him." She walked out with Ka-sador to
help with the luggage.
Ka-sador gave the cabbie the ten and assisted M'Krell. As the cab drove
away, Ka-sador made formal introductions. To Mara he whispered, "This iss
Princist M'Krell ov the High Illani." And to M'Krell he spoke in Orionid,
"this is Alden's wife Mara, of whom I told you." After intial plesantries
were spoken Ka-sador followed them into the house.
Mara managed an awkward curtsey, before leading them into the house
and showing them the rooms she had laid out for them.
Ka-sador nodded graciously and felt bad about leaving so soon, but it was
imperative that he speak to Alden. He addressed Mara not bothering to
whisper, [WYFE MARA, ME MUST SPEEK TO ALDEN. IT IS BIZNESS].
"Of course," Mara picked up a phone and punched the speed dial,
"Honey, it's me. Someone here need to to talk to you." She
handed the phone to Ka-sador.
Alden had already had one of those mornings. He had overslept, racing into
the office in time to be obviously late for a meeting he had called. While
his staff was used to him keeping strange hours, it usually brought
snickers and ribbing. This time, it seemed even worse. Must have been
something about his expression that drew the attention. Afterwards, Alden
had slipped out to keep his appointment at the police department. This too
had been less than fun. In his haste to get on his way, he had forgotten
Defender; at least had forgotten the case that contained Defender.
He kept a spare costume in his car. Actually, it was his first attempt at a
costume. The color patterns were a little different and the fit wasn't
quite as good. Defender was sure that no one noticed, although it did make
him feel a little more self conscious. Worst of all, he did not have his
wrist comp. So the description he gave was totally from memory. He was sure
he had given the best description possible, but he was still a little wary
that one or two details slipped his mind.
So, he had been glad to hear his wife's voice on the phone. She had always
been his strength. The story of his day would have to wait for later,
though. The tone of her voice had let him know something serious was headed
his way via the phone lines. He braced himself for yet one more dark spot
on his day and was pleasantly surprised by the voice that followed his
greeting.
"Lessee, another six bucks, and hurry it up, eh? I'm losing money, here."
"OK, be ryte back," Ka-sador said quickly before turning and striding up to
Alden's house. Ka-sador rapped on the door.
Mara answered after a moment, "Ka-sador! Come in, I've got a room
prepared."
Ka-sador bowed slightly, and sheepishly said "Me need sicks dollers for
cab." He punctuated his shame and helplessness on this world with a
longing point to the impatient cabbie.
"Oh, of course." She ran into the house and came back with a $10.
"Here give this to him." She walked out with Ka-sador to
help with the luggage.
Ka-sador gave the cabbie the ten and assisted M'Krell. As the cab drove
away, Ka-sador made formal introductions. To Mara he whispered, "This iss
Princist M'Krell ov the High Illani." And to M'Krell he spoke in Orionid,
"this is Alden's wife Mara, of whom I told you." After intial plesantries
were spoken Ka-sador followed them into the house.
Mara managed an awkward curtsey, before leading them into the house
and showing them the rooms she had laid out for them.
Ka-sador nodded graciously and felt bad about leaving so soon, but it was
imperative that he speak to Alden. He addressed Mara not bothering to
whisper, [WYFE MARA, ME MUST SPEEK TO ALDEN. IT IS BIZNESS].
"Of course," Mara picked up a phone and punched the speed dial,
"Honey, it's me. Someone here need to to talk to you." She
handed the phone to Ka-sador.
Alden had already had one of those mornings. He had overslept, racing into
the office in time to be obviously late for a meeting he had called. While
his staff was used to him keeping strange hours, it usually brought
snickers and ribbing. This time, it seemed even worse. Must have been
something about his expression that drew the attention. Afterwards, Alden
had slipped out to keep his appointment at the police department. This too
had been less than fun. In his haste to get on his way, he had forgotten
Defender; at least had forgotten the case that contained Defender.
He kept a spare costume in his car. Actually, it was his first attempt at a
costume. The color patterns were a little different and the fit wasn't
quite as good. Defender was sure that no one noticed, although it did make
him feel a little more self conscious. Worst of all, he did not have his
wrist comp. So the description he gave was totally from memory. He was sure
he had given the best description possible, but he was still a little wary
that one or two details slipped his mind.
So, he had been glad to hear his wife's voice on the phone. She had always
been his strength. The story of his day would have to wait for later,
though. The tone of her voice had let him know something serious was headed
his way via the phone lines. He braced himself for yet one more dark spot
on his day and was pleasantly surprised by the voice that followed his
greeting.
"This is Alden. What's up?"
As Mara looked on, what she saw defied her very eyes. Ka-sador accepted
the phone but the receiver floated a good metre above the head of the man
standing before her. A low whisper soon followed, "Frendt Alden, it's me
Ka-sador. Trubble calls us."
Mara goggled for a moment, then took M'Krell into the kitchen
for girl talk -- or an interview about life in space.
Alden's voice slipped a little deeper. "What's the score here? What's
next?"
"Sumbuddy look for Ka-sador, tell me to tell frendts that sumbuddy wants to
meet us," he said. Ka-sador went on to explain about the tough looking
character who spoke to Enhutch and the seven pm meeting. "Me theenk it
same men wee battle at docks, can yoo come? can yoo get Wandrr?"
"I can be there and I think I cen get in touch with Wanderer. I'll call
back shortly."
As Mara looked on, what she saw defied her very eyes. Ka-sador accepted
the phone but the receiver floated a good metre above the head of the man
standing before her. A low whisper soon followed, "Frendt Alden, it's me
Ka-sador. Trubble calls us."
Mara goggled for a moment, then took M'Krell into the kitchen
for girl talk -- or an interview about life in space.
Alden's voice slipped a little deeper. "What's the score here? What's
next?"
"Sumbuddy look for Ka-sador, tell me to tell frendts that sumbuddy wants to
meet us," he said. Ka-sador went on to explain about the tough looking
character who spoke to Enhutch and the seven pm meeting. "Me theenk it
same men wee battle at docks, can yoo come? can yoo get Wandrr?"
"I can be there and I think I cen get in touch with Wanderer. I'll call
back shortly."
Following the goodbyes, Alden thought for a moment. It dawned on him that
the contact info for Wanderer was safely in his wrist comp... at home. Palm
met forehead as he mentally kicked himself. Looked like he was going home
for lunch.
Twenty minutes later, he pulled up in front of the house and
interrupted a deep conversation between Mara and M'Krell
about High Illana courtship methods. Ka-sador was enjoying
a can of "Fruit Cocktail."
Ka-sador had already revealed his real form to Mara, and after the initial
shock wore off she appeared to really enjoy playing with the
holo-projector. The translator hung from her neck and Ka-sador looked very
embarassed at the ladies' discussion. When Alden arrived, the alien snaked
a long tongue around the inside of the can and jumped to his feet happy
that another male was present.
"Honey, I'm home!" Alden joked as he walked through the door. He
acknowledged Ka-sador as he walked straight to his wife. He gave her a
kiss, then smiled. "Best thing to happen to me all day. But don't let me
interrupt." Alden then turned his attention to M'Krell and bowed. Although
not a normal way for him to greet a guest, he gave it his best effort.
"I'm Alden. I wish I had time for a proper introduction, but duty calls."
With that, Alden retrieved his case, wrist comp and the contact
information. A few moments later, he was putting in the call to Wanderer.
The speedboat pushed its very limits of mechanical construction as it
skimmed along the waterways of Port Alexander. With a hard right turn the
boat cut a dangerous turn sending waves crashing into a buoy as a ring
broke through the whine of the engines. He scaled back the throttle and
answered with a smile, "Blonde, brunette, or redhead?"
A decidedly male voice answered. "I'm sorry, I never discuss my real hair
color on the first date. This is Defender. I've managed to make contact
with Ka-Sador. He has a small problem that by default has become mine as
well. I thought I might check with you to see how your dance card was
holding up lately."
Without a flinch the Wanderer answered, "That depends, are you buying
dinnner? I don't know what you've heard, but I'm *not* that kind of guy."
Defender paused a moment, then continued. "He was approached by someone
wanting to arrange a meeting with those of us who were involved in the
warehouse fiasco last night. Are you interested in what is probably a
trap?"
"Hmm...." he began, "I think I have a spot open for a trap, when and
where?"
Defender double-checked with Ka-Sador, then relayed the information to
Wanderer. "If it is a trap, they might bring out some more guns, so to
speak. Might not be a bad idea to bring some more ourselves. Now, you
wouldn't know of any heroes who might be sitting home bored tonight, would
you? I mean, I hate to hog all the fun."
"I may know a few; but they aren't as fun as I am," he mused. "They can
really drag a party down, but don't tell them I said so." The Wanderer
said his goodbyes and fired the boat's engines up yet again -- destination:
deep into the ocean of Port Alexander, and the EAGLES Nest.
Alden place the headset and wristcomp back in the briefcase. Stepping back
into the kitchen, he watched Ka-Sador watching the women for a moment. He
then spoke up. "The Wanderer is up for it. He also said he might be able to
get a little back up for us. I hope this time the odds will be in our
favor."
Some time later the Wanderer's speedboat slowed and then stopped more or
less over the EAGLE's Nest.
The Wanderer dug around in his onboard bag and donned his goggles and other
"typical" attire. Dropping anchor, he plunged into the depths and looked
for that troublesome entrance.
Eventually he found it, and used his spiffy EAGLE's ID card to open the
submarine bay doors. A few moments later he was in the base and
found it unoccupied.
"Drat!" he thought, forgetting that Fervor and the White Knight were
occupied with that matter of great importance. Repairs to the Nest
required specific parts and fortunately the White Knight knew exactly where
to acquire them. Shaking the water from his suit, the Wanderer gave a
cursory look around the base to check that all the systems were operating
satisfactorily. He punched the communications console to see if there were
any messages.
Nothing of importance was waiting; Jenny Peters had recovered from her fright
and wanted to know if she could have a tour of the Nest and
do a story, IPAC had sent a report of supervillian activity worldwide
and a plea to allow them access to the Nest.
There was an internal
low level security alert, though. A motion sensor in the access
tunnel had been tripped, but such false postives were occuring with
some regularity while the White Knight worked on repairing
the security system. According the logs, something had approached the
entrance to the submarine pen from the tunnel, stopped at the door,
and ... nothing.
The Wanderer raised an eyebrow and made a mental note to investigate this
further. He left a message for the White Knight and Fervor, when they
returned, to recycle these security alerts and give them the attention
needed. Plus, he filled them in on his little party at the docks and told
them of Defender and Ka-sador. The more he talked the more he felt as if
he was delivering his own eulogy, which didn't sit well with him at all.
The Wanderer raised an eyebrow and made a mental note to investigate this
further. He left a message for the White Knight and Fervor, when they
returned, to recycle these security alerts and give them the attention
needed. Plus, he filled them in on his little party at the docks and told
them of Defender and Ka-sador. The more he talked the more he felt as if
he was delivering his own eulogy, which didn't sit well with him at all.
Finished, he double checked the security settings and left the way he came
to return to the speedboat and prepare for tonight's event.
Later that day, around 6pm Defender's phone rang and the familar voice of
the Wanderer greeted him. "Shall we meet before heading off to our
respective dooms? I'd hate to show up to meet our friends again
unprepared."
Alden had spent an afternoon trapped in meetings. Discussions of financial
obligations and staffing concerns had him more than ready to face an angry
horde of super-powered villians. So when Defender's comm set had rung with
the call, the engineer quickly became the hero.
"I think that would be an excellent idea. Let me check with my partner and
make sure he is available. Computer... mute." Alden walked out of his
office and started down the hall.
During lunch, the ladies showed no signs of letting up with the talk. Her
work as a writer kept Mara isolated sometimes. Alden was sure that she
would take advantage of the company. Not to mention all the questions his
wife would have for the alien royal. Thus, Alden had been worried that
Ka-Sador might get bored. He had demonstrated the workings of his media
room to the alien so that he might have entertainment. Unsure if it had
kept his attention, Alden started looking there.
What he saw couldn't help but elicit a chuckle, Ka-sador was sprawled out
spread-eagle (even moreso since he had wings) on the leather sofa staring
at the television set. As Alden walked in, Ka-sador turned to ask a
serious question, [WHY RICKEE KEEP LOOCY? LOOCY MAYKES ME HED HURT.]
"That's one a lot of us have wondered for many years." Alden said, shaking
his head.
[ME LYKE WUNDER WOMUN THO, MAYBE SHE HELP US TONYGHT!], and Ka-sador went
through a rapid fire barrage of channel changing.
"Oh if only she could." Alden paused for a moment, remembering perhaps too
vividly his childhood thoughts on Wonder Woman. Of course back then,
superheroes had just been flights of fancy to a sickly boy. Now, he
reminded himself, he was one.
"I've got the Wanderer on the comm channel right now. He wants to meet and
plan tactics before we walk into what might be a trap. Are you up for it?"
Ka-sador rolled to his knees and spread his wings out, [YESSS, WARRIORS
MUST PLAN FORE BATTEL!] he said with a spark of enthusiasm.
Alden leaned over to the large remote and muted the speakers. Nodding to
Ka-Sador, he slid the head set back on. His voice dropped in tone and he
was once again Defender.
"Computer... restore volume. Wanderer. Sorry for the lack of hold music.
I've talked with Ka-Sador and we are both up for a little pre-trap planning
session. Do you have a place in mind?"
"Naturally, shall we say the rooftop of Warehouse 36B?" he chimed in.
Warehouse 36B, he knew, was leased to IO Mining and rarely did much more
than store mining equipment. "In a couple of hours? that should give us an
hour to get our party favours in line."
"That sounds fabulous. We'll see you there."
Defender deactivated his comm set and looked at Ka-Sador. "We are to meet
him in a couple of hours at a warehouse down by the waterfront. I've got to
finish downloading the maps of the area onto the computer and then I'll be
ready. How about you?"
Ka-sador stood tall, slightly stooped due to the low ceiling, and bowed
then gracefully executed a kata before giving a salute of sorts. [REDDY
FORE WAR] was all said behind a grin.
Alden nodded. "I suggest we get ready. I'm gonna finish getting the maps
loaded."
* * * *
Outside the building where the heroes were to meet, a drunk wandered
toward one of the parked cars near the building.
The Wanderer, in disguise, spied the suspicious automobiles and decided to
get a closer look. Breaking into a drunken shuffle he stumbled over and
flopped onto the hood.
"'Scuse me, have you sheen my little puppy....she's a cutie, wid widdle
eyes, an' floppy ears..." he slurred.
"Take a hike, buddy. You don't want to be here," said the driver.
"If you know that....then you know where my puppy is!" he said lifting
himself off the hood. The drunk staggered over to the driver and put his
hands on the door, "You better come outta there and tell me where my dog
is," getting louder with each word.
"Fine, your puppy's in the trunk," the man went back and opened the trunk.
"See," he said pointing deep within.
"Thank you!," said the drunk feeling satisfied. "I didn't want to have to
hurt you," he said with pride. The drunk staggered to the back and placed
a hand on the raised trunk to steady himself and peered in.
He felt a shove.
The drunk resisted with surprising strength, and straightened up to look
the man in the eye. "That wasn't nice," he said. A quick jab to the man's
solar plexus followed this revelation.
The man dropped like a poleaxed steer.
With one hand the unconscious man was lifted up off the asphault and dumped
into the open trunk. The drunk slammed the trunk closed and staggered over to
the next car.
One after another the lookouts fell before the surprisingly quick
and strong "drunk." The Wanderer left them in careful poses
and completed his circuit.
The Wanderer snapped a salute over the last man and punctuated the posing
with a "that's for my puppy," before he shuffled off to the office building
and rapped on the front door, shouting "Wheresh my puppy!?"
There was no reply.
The building was still under construction, so the "door" was more of a
piece of plywood across the entrance. He could see that there used
to be a piece on the outside, but now the piece was across the inside.
Without causing too much of a scene, the Wanderer gently forced the door
open and staggered inside.
* * *
At the appointed time, the three heroes arrived at their rendezvous
point. Ka-Sador descended from the sky, Defender leapt in, and the
Wanderer simply appeared.
"Gentlemen," greeted the Wanderer. "Are we ready?"
Ka-sador hovered for a bit before setting down on the rooftop. He sniffed
the sky and declared [SMELL OF ENEMIE'S BLUD WILL CARRY WELL IN WINDT.]
At this the Wanderer, murmured an "O...K...," and turned to Defender. "I
dropped by our playground and met with a most undesirable crowd of hired
muscle. They don't like dogs." Before Defender could ask, the Wanderer
cut him off, "Don't ask." He went on to describe the office building he
explored noting that nothing out of the ordinary struck him and that all
appeared normal.
"Normal? Wonder if they had planned on softening us up." Defender shook
his head. "I now have to concur on your theory of a hand controlling these
puppets. I really suspect we are walking into a trap. You've seen the place
and I've got a couple of maps. Let's see what advantages we might be able
to gain."
With that, Defender opened the protective cover on the wrist comp. An image
of the building and the surronding area appeared on the screen.
"If we can somehow get the drop on them... " Defender started.
Being under construction, there were a wide variety of potential
entrances and exits to the mostly completed ground floor. The main one,
which the Wanderer had used was merely the most convenient. The
internal walls had not been built yet, so the meeting place was essentially
a large open area with support pillars throughout.
The heroes each shared their ideas and after an agreement was made Ka-sador
stepped behind The Wanderer and lifted him airbourne. Defender chose his
preferred mode of transportation and the trio streaked off into the night
to the sound of the Wanderer exclaiming "Wheeeeee."
About a block from the meeting place Ka-sador landed and shortly thereafter
Defender arrived. The winged alien lifted off again, as the Wanderer and
Defender slowly made their way to the building. Ka-sador landed across the
street and began a circuitous route from shadow to shadow, using his
heightened senses to detect anyone or anything which could cause him harm.
The heroes approached and all seemed as it should be. They gathered together
again at the door and prepared to enter.
Ka-sador paused, sniffing the air, and gestured to Defender and Wanderer
six, maybe seven people inside. The Wanderer inquired if any were they men
they met in the warehouse with a shrug and some hand signals, Ka-sador
wasn't sure.
Defender took a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. Mara would never
speak to him again if he got himself killed. Shaking his head at the
obvious thought, he laced his fingers together and stretched out his
shoulders. His neck followed. With that, he nodded. He was ready to back up
his new partner. He was also glad the Wanderer was there. Maybe this would
go smoothly after all.
Ka-sador close his eyes and his lips moved as if in silent prayer and
pushed through the apparent doorway into the building.
Defender's bloodstream pushed ice and pre-fight jitters danced in his
stomach. Waiting for the signal was going to be harder for him than just
diving in head first. He looked at the Wanderer and was amazed at how calm
he looked. "I wonder if that's one of his abilities," Defender thought as
he turned his gaze back toward the door.
"Come in gentlemen," said a rich voice from within.
Inside the shell of a building were seven men, six standing and one seated
in a director's chair. The standing men were all well muscled and
conservatively dressed, as was the seated man. That man also had a rich
purple cloak wrapped around his shoulders. "So good of you to join us.
Will you sit?" He indicated a row of director's chairs with a wave.
With a rush, memory flooded back to the Wanderer ...
When he had opened the door on his previous visit, what had happened?
Flashback:
Without causing too much of a scene, the Wanderer gently forced the door
open and staggered inside.
Inside were seven men, six standing and one seated in a director's chair.
The standing men were all well muscled and conservatively dressed, as
was the seated man. That man also had a rich purple cloak wrapped around
his shoulder. "There's more to you than meets the eye, my friend,"
he said in rich tones indicating the vast weight the Wanderer had
shifted aside in order to enter. "Tell me about it," he gestured
negligently with one hand and his eyes burned like fire into the
Wanderers.
The Wanderer explained who he was and why he had come in advane to scout
out the situation. The man listened and nodded, "Very prudent, I admire
that. But still, we can't have you wandering about in the cold. Go set
over there for a while and rest." The Wanderer did so.
After an hour or so, the man came over to where the Wanderer was seated,
"It's about time for your meeting, so you'd best head along to it." His eyes
burned into The Wanderer's. "I think it's best you forget about this meeting
for a while, as well. You didn't find anything here of interest."
The Wanderer nodded, and left. A few steps outside the door, he shook his head,
then raced off to the meeting.
The Wanderer shook his head with a bit of deja vu and broke the tension,
"We meet again, forgive me for not recognizing you I'm sure you
understand." He walked toward the chairs and turned to Defender and
Ka-sador, "friends, this is....I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name when you
so rudely compelled me to spill the beans at our first meeting."
"Oh smeg," Defender muttered under his breath. Something about the set up
made his skin crawl. Looking toward Ka-sador, he saw a similar look of
confusion and apprehension. That was, assuming the alien's reactions were
somewhat human-like. Reluctantly, he nodded toward his partner and advanced
toward the chairs.
The man leaned forward in his chair after the heroes had made themselves
comfortable. "I am in a position to do you a favor," he said.
"Do tell." Defender sized up the thugs. He had faced worse, he consoled
himself.
The Wanderer shifted in his chair, crossed his legs and leaned forward and
said "If its about those parking tickets, they're already taken care of,"
as a means to defuse the tense situation.
The man in the cape took it at face value, "No, it's about four men --
Moleculon, SpeeDemon, MindSlasher and PowerFist."
[YESSSS??] trailed off Ka-sador. [THAY YOUR WARRYERS?] the alien asked.
"No, rather the opposite if anything," was the answer. "They
are four extremely dangerous men, and their actions could cause
a great deal of damage to the city and its inhabitants."
The Wanderer concurred, "that I'll second." He stood, "However, I didn't
see you at the Port Alexander Civic Pride Day conference so I assume your
motivations for this altruism are a bit self-serving?"
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," the man said smoothly, "I'm
a concerned citizen, that's all."
"A concerned citizen?" Defender said. "Law abiding as well, no doubt."
"Of course," was the reply.
"I'll be sure to nominate you when the new park gets named," replied the
Wanderer. "I smell a proposal of sorts, regarding our four wayward
youths?"
"Not so much a proposal as a gift." He leaned back.
"SpeeDemon is a Russian scientist named Ivan Borskovy, he tried
to defect and the attempt was botched on this end. With little
option, he has become a criminal. He is a brilliant man, his belt
contains both a flight unit and a powerful force field which
can resist all damage until it is overloaded. Once overloaded
it takes time to recharge. A long time, if my sources are correct."
"Moleculon is a man called Clive Davison. He specialized in
manufacturing equipment for illicit purposes. Rumour has it
that one of his pieces of equipment went bad and exploded -- and
Moleculon was the result.
"Mindslasher is named Stephen Dresden, or rather was. He seems to
live exclusively in his Mindslasher persona now.
"Power Fist I know little about."
"I do know one other piece of information -- the location of their
headquarters."
"That could be useful information. But knowing it hasn't done you any
good," stated the Wanderer in an accusatory tone. "A man of your means
could certainly see to their demise, why us?"
"Demise? I would never dream of such a thing!" the man said with
a gentle smile. "Besides, I am a simple businessman, how could I hope
to deal with four men of such manifest power?"
"And your business is?" the Wanderer asked.
"This and that," said the man.
Ka-sador began to fidget, he can for battle and instead was among talkative
diplomats. [HOO ARE YOO?] he bellowed.
"That's immaterial," said the man. "There are four known miscreants
out there. I can tell you where they are headquartered, and let you
know when they are all in the location. What else do you need,
heroes? The villians are there, go and apprehend them."
Humbly, the Wanderer sat back down and offered with a smile, "You are
surely aware of the result the last time we three met those miscreants.
What makes you think knowing their names will make the ending any
different?"
The Wanderer brought his hand to his temple and stared out into space like
a carnival mystic, "You tell me." He then broke out into a smile.
The man waved at one of his associates, who brought him a paper which
he glanced at and then handed back with a nod. The man continued
over and offered it to the Wanderer.
The paper was a sketch of the floor of an office building with
the address attached.
x = door
[ = window
======[[[[[=================================[[[[[
s | | [
t | | [
r | | [
s | \ |
x x |
----| \--------------x----- |
el x | |
ev x d x |
----| e x |
| s -------------x----- |
| k / |
x / |
| x |
| / |
| | |
| | |
x | [
| | [
| | [
======[[[[[=================================[[[[[
Defender had sat by silently. The Wanderer obviously was working on
information neither Ka-sador or he had. He noted to himself one more reason
to rig a camera to his wrist comp and a few questions for the Wanderer. One
thing was still nagging him, though.
"So, we go in and remove this thorn in the side of Port Alexander. What do
you gain? No good businessman makes a deal without looking at the profit
margin."
"It is enough that the town will be cleaner and business will run more
smoothly," said the man piously.
Defender nodded, understanding dawning. "Fair enough." Turning to his
compatriots. "Well, I'm set."
Simeultaneously, The Wanderer clapped in a mocking manner. "Bravo," he said, "spoken like a
giant in the business community. So tell me, how much are you willing to
donate toward this hostile takeover?"
"I've given you the information, what else could I do?" he leaned back
and nodded to his men.
The Wanderer kept a watchful eye on the men as he made a suggestion, "I'm
sure we could be properly motivated by a generous monetary offer. Tax
deductible, of course. A man of your stature can never be too careful when
dealing with the tax man."
Suddenly the game had turned and Defender did not know what the Wanderer
was fishing for. Trusting his instincts about the man, he watched with much
curiousity.
The man shook his head, "I'm dissappointed in you. Still, it that's
what motivates you, I'm sure there will be more than enough lucre
at their headquarters to satisfy you. Now, if there is nothing else?"
Disappointed at the missed opportunity to get a fingerprint, the Wanderer
conceded. "I think we have enough to go on. When did you say they would
be in residence?"
"I cannot be sure," said the man rising, "If you have a way I contact
you, I can pass the information, otherwise you will have to either
'stake the place out' yourselves, or take a chance.
The Wanderer looked to Defender. Ka-sador sighed heavily, as he sized up
this man's associates. He took a chance to soak in each of their scents,
especially this strange man who spoke with such authority.
"I'm up for a stake out, myself." Defender said. He had no doubts that this
"businessman" would not hesitate to sell information to both sides. "I'll
call in sick at the Dunk N Dine and we can watch the place until our boys
come home."
"That settles it then," concluded the Wanderer. "You'll be in touch, I
presume?"
The man and his associates walked to the door, "Good day."
Issue 14: Bungle in the Concrete Jungle, Part 3
Last Updated 29 March 2001
