March 1st, 1994, Philadelphia
The sound of destruction was evident as I looked at the empty stadium of the former eagles. I had bought the facility after finding out it had been abandoned after the team died in a cape incident over a failed gamble.
The main field had several places for power assessment, a dozen capes going through the motions on the equipment. My assessors looked over them, taking notes and giving suggestions. My recruitment effort had brought in mostly independent heroes or rogues with the exception of the former PRT member Firefox having joined up.
When I walked into the arena I saw the form of my assistant Craig come up to me. Craig was a former colleague of mine being a retired police officer that lost his job after his department was disbanded and given to the PRT.
“Maestro, the recruits have almost finished assessment’s” He said, handing me a sheet with their power ratings and experience. “They’re just waiting to hear what the plan is from you.”
“Sounds good, thank you Craig go take 10 while I get them ready and come grab me for the meeting with the mayor afterwards please.” I had a plan to pretty much make the city a cape neutral zone and needed his approval since I wasn't going to the PRT.
I walked over to the middle of the field, the recruits making their way slowly over to me. I had a plan to make a security team for the association with these first recruits to start out. I planned to get them to clear out the villains in Philly and make the city our safe zone. I saw Firefox lead the recruits, the veteran hero taking the lead like I'd hoped he would.
“MAESTRO!” Firefox yelled at me giving an Arnold handshake as he walked up. “ Been what 5 years since phoenix?”. I’d worked with the man before when he just started out heroing before the PRT. A few villains had decided to kidnap the mayor's kid and we both happened to be working the case when we met.
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“Just about Foxy.” A smile entered my face after I saw the look of horror appear on him.
“You swore not to use that in public you dick!” He said laughing as he did
“Yeah yeah, introduce me to the rest of the recruits would you?” I said trying to relax the tense independents. He went through the list most just giving small hello or nods when he said their names. A few stood out to me though, the Philadelphia native independent Porter had a supposedly limitless pocket space that he could access, Magic Margo a tinker who made “Enchanted items” and a barely adult girl going by Onomatopoeia who’s attacks get stronger if she voices sounds. I gave them each a look before starting my primer, soft instrumental music playing behind me.
“Well it’s wonderful that you are all here today. As you all know my name is Maestro in costume or Ben Hollins out of costume. You are all the first batch of heroes to be associated with my organization. We will give your support, advice and protection in all your endeavors whether they be purely heroic and altruistic or just rogue work. We will connect you with employers and make sure you are able to do whatever you want with your life.” I said music picking up into a crescendo as I finished my small speech. “Question?”
I saw Magic Margo raise her hand and gave her a nod.
“Can we use you guys to sell tinker tech?” She asked the large tophat on her head moving like a mouth.
“Yes we can either contact buyers outside the organization and broker meetings for you or directly sell to other capes within the group.” Onomatopoeia’s hand then rose.
“Do we have to be unmasked to work for you?” I was hoping someone would ask this.
“I do not require you to unmask whatsoever, if you would like to to me that is your own choice. If anyone chooses to out themselves to the public we will provide support and protection for whoever you need. You are the new evolution of capes and we will make sure people know not to fuck with you.” I said earning a few chuckles from the group.
I waited a few more moments before eventually Firefox raised his hand.
“Yes foxy?” I asked, waiting for a somewhat stupid question.
“Just gotta ask, what’re we calling ourselves Bossman?” He said a grin appeared on his face while a matching one came on mine.
“Ah sorry, I thought I said that already. We are called Vanguard.”