I took a deep breath and made sure I had heard the question correctly. It was the first one of the interview, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself by misunderstanding from the outset. No… I was certain he asked why they shouldn’t kill me right now.
[If you have a moral or just reason to kill me, then that is your prerogative. I would say the question is rather… could you kill me?]
“Oh?” The Director brought his steepled fingers up to his mouth. “Do you have an escape plan already?”
[Something to that effect.]
“Please, Gunquake. Humor me.”
I could almost feel Roxy’s eyes cutting into my skull to extract the part of me keen to shovel dirt atop my interview chances. Took a lot more to bury me, however. And they knew that.
[Unless any of you have the ability to act within a split second, I would strike under the table with a loaded concussive shot. I would then fire a foam encasement shot over your hands, Director, followed by a Smoke shot. While your vision is obscured, I would either attempt to break open the door with a High Explosive round, as I am sure Miguel would not let me escape - or perhaps try to set a fire alarm off with an Incendiary shot.]
He nodded slowly, his face otherwise impassive. “You would not take one of us hostage to bribe your way out?”
[No. I would not bring an innocent into harm’s way.]
“How about Rockslide? Would you rely on her or coerce her to assist your escape? I’m sure she could open up the door or walls with her strength.”
[No. This would be my issue and I wouldn’t jeopardize her career.]
The Director lowered his hands to place them flat on the desk, and his eyes went over to the super. “Rockslide. If I asked you to kill Gunquake right now, would you?”
She shuffled awkwardly for a second before shaking her head. “No, Sir.”
“And why is that?”
“Superheroes don’t kill, Sir.”
“So, would you subdue and arrest him instead?”
She winced and shook her head. “Not without good reason.”
The Director palmed at a piece of paper. “Are you aware our applicant has committed numerous crimes? Under what guise did you think bringing him here for an interview was a good idea?”
“Korc’s Gambit, Sir. The law that decrees that a vigilante’s crimes may be forgiven if they can be rehabilitated and ushered into a more legal occupation, if the city determines the individual to be of high worth to society.”
“'May' is the operative word there, Rockslide.” His eyes turned to the papers in front of him, and the room became silent once more as he slowly flipped through a couple of pages. Needed time to process that, maybe.
Now I was only slightly concerned I might have to fight my way out of here… although I was both impressed and curious that Roxy had brought up the law. Maybe something she had kept in her back pocket - a hope held out for me and a reason why she had accepted me pushing for this.
“Just out of curiosity, Gunquake.” The Director’s eyes looked over his glasses at me. “What made you believe it necessary to disable my hands in your proposed escape?”
[If I may, Director. You seem to be very conscientious about your appearance. The amount of movements you make with your hands could just be your way of communicating, or subconscious practiced movements your abilities use. I was at first confused, as your nails seemed to be imperfect. I now believe that there are either runic symbols or discreet writing just at the tips of your nails, which is something tied to your power.]
Director Kingston raised an eyebrow and flexed his fingers, holding them out so he could look at them himself. “And of the other two here?”
[My assumptions were that Madame Gray’s powers were reliant on her sight, hence the Smoke. Mr Crawford I was uncertain, but took a guess at him being absorption or defense focused. I planned to just outrun him.]
“Bastard,” the muscled man grumbled, rolling his eyes.
The Director smiled, an odd look for him and something that faded away almost as soon as it graced his face. “Impressive. Rockslide wasn’t exaggerating when she said you were resourceful and perceptive.”
[How likely was I to succeed?]
He tilted his head to the side. “I’ll humor you, as you at least deserve that. Were this any normal tower block, you may have at least managed to escape this room unharmed and unaccosted. However, we have several superheros whose sole job is to protect this building. You would have been subdued and placed in a holding cell even before your first shot hit the floor.”
I nodded slowly. Although I didn’t believe him fully, I also wasn’t about to call his bluff. There was a chance that I was slightly ahead in their books, so I didn’t want to spill any ink in my eagerness to impress. Or escape.
“You were previously on the provisional sidekick track. While not uncommon, why is it that you have decided to apply to be a fully fledged superhero?”
[There’s an inherent drive for me to be the best possible version of myself. I believe I have the skills and initiative to really make a change in the city… and market a role that is sorely lacking for the League at present.]
Now it was Roxy’s turn to give me a side-eye in slight confusion. The Director, however, glanced over at the woman beside him.
“Very true,” she said, her voice aptly trill and almost melodic. “I daresay we haven’t had a good vigilante hero since Hard Edge retired three years ago.”
The Director nodded and gestured a hand out to me. “Most heros under our employ fall under the expected law-abiding and virtuous image. At least in their public-facing capacity. A true anti-hero such a troubled vigilante is hard to cultivate, as few can walk the line of being as close to the dark side as palatable, while remaining genuine.”
“Spent three months trainin’ up Jacknife,” Crawford grumbled. “First thing the bleeder did was break his knuckles punchin’ up some villain’s golems.”
“And the second—and final—thing he did,” the Director added, “was allow the golems to break the rest of him. Vigilantes are often tech based supers, either financially backed or with some minor element of what we call ‘advanced powers’.”
That would be the middle that Clara had described. While it hadn’t been long since they had given me the option of potential death, they had now switched to dangling a solidified position in front of me. Perhaps this was a tactic to keep me off-kilter. Wasn’t really working.
“Are you aware that we require a blood test for us to consider you any further, Gunquake?” He moved his hands back to the paperwork, as if threatening to shuffle it away if I didn’t consent.
[I am, yes.]
“I will send for the nurse, then.” The Director glanced at Gray once more. “If you could please stand, Gunquake, so that Madame can have a better look at you.”
[As you wish.]
Shuffling the chair back across the carpet, I rose from the table and moved a few steps to the side so there was plenty of room around me. The woman stood and swirled around the oval table over to have a closer inspection.
“Arms up, please.”
I did so, as she walked around me slowly, soaking everything in. Once she returned to my front, she gave me a nod.
“You may lower them. Did you arrange this outfit yourself, Gunquake?”
[That is correct.]
With a nod, she took a step back and put her hand up to her chin in thought. Eyes went between wide and narrowed, as I imagined she was trying to picture me in different lighting conditions or scenery. “Not to humiliate you, darling, but could you give me a pose? Say, you’re trying to fire on me but you’re also in mid magazine change?”
My right eye twitched, but I pulled it off flawlessly. Gun-arm aimed just away from her over her shoulder, as I didn’t trust fate. Right foot slightly forward while left was at an angle, my left hand pushing back my coat to grab at one of my ten-mags.
She smacked her lips before turning to the Director with a smile. “I was unsure about the green at first, but if we are aiming for the brooding anti-hero look, there’s the right amount of sinister industrial vibe, yet you could imagine that he does fight for the side of good. A necessary evil. Like a…” she waved her hand, “specialized ex-military solider, with a dark past. Now doing the dirty jobs the other supers can’t, to get revenge for… murdered comrades in arms? No... family? Something to workshop.”
“That’s quite the pitch.” The Director gave her a polite smile that I read far too much into.
Didn’t sound much like anyone other than the Director knew who I was or about my actual past. Otherwise Madame Gray’s ideas were more than just cliche, as they hit the nail on the… oh, was I just a cliche?
“You may sit, Gunquake.” Hands gestured for me to do just that - and I did, just the same as the brightly dressed woman returned to her place.
Good news is that it sounded like she was reasonably pleased with my outfit choice, which would save a lot of arguments for later. Roxy looked to be on edge, not half because of the eyes that Crawford had on her. Wasn’t worth my blowing the interview by blowing the pesky orbs from his skull. Not just yet.
“So, to circle back then,” he continued once more, turning a page. “You feel you have the necessary marketability to pass as a superhero, and the strength to assist enforcing the law around the city. What is your past experience, say… in the last five years?”
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
I maintained eye contact with him. Perhaps the best poker face I’d ever come across, and I knew Clara. I wasn’t keen on being tested like this, not when they held information I wanted. Still, I would play their games, if only for the fact that the end prize was worth the effort.
[I am under a Non-Disclosure Agreement for that period of time.]
“Understandable.” He nodded slowly. “Here at the League of Heroes, we always ensure that our potential recruits have no lingering debts or ways in which outside forces could manipulate them.”
[All I am able to say is that I have completely cut contact with my previous employer, hence one of the reasons I seek a new role that can make use of my skills.]
“Skills.” The Director turned over another page, and a finger ran down the blocks of printed text. “Your reported achievements to date include a single sidekick mission, which you completed adequately, and you also assisted Captain Snaps in taking down part of the Striped Leopard crime syndicate. Not a terrible start, but you’ll need to prove to us you can be an asset and not a liability.”
[Of course.]
The lock clacked on the door and I looked back as a woman entered the room with a small wheeled table. White medical outfit, blonde hair tied up in a bun, and an awkward look to her that signaled she was a junior here. Door closing behind her, she gave the trio opposite me a brief curtsey to announce her arrival.
“Hannah, please take blood from Gunquake and run the usual tests, please.”
“Yes, Sir.”
She wheeled the little cart up to my right side, before realizing that I only had a gun-arm there.
[I can turn around if that’s easier?]
“No, no.” She shook her head, a little flustered at having all eyes in the room on her. As she wheeled back around between myself and Roxy, I noticed that there was one particular pair of eyes extra focused on the nervous woman.
I turned my gaze down to the reflective tray to keep my mood cool. Seemed like a simple needle to draw blood, and then a little case to contain the sample so it could be tested. As she gestured for me to present my arm, I held it out for Roxy to help with the sleeve.
Only slightly more awkward because my attention was on the needle. Mostly checking to make sure it didn’t already have something small in it that they’d try to inject me with, rather than just take my blood. As far as I could tell, it was fine.
Sleeve off and shirt pulled up, Hannah did what she needed. Placed the syringe in the case and gave the Director a nod. “I will return with the results once complete.”
[Thanks, Hannah.]
I saw her pause and give me an awkward nod in my peripheral, but my eyes were firmly planted on Crawford. Perhaps the Director noticed, as he drummed his fingers on the desk as the young woman left the room.
“In all honesty, Gunquake, if you came to us as a more normal tech hero, we probably would have turned you away. Unique talent doesn’t come along that often, and the people of Goldarch are starting to get itchy about the increase in criminal and villain violence - especially in your sector.” He held his hands together. “Why, it wasn’t that long ago a group of five villains were wiped out in gang violence.”
[I suppose that makes your job a little easier.]
He raised an eyebrow slightly. “We much prefer arrest to murder, I’m afraid. We can’t abide by lawlessness.”
[So as a vigilante hero, it would mostly be an aesthetic choice?]
“If we wanted an assassin, we certainly wouldn’t choose someone with your… skill-set. A hero upholds the law, whether they shine in the daylight, or slither through the shadows at night.”
I was reasonably sure he knew I killed the Five Eyes. So he would know that part of my skill-set did actually include the assassination of supers… especially with my past.
But this was a clean break.
After five years, I wouldn’t have to be a killer anymore. Hitman life behind me. Sure, there would still be some violence, but there would also be autographs, talk show appearances, actions figures… and… oh, fuck.
[I assume there will be a practical part to my application?]
“In time, yes. We are waiting for the results of your test first, but once you pass this preliminary interview, you will then go through a fast-tracked induction process to see if you can handle what is required.” His hands unclasped and gestured toward me. “Assuming you do, you will graduate and become an official superhero. I’m under the impression that you would like to join Rockslide’s super group?”
[As I have met the group before, I have been looking to increase my rapport with them in preparation.]
“Certainly.” He nodded toward the super beside me. “Both Rockslide and Captain Snaps have glowing praise for you. Once you have passed the requirements and have satisfied your assigned manager, we will sit down once more to make that official.”
Lots of processes to these things. I felt my mind tiring already - I had brought another canister, but left it in Clara’s van. Still, it was starting to look like I might get out of here alive.
“I’ll be in charge of half of your induction,” Crawford grunted out. “Make sure you’re not just a thug with a gun. Seein’ as you didn’t eat dirt against the monster, I have some hope you’ll not be worm food.”
[I look forward to shattering any expectations you have for me.]
Hopefully his eye-sockets, as well.
Madame Gray leaned back in her chair and tilted her head. “I will not make any alterations to your outfit until Mr Crawford has seen how battle effective it is. I may be able to improve certain facets in terms of fabric strength and durability, but your unique look is like a fresh glass of water.”
“Rockslide,” the Director said sharply, causing the super to twitch. “You’ve been quiet throughout this meeting, but I’m keen to hear your thoughts on Gunquake as you have firsthand experience with his aptitude.”
Her tongue briefly caught on some silence, before a nod shook it away. “Throughout our provisional sidekick mission, Gunquake showed competent tactical knowledge, and his ability to diversify the engaged threats was a benefit to the successful completion. I have only known him a brief time, but his ambition is only beaten by the pace at which he is growing into the role of a superhero.”
“So you would have no issue fighting alongside him, or delivering a joint speech to a group of disadvantaged youths?”
She wasn’t able to stop her nose from wrinkling up in reflex. “Gunquake is well spoken, but is often blunt due to his nature. That said, he is an improvement over what I’m capable of, so to answer your question - one-hundred percent.”
A wry smile briefly lit the edge of the Director’s mouth. “As good a commendation as any. If we accept you as a vigilante hero, Gunquake, it is unlikely you’d have many speaking arrangements that didn’t suit your aesthetic. We will utilize your strengths, rather than push you into a generic box of unfair expectations.”
My strengths seemed to mostly revolve around killing supers and almost dying in the process. The lack of recent violence had been a welcome change, but part of me wanted to get my hand dirty again. Being a superhero would never truly erase that desire, no matter how much they tried to tone me down.
“For the sake of the argument, I would assign you the same manager as Rockslide. While we do not usually pair up recruits with experienced supers, it can be helpful for tech heroes to have someone with a power to have their back. Given that you work well together and live in close proximity, I feel that it could be beneficial for both your careers.”
[Am I correct in saying that the League can provide certain finances towards my equipment?]
“Yes.” The Director steepled his fingers again. “The amount depends on many factors, not least your Ranking which is determined once we have completed your induction.”
[Are we still talking hypothetically here, or is there an offer on the table?]
He smiled as the door clicked open behind me. “Well, we’re about to find out just that, Gunquake.”
Silence aside from the soft footsteps of Hannah as she walked across the room, at first about to go around the left of the table, but changing her mind and going past me and Madame Gray. In her hand, a folder that had my test results.
“Here you go, Director.” She gave him a brief curtsey as she handed it over. After he returned a nod of thanks, she turned and left back the way she came, avoiding eye contact with the rest of us.
The man opened up the folder and ran his eyes down the page. Again, an expert poker face. Completely neutral as his eyes returned to the top and ran down whatever was inside once more.
Just before intrusive thoughts had me leaping across the table to grab at it, he closed the folder and placed it flat on the table. Hands clasped together atop it.
“Gunquake, I would hereby like to offer you a provisional role as a vigilante tech hero, subject to the terms outlined in the contract which Miguel will provide you once you exit.”
[Do I not get to see the scores from the test?]
He shook his head. “Wouldn’t do well to have our heroes comparing scores like some manner of trading card game. Unless they are playing our actual licensed trading card game, of course. I can tell you that you do not have a superpower, but you are advanced. Just so you know which field you're playing in.”
I nodded slowly. Not really new information, but we were dancing around the fact that we each pretended to not know things about what was really going on here. Still too early to turn screws and find out just how deep the rabbit hole went. Would have been nice to know what parts of me were allegedly advanced, but I supposed knowing didn’t really change anything.
However, the mental note was made to steal that information as soon as possible.
“Do either of you have any questions about anything? While the administrative and induction work goes on, you can also contact Rockslide’s manager for any queries or issues.”
I exchanged a glance with the super, who looked like she was really struggling to hold it together. Not sure exactly what emotions had filled her, but she looked ready to leave.
[Hmm. Nothing comes to mind at present. Perhaps after the paperwork and next steps are more concrete, I will have a thing or two to ask.]
“Naturally.” The Director stood up from the desk. “It has been a pleasure to finally meet you, Gunquake. You are quite the interesting individual. I’m sure in time our partnership will be a great boon to Goldarch and those who live within her.”
[I have no doubt in my mind everything will go just as we hope it will.]
Nope, fumbled that. I had gone a pretty decent amount of time without vaguely threatening the group - if you ignore the whole start of the conversation when I had told them about my escape plans. Thankfully, it was a vague enough statement to sound genuine enough, even if a little odd.
Roxy and I stood from our chairs, as did the other two. We performed a variety of bows and curtseys as the table was too wide to shake hands and they didn’t seem keen to walk around to us.
And thus, we had vaguely survived the interview.
Door clunked open as we approached it. Out and into the hallway, making a beeline for the elevator. Opened as we approached. Silence between us as it took us down. I sent a message to Clara to pick us up.
To avoid the elephant in the room, Roxy stood and had a conversation with Miguel about his tomatoes. I busied myself by looking around the etched design of the large empty room - not noticing it before because it was so subtle. It was like a skyline of the rest of the city, as if taken from this exact position.
The interview had felt… chaotic to some degree. Although, my knowledge of such things was slim at best. Structured in a way that I couldn’t sit nice and settled. Hopping about, switching between threatening me with death or arrest… or an actual change in career. Part of me thought they had an answer before I had already shown up.
After all, they knew some part of who or what I was.
They had been getting updates on me through Roxy, so perhaps this was what they had been leading up to from the start. Knowing I could handle myself through the sidekick trials paved the way for what their true goal may be.
But was that truly what was at stake? Even despite being way out of my comfort zone here, I still felt that there was something just out of my mind’s grasp that I wasn’t getting yet.
Devoid of the pleasures of food, I had become numb to what a dangling carrot even looked like. The trail of breadcrumbs just looked like dust to a person too caught up in the vibrancy of new relationships and actual living. I needed to sit down and turn out my pockets to see what interesting and useful information I’d picked up as of late, perhaps when I wasn’t so mentally exhausted.
I was getting close to finding out more about myself. I could feel it.
Eyes went up to my notifications, and I turned the front desk.
[Clara’s here.]
I raised my hand to wave at the energetic man as the super finished up her conversation.
“You kids take care of each other, okay?”
My escape to a world I was more comfortable with now imminent, my mind rushed me to the conclusion, barely picking up any details along the way.
We smiled and nodded. Dipped out through the revolving doors. Fresh air. Sunlight. A crowd of tourists standing and gawking at the building. Parked up just ahead was the van.
I stood in front of Roxy and lifted my trench-coat as if I were a cyber-vampire and it was my cape. Smoke shot struck the sidewalk and immediately obscured us.
Van doors shut, and the techie was away before the breeze had a chance to lift the gray cloud. Might get in trouble for that, but it was preferable to the other options loaded in my weapon.
Roxy turned to me as the League building sunk out of sight. “Dubs! Dubs. I can’t think of what to say. I’m overloading.”
“What happened?” Clara asked, shaking her head in exasperation at the lack of information.
“Dubs threatened to shoot the Director! And then they kissed his ass - then I did too!”
The techie pulled a face that I could see in the rear-view mirror. “Clearly I missed out on something fun, Gunquake.”
“You should have seen him! Did you coach him on things to say?”
Clara shook her head. “No, why? Was he flirting with them?”
“No! Well, in like a corporate way, maybe?” Roxy turned her head back to me. “Are you okay, Dubs? What did you think?”
A thousand thoughts going a mile-a-minute sunk away as I looked up at her, my left hand balled up as fresh destiny swirled around me.
[I think I am going to become a superhero.]