The introduction music swelled as the camera slowly focused in on Patricia Eisenhart, Celebrity and Fashion Correspondent for the New York City Central Broadcasting Incorporated affiliate. Patricia was a most attractive woman with fiery red hair and sparkling green eyes. As usual, she was impeccably dressed in a coordinating skirt and jacket. Patricia was seated behind a desk which was part of a small set.
Patricia began to speak as the introduction music slowly started to fade. "Good evening and welcome to this special report. Just a few short weeks ago, the Wild Cards burst onto the superhero scene in their own indomitable style. It was a robbery attempt at the charity ball held by socialite Karrie Madigan that introduced these newest heroes to all of us."
"In a just a short time they have already become household names. First we have that dashing and heroic swashbuckler, the Sword of Justice..."
The image on the monitor changed from Patricia sitting in the studio to the Wild Cards in action. First shown was a man dressed in a dark blue costume with a crimson cowl and cloak. He wielded a sword in one hand and had a white stylized balancing scale emblazoned upon his chest.
"...The devilishly handsome and superstrong Major America..."
A tall, very well built blonde haired man appeared on the screen dressed in a white costume with red, white, and blue trim. He was surrounded by reporters and was busy answering questions. As Patricia alluded to, Major America was very handsome and didn't bother to wear a mask to conceal his identity.
"...The alluring and mysterious Silver Spectre..."
The image changed once more to a brunette woman wearing a skimpy skintight, low cut silver costume posing before the camera. She was very beautiful and her choice of costume showed off all of her delightful curves.
"...The regal and majestic Psi-Queen..."
A woman in an elaborate gown of royal purple with golden embroidery and ermine fur trim on the sleeves, neckline, and hem appeared next. She wore a combination of a crown and faceplate that completely concealed her features. Only her long red hair that tumbled down around her face in curls could be seen. Psi-Queen carried a golden scepter with her.
"...And last, but not least, the superfast Jet!"
The final image was that of a woman in a skintight black and gray bodysuit. The costume completely covered the young woman with the exception of an opening around her eyes. Tinted goggles finished off the outfit. While not unattractive, Jet simply didn't have the kind of curves that Silver Spectre had.
"But unlike the other hero groups to have graced our fair metropolis, the Wild Cards are different. Their services can be had for a price. Over the next hour we'll get to know the Wild Cards better as I chronicle...
After the obligatory commercials, Patricia Eisenhart was back to continue on with this CBI Special Presentation. "Welcome back to our special report on the Wild Cards. In this segment we are going to present exclusive footage of the Wild Cards in action. Now let us take you back to last Thursday evening for the gala opening of the Ming Dynasty exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art...
The scene shifted to the world famous art museum. It was after dark and several bright spotlights lit up the sky. A procession of limousines was lined up dropping off their famous passengers. Barricades on either side of the museum entrance held back fans and onlookers. It had the atmosphere of a gala Hollywood premiere.
The picture changed to a close-up of reporter Patricia Eisenhart. This time she was wearing a spectacular evening gown that perfectly accentuated her figure. Her hair was meticulously coifed as well.
"This is Patricia Eisenhart reporting live from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As you can see, the beautiful people are out in full force this evening. We've already spotted several celebrities from the stage and silver screen. The business world is well represented as well this evening. Sheryl Campbell owner and CEO of Campbell Industries International has been spotted along with Donald Henderson, founder of the electronics giant Henderson Electronics."
"In addition to the treasures of this exhibit, who everyone has come to see is one Ms. Henrietta Von Drotte. This is not the world famous Mrs. Von Drotte, but rather her granddaughter. As everyone knows, Henrietta Von Drotte is the driving force behind Duchess Industries, the largest conglomerate in the world. According to Forbes Magazine, Mrs. Von Drotte is the richest woman on the planet."
"The younger Henrietta Von Drotte is currently being groomed to be her grandmother's replacement as the head of Duchess Industries. For many of us in the States, this is our first chance to meet this illustrious young lady. She seems to be making quite a splash here in New York City with that grand Von Drotte flair. We will be back after these messages as Ms. Von Drotte unveils the centerpiece of the exhibit: a priceless Ming Dynasty vase."
Patricia relaxed as the camera stopped filming. She had several minutes to wait until her next segment began. The reporter lowered her microphone and was content to wait. As she did so, Patricia took in the scene. This was her kind of event as there would be plenty of celebrities to interview. While Patricia had the looks to be an actress or a model, she was lacking the skills to pull off those roles. If she herself couldn't be famous, at least being around celebrities would make her feel better.
Behind the podium where Ms. Von Drotte would be speaking was a covered stand. The vase was no doubt inside the stand, obscured from the public by a velvet cloth. A ring of Duchess Industry's security men guarded the piece of art. Each man wore a blue long sleeved turtleneck uniform with gold trim and carried high-powered weaponry.
To Patricia's surprise, the Wild Cards were in attendance as well. The Silver Spectre and Jet were chatting not too far away from the Ming vase. The object of their discussion seemed to be trying to decide which of the Duchess Industries security guards had the best looking bottom.
Psi-Queen stood off by herself, refusing to engage anyone in conversation. There was a noticeable arrogant edge to the mysterious heroine. It was as if she thought she was better than anyone else. Given her strange mental powers that probably wasn't too far from the mark.
While Psi-Queen kept to herself, Major America had himself surrounded by a small crowd of attractive women. The Major was most handsome and had the kind of blue eyes that melted hearts. The women shamelessly were throwing themselves at the muscular hero and he did nothing to discourage them.
The one Wild Card that Patricia was looking for was the Sword of Justice. She had first met the hero in the aftermath of the clash between the Wild Cards and Neutron's Conquerors. The sword-wielding hero had approached Patricia and gallantly kissed her hand much like a gentleman of old. At that moment Patricia was smitten with the dashing leader of the Wild Cards. (Editor's Note: A somewhat distorted version of the events from Avengers #22)
"Pleasant evening, Ms. Eisenhart."
The silky smooth voice of the Sword of Justice startled the reporter. She whirled to find the object of her affections standing right behind her. "Sword of Justice!"
"Forgive me if I startled you," Justice responded as he bowed extravagantly and once more kissed Patricia's hand. "May I say how radiant you look this evening?"
"You may!" Patricia desperately tried to stifle a schoolgirl-like giggle by raising her other hand to her face. She was feeling flushed.
If the Sword of Justice was aware of the effect he was having on the lovely reporter, he made no mention of it. His body language was professional at all times. "Quite an impressive turnout this evening," he casually remarked.
"Yes, very impressive." Patricia couldn't be sure if she was referring to the crowd or the costumed man before her. Fortunately, her reporting instincts kicked in once more. "I am mildly surprised to find the Wild Cards at this gathering. What brings your team out this evening?"
Patricia could almost feel a smile coming from the cowled crusader. "There has already been one attempt to purloin the exhibit's artifacts while in transit. Ms. Von Drotte felt that additional security would be required to ensure the safety of these ancient relics. As always, the Wild Cards were more than happy to provide our services." (Editor's Note: This robbery attempt was covered in greater detail in Scarlet Sabre #4-5)
"A sensible precaution," Patricia agreed.
"If you will excuse me, milady, it appears that Ms. Von Drotte is ready to begin." The Sword of Justice bowed once more and started to make his way back to the raised podium.
"Of course, Sword of Justice. I have to be returning to my broadcast as well." Patricia watched as the leader of the Wild Cards returned to his post. Who was this man and why did he elicit such strong emotions from Patricia? The pretty reporter could only wonder.
Ms. Henrietta Von Drotte stepped up to the podium and the din from the assembled guests died down. "Thank you for making me feel most welcome in your country," the young woman stated with a noticeable German accent. Ms. Von Drotte was attractive, but not overly so. Her hair was long and red in color; her eyes were bright green. Ms. Von Drotte's gown was a Georgio original and she wore at least one million dollars worth of jewelry.
"Without further ado, I present to you the crown jewel in my grandmother's collection!"
On cue, one of the security guards pulled the velvet cover away to reveal the priceless vase inside a transparent display case. Ooh's and aah's filled the area and numerous snapshots lit up the area around the artifact.
"I fail to see what all the fuss is about, brother," a voice commented from above the crowd. "It's just a painted vase."
"I guess we're not cultured enough to appreciate their idea of fine art," a similar sounding voice remarked.
The attention of the Sword of Justice was drawn skyward. There, he spotted two men hovering overhead. It was the twin terrors of PLUNDER: Phobos and Deimos! Both wore gray hooded cloaks that hid most of their bodies. Only their glowing red eyes could be seen inside the hood.
"Wild Cards into action!" the Sword of Justice commanded as he drew his sword and pointed dramatically towards the terror twins. Jet streaked into the air, while the other Wild Cards moved to combat these hovering menaces.
"Shall we demonstrate our idea of art?"
"By all means, let's," the other brother responded. It was impossible to tell them apart.
"BOO!"
Acting as one, the brothers brought their ability to generate fear into effect. The crowd's reaction was instantaneous. The formerly quiet and orderly assemblage was suddenly transformed into a mindless mob. Screams and yells filled the area as terror enveloped the crowd. Panic stricken, they all aimlessly ran for safety. Numerous security alarms went off as well from the stampede.
The spectators were not the only ones affected. Jet turned away and streaked off into the night. She would not be seen again this evening. The Sword of Justice and the remainder of the Wild Cards were rooted in place from the debilitating attack. The Duchess Industries security force was cowed and ran for shelter, leaving Ms. Von Drotte alone on the podium. The young woman was also frozen in place.
Hovering over the chaos they caused, the brother duo of Phobos and Deimos just laughed. "A masterpiece of terror," Phobos commented.
"Snap out of it people!", the Sword of Justice called out as he finally shed the fear that had been gripping him. If Phobos and Deimos were here, then the rest of PLUNDER couldn't be far behind. They were a well-known team of superhuman thieves and the Ming exhibit was a perfect target for them.
The Sword of Justice quickly reviewed what little he knew of this particular villain team. In addition to Phobos and Deimos were Terastar, the groups' muscle, the Silver Dragon, a flying martial artist, and their enigmatic leader known only as Sleeper who was reputed to be a master of disguise.
"Silver Spectre! Major America! Keep an eye out for the other members of PLUNDER!"
"Gotcha boss," Major America responded as he moved forward, looking for a foe to pummel.
"I'll check out the inside of the museum" Spectre commented as she faded from view. "This might just be a diversion."
"Good thinking," Sword of Justice responded, his eyes not having left the brothers hovering in the sky. "Psi-Queen! Get those criminals out of my sky!"
"By your command." Psi-Queen raised her golden scepter and pointed it towards one of the hovering brothers. A bright green glow surrounded Psi-Queen's crown and face shield combination. The energy paused there for a moment and then moved down her arm and was funneled into the scepter. The psionic energy then erupted from the scepter and unerringly struck one of the terror twins.
The affect on Phobos was instantaneous and he plummeted from the sky like a rock. Psi-Queens attack had him on the ropes and the impact with the concrete would finish the job. The PLUNDER member lay unmoving on the steps of the museum.
"Well done!", the Sword of Justice complimented. He spared his teammate a glance and Psi-Queen just nodded slightly in response from the praise. Turning back to the battle scene, Justice noted that one of the Duchess Industries security guards was moving to get Ms. Von Drotte to safety. Launching himself forward, the Sword of Justice moved in to assist the man.
The guard reached to take Ms. Von Drotte's arm and as he did, the woman swooned and fell unconscious in his arms. "Don't worry, ma'am, I'll get you to safety," the guard stated in perfect English.
Something about the whole scene bothered the Sword of Justice. Something was not right, but he couldn't place his finger on exactly what it was. And then it hit him. He had been introduced to all of Ms. Von Drotte's forces earlier in the evening and they all had heavy German accents!
"Halt, villain," the Sword of Justice shouted as he covered the remaining distance between himself and the podium in ground chewing bounds. "You shall not harm this woman! This do I swear!"
Bringing the flat of his blade into play, the Sword of Justice swatted the security guard like he was a fly. The man never saw the attack coming and was sent sprawling off the podium. At the same time, the hero plucked Ms. Von Drotte out of the air before she could impact with the ground.
With Ms. Von Drotte secured in one arm, the Sword of Justice pointed his weapon at the prone imposter. "Sleeper, I presume? A most well thought out plan. Cause a diversion to mask your activities and while most are thinking the exhibit is the target, attempt to steal Ms. Von Drotte's jewelry. Clever, but not clever enough!"
"I don't know how you saw through my disguise," Sleeper retorted, "but you will not capture me!" With that, the villain rose to his feet and ran off into the crowd. The Sword of Justice tried to keep track of the criminal mastermind, but soon lost the fleeing figure.
Meanwhile, Deimos moved closer towards Psi-Queen, intent on avenging his brothers' defeat. "You will pay for your actions, witch! Now you will bow before your master!"
Mental energy poured out of Deimos and washed over Psi-Queen. The psionic heroine remained calm and unmoved by the assault. In fact, she began to chuckle!
"You pit your puny will against mine? I should think not!" Psi-Queen generated another mental bolt and unleashed the attack through her scepter. Obviously this simpleton had no clue just who he was dealing with!
The green energy played around the head of Deimos, but he faired better than his brother did as he remained aloft. "I will triumph in the end! One way or the other!" Deimos produced a laser pistol from his holster with the intent of shooting the smug Psi-Queen.
Deimos didn't even get the chance to aim as a barrage of laser fire lit up the sky around him. The Duchess Industries security force had regained their composure and had returned to the conflict. Finding himself outnumbered and out-gunned Deimos' thoughts of revenge turned to those of escape. He dived down to scoop up his brother before flying off.
"A most fortuitous arrival," the Sword of Justice commented as he watched the real security guards approach. "Here gentlemen, I trust Ms. Von Drotte will be safe in your care." Gently, the Sword of Justice passed the unconscious girl over to her security force. "In the meantime, the Wild Cards shall deal with these villains!"
The guards just nodded their understanding as they quickly took Ms. Von Drotte to safety. Other guards followed after retrieving the priceless Ming vase. With Ms. Von Drotte and the vase now safe, the Wild Cards could concentrate on the forces of PLUNDER.
"Psi-Queen!", the Sword of Justice called out. "If you would do me the honor of accompanying me, together we shall lend aid to our comrades."
"I would be delighted," Psi-Queen answered wryly.
The crowd rushed every which way around Major America. The mob didn't bother the Major in the slightest. Those who collided with him usually bounced right off. Occasionally he would stop to help some attractive woman back to her feet, but she would then just run away to the annoyance of the Major.
It was then that something attracted the attention of Major America. A large hole was opening up in the ground. It was as if something was trying to tunnel up from beneath the earth! Or rather someone!
The dirt and concrete fell away to reveal a man wearing a brown costume coming out of the ground. He took stock of the situation around him. "Now this is my kind of party!", the man enthusiastically announced to no one in particular.
"Fun time's over for you, pal!"
Terastar turned at the sound of those comments and was barely able to realize that a fist was heading his way. Major America connected with his punch and lifted Terastar out of the hole and threw him further along the sidewalk.
"You're right. This is my kind of party!", Major America agreed as he gave chase.
Terastar gathered himself as Major America closed in on him. The buffoon was strong, quite possibly in his own strength class. Terastar always did like knockdown drag out fights. This one appeared to be no exception.
"Hi! Meet my fist!" Terastar unloaded on Major America and to his immense surprise, the patriotically clad Wild Card was unmoved! That pause cost him dearly.
"No, meet mine!" Major America connected again, this time sending Terastar back twice as far as the first time. The strong man of PLUNDER rolled to a stop and wearily picked himself up again.
Major America ran after his foe again. By now, the two men were a fair distance from the museum and the crowd had thinned out considerably. "Ha! I thought you were going to be a challenge, not just some badly dressed punching bag!"
Terastar didn't respond. Instead he eyed his foe as he approached and summoned up all his strength.
"Come on, clown! Hit me with your best shot," the Major challenged. Terastar didn't disappoint him.
"Laugh this off, big mouth!" The PLUNDER strong man landed a haymaker and Major America was sent rocketing back as if he had been launched from a silo. It was nearly a football field later when Major America impacted into the pavement. He would not be stirring for quite some time.
"Now that really made my day," Terastar laughed as he eyed his handiwork. "Now we can grab some loot and get out of here. I wonder how Silver Dragon is faring?"
A moment later, greenish psionic energy slammed into Terastar and he silently fell to the ground. The mental assault completely overwhelmed the criminal and rendered him unconscious.
The Sword of Justice and Psi-Queen walked closer from the sidelines. Justice experimentally nudged Terastar with his sword, but received no response. "Again, my compliments, my dear. You've more than earned your salary this evening, not to mention a sizable bonus."
Psi-Queen just nodded in accepting the accolades. Her bank account would be looking much better come payday.
Elsewhere, the final member of PLUNDER flew through the museum. The Japanese woman wore silver armor from the neck down that left her arms bare. She wore a matching silver mask on her face and had shoulder length bushy black hair. An emblem of a dragon emblazoned in black decorated the Silver Dragon's chest plate.
The villainess flew past the various relics in the exhibit without paying them much attention. There was only one item here that demanded her attention: a statuette of a dragon carved out of solid jade. The Silver Dragon just had to have this priceless artifact.
Locating the object of her search, the Silver Dragon slowed and landed. The display case holding the jade dragon was right before her. PLUNDER didn't bother with disarming the security system. The Silver Dragon was confident she could smash the case, grab the statuette, and escape before the room was sealed and filled with knock out gas. It would just take perfect timing on her part.
The Silver Dragon examined the case from different angles, trying to determine the most efficient escape route. Once deciding upon her course of flight, the Silver Dragon prepared herself for what was to come. She relaxed, achieving a state of calmness.
Suddenly, the Silver Dragon realized that she was not alone. Her sharp senses told her that there was someone else in the room. Casually, she scanned the room trying to locate the unseen presence while trying not to appear like she was searching.
"HI-YAH!"
The combat cry startled the Silver Dragon as she was struck in the back of the neck. The PLUNDER villainess was dropped to the floor but still had her wits about her. Before the Silver Dragon's eyes, a woman in a skimpy silver costume began to appear.
"You are without honor," the Silver Dragon stated, disdain thick in her voice. "Only a coward attacks from surprise."
"Like I really care," the Silver Spectre retorted. "My job is to keep you from robbing this place. It doesn't matter how I accomplish my goal, as long as I do it."
"So be it." The Silver Dragon moved quickly as she turned and sent a kick towards the stomach of the Silver Spectre. To the Dragon's astonishment, her attack harmlessly passed through the exotic Wild Card!
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Spectre taunted in a sing-song voice. "You can't hurt me if you can't hit me. But I on the other hand..."
The Silver Spectre went to press her advantage, aiming a kick at the face of her foe. However, the Silver Dragon tumbled safely away and rose to her feet.
"Hey! Stand still!"
The villainess immediately assumed a defensive posture and closed on the Silver Spectre once more. Wordlessly, the Silver Dragon launched a flurry of punches and kicks. Some of the blows passed harmlessly through Spectre, but a few did connect. To her credit, the Silver Spectre did her best to block these attacks, but she was not fast enough or as skilled in hand to hand combat as the Silver Dragon. A powerful thrust into the breastbone sent the woman to the floor bottom first.
"You better not have bruised me!", the Silver Spectre threatened.
"You cannot stand before my skills in a fair fight." The Silver Dragon did not press her advantage, but instead gestured for the Silver Spectre to rise to her feet once more.
Looking up at her foe, a sly smile came across Spectre's beautiful face. "That may be, but on the other hand, I don't have to beat you to stop you."
The Silver Spectre tumbled backwards and away from the Silver Dragon towards one of the display cases. Once there, Spectre smashed her gloved fist through the display case, triggering the security system. Gas began to issue forth as reinforced panels dropped to completely seal in the room.
"You're insane!" the Silver Dragon cried out in astonishment. Keeping her wits about her, the Silver Dragon streaked into the air and just barely escaped being crushed by one of the falling portals.
The Silver Spectre watched her foe flee with great amusement. She waved towards the departing villainess. "Maybe, but I play to win and you've just lost!" Turning herself intangible, the Silver Spectre easily passed through the sealed doors before being overwhelmed by the gas. The Silver Dragon was nowhere to be found.
Outside the museum, Patricia Eisenhart cowered in fear behind a bench. She was still held by the extreme terror caused by Phobos and Deimos. All thoughts on reporting the events that had transpired had fled Patricia's mind. Her microphone had been lost and her dress torn. The camera crew was nowhere to be seen.
"Are you okay, Ms. Eisenhart?"
Patricia nearly jumped at the sound of the silky smooth voice. She spun to find the Sword of Justice standing over her, his hand outstretched before him. The fear that gripped the reporters' heart began to wane. She felt safer with the cowled crusader so near.
"Help me...", Patricia pleaded.
The Sword of Justice picked up Patricia Eisenhart and took the frightened woman into his arms for protection. Patricia clung to the hero tightly.
"Everything is going to be just fine," the Sword of Justice promised as he whispered in Patricia's ear. "I will protect you from harm. This I do swear."
After the next batch of commercials, Patricia was back inside the studio. "Welcome back to our special report on the Wild Cards. Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of conducting a personal interview with the Sword of Justice and got to ask many of the questions that the public has been wondering about the Wild Cards. Let's take a look."
The scene was the sidewalk outside the CBI studios. Patricia Eisenhart was there, along with her camera crew. As Patricia gave her audience the voice over, the camera shifted towards the street as a black stretch limousine pulled up to the curb. The door opened and the Sword of Justice swept out. The cowled hero advanced towards Patricia where he bowed and kissed her hand.
"A most pleasant afternoon, Ms. Eisenhart. I see that you and your crew are all ready for the interview."
"Hello, Sword of Justice," Patricia replied, trying to remain composed. "You're right on time."
"But of course! If you and your associates would kindly join me in the car, then we shall begin. We Wild Cards travel first class." The Sword of Justice gestured towards the waiting limo. He gallantly helped Ms. Eisenhart inside.
In sort order, Patricia and her crew were riding along the streets of Manhattan. Once situated, the interview began. Patricia sat in the back seat beside the Sword of Justice. The camera team sat across from them in the opposite seats.
"I, like most of our audience, have many questions concerning the Wild Cards," Patricia began.
"Please feel free to ask your questions," the Sword of Justice stated. "That is why we have set up this interview. Plus the Wild Cards plan to give you an exclusive once we reach our offices."
"On the surface, your Wild Cards group seems very similar to the Heroes for Hire organization that surfaced in Los Angeles a few months ago."
"Merely the case of different individuals coming across the same concept around the same time, I assure you. For the moment, the Wild Cards are confining our operations to the East Coast. Assuming that both our prospective organizations continue to grow at some point we will be in direct competition with Heroes for Hire. Healthy competition can only lead to better service for our customers."
"How were the Wild Cards formed?", was Patricia's next question.
"The concept of the Wild Cards was mine. I simply saw a service that was not only needed by the public, but one that could be most profitable as well. It took time to secure the necessary financial backing and round up the first employees. But once organized we have proven to be a solid performer. Our track record up to this point has been spotless."
"There are many people who are uneasy with the concept of beings with superpowers available for hire. What is your stance on this position?"
"I find it rather silly, Patricia. The Wild Cards are nothing but the logical next step when it comes to beings with superpowers. Why, one only need examine the other hero teams that call New York City home to notice a trend. First you have the stellar organization known as the Avengers. They were the first hero team to offer stipends to their membership. A supplemental income to allow their membership to be available for missions around the clock. No one complains about them being reimbursed for their efforts."
"Next came the Freedom League, a hero team composed of Campbell Industries International employees. I find the concept of heroes being paid by a large corporation more disturbing than the Wild Cards. Far too easy for the greater good be put aside for a corporate agenda."
Patricia Eisenhart nodded in agreement to most of what the Sword of Justice explained. Her next question was "What about those who cannot afford the services of the Wild Cards?"
"We are currently exploring the possibility of payment plans and offering credit. But you must also realize that there are plenty of services spanning every facet of life that are currently beyond the reach of those economically challenged. Not just anyone can wear designer clothes, drive BMW's, or have personal trainers. I imagine that in time our prices will go down. Most new products and services start out expensive, but drop in price over time."
The limousine slowed to a stop before one of the many New York skyscrapers. This one in particular was the Fortson Building, standing 34 stories tall. The sleek black limo maneuvered itself to the curb to drop off its passengers.
"Ah, we have arrived," the Sword of Justice informed his guests. "The Fortson Building, the base of operations for the Wild Cards. Follow me please."
The Sword of Justice gallantly helped Ms. Eisenhart out of the car and escorted her to the front door, the camera crew following closely behind. The doorman held the front door open for the approaching hero and his guests. The elevator leading up to the Wild Card suites was just a few steps away.
"Currently, the Wild Cards are occupying the top three floors of the Fortson Building. These areas are primarily taken up by our business offices, but there are also personal quarters and training facilities for our members," the Sword of Justice explained as they rode up to the 32nd floor in the elevator car.
After departing the elevator, the group arrived at the offices of the Wild Cards. A pretty blonde woman was seated at the receptionist desk. The Sword of Justice introduced her as Amanda Dobson. From there, Justice gave the reporter and her crew a quick tour of the facilities. Michelle Carver was introduced as the Wild Cards Director of Operations.
"Ms. Carver is the true backbone of our organization," the Sword of Justice explained. "She handles the day to day operations from accepting assignments to receiving payments. We wouldn't be anywhere near our current state of operations without Ms. Carver's skill and tenacity."
As the tour wound down, the Sword of Justice showed his guests into one of the spacious conference rooms. The décor spoke of professionalism and confidence.
"You said earlier that you had an exclusive that you wished to share with us?", Patricia inquired.
"Yes, I do. The Wild Cards are proud to announce the next phase in our organization. This is a great step for us and I am confident that it will go over very well with our customers."
"Just what is this step you speak of?"
"Let me ask you a question, Patricia," the Sword of Justice countered. "How many people with superpowers do you think there are in the world?"
The pretty reporter considered for a few moments before answering. "Maybe a thousand?"
"A thousand that we are aware of by their actions," the Sword of Justice corrected. "I submit to you that there are many more people of all walks of life who have some superhuman ability but never go public. Not everyone is cut out to be a superhero or a supercriminal. There are those who are more content to lead private lives out of the public spotlight. And there are others still whose powers and abilities are, shall we say, less than inspiring? While the ability to converse with squirrels is most definitely a superpower, it is hardly one with a great many opportunities."
"The next phase of the Wild Cards is to serve as a employment agency for those with superhuman abilities, no matter how seemingly trivial or minor. All a prospective super has to do is register their talents with the Wild Cards and we will work diligently to locate them an honest wage for their talents. Instead of being ashamed or hiding their supertalents, why not put them to use for their own benefit?"
"Sort of like a Temp Agency for those with superpowers?"
"Exactly, Patricia. Allow me to give you a demonstration. Please wait here a moment."
The Sword of Justice bowed and departed the conference room for a few minutes. He was not alone when he returned. With him was a man in two-tone green body suit complete with cape. The newcomer was obviously a bit overweight and had something of a beer belly. He carried an aluminum trashcan with him.
"Permit me to introduce the first of hopefully many success stories for the Wild Cards. This gentleman has chosen the code name of the 'Green Avenger'."
"Hey," the Green Avenger responded with a wave.
"How do you do," Patricia courteously responded.
"Not the most impressive looking of individuals, wouldn't you say?", the Sword of Justice continued. Ms. Eisenhart gently nodded in agreement.
"And for the most part you would be correct. The Green Avenger is not unlike many in your audience. He is a normal man with no obvious superhuman abilities. But he does have one singular ability that sets him apart from everyone else. One power that he honestly thought was worthless to have."
This statement intrigued Patricia as she gave the Green Avenger another look over. "What power do you possess?"
"I can change things into water," the Green Avenger sheepishly admitted.
"Not the most stellar of superpowers on the surface," the Sword of Justice added. "But one with which our friend here will soon be parlaying into a lucrative career."
"I don't understand?"
"Observe." The Sword of Justice directed the reporters' attention to the trashcan. Inside were numerous pieces of paper, bottles, and banana peels. "In our modern society, garbage and trash are a paramount concern. It is a billion-dollar industry. Refuse is hauled down our rivers and even across state lines to numerous landfills. This is only a temporary solution which will only lead to greater problems in the future."
The Sword of Justice nodded to the Green Avenger. The green clad man stepped up to the trashcan and held his hands over the trash. Green energy flashed out of the man's hands completely covering the refuse. Before Patricia's startled eyes, the trash was transformed into a clear liquid that looked very much like water.
"That's fantastic!" Patricia actually applauded at what she had seen.
"Thanks," the Green Avenger mumbled humbly.
"And I assure you that what remains in the trashcan is pure water. Take a sample and have it analyzed. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The Wild Cards will now be offering the services of the Green Avenger to help clean up garbage dumps and other offending landfills. I suspect that our friend here is not only going to be very busy in the weeks and months to come, but also financially secure for the rest of his life."
"So, our exclusive to you Patricia, is that the Wild Cards are seeking any and all superbeings who are looking for honest employment. We offer a comprehensive insurance package, profit sharing, retirement plans, a generous bonus system, and paid vacations. We are also looking to expand the membership of the Wild Cards as well. Consider this an open casting call for superbeings. Those who are interested need only apply here at our offices in the Fortson Building weekdays between nine and five."
"And there you have it," Patricia Eisenhart concluded as the picture cut back to the broadcast studio. "In the last hour you have seen the Wild Cards in action, got to meet some of the people working behind the scenes, and learned of this latest expansion by the Wild Cards. I, like the rest of you, will be eagerly looking forward to see if the Wild Cards can succeed or not. Thank you and good evening."
The Lights dimmed over the set and the director gave the signal to stop filming. Patricia removed her clipped on microphone. "Good show everyone. 'Nite."
Wearily she made her way to her dressing room. She closed the door behind her and leaned back against it. With her day's work done, Patricia was eager to relax. That's when she noticed that she was not alone.
"Sword of Justice!", Patricia called out in surprise. The cowled crusader was seated on a nearby couch. He rose to his feet and slowly approached.
"Forgive me for startling you, Ms. Eisenhart," the Sword of Justice stated in his silky smooth voice. "I must congratulate you. That was an outstanding piece of reporting."
"Thank you very much." Patricia closed the distance between the two and put her arms around the hero. "Please tell me that you can stay with me tonight. I've missed you so."
"My dear lady, it would be my honor and my privilege." The Sword of Justice rolled his full-face mask up to his nose and passionately kissed Patricia. "This is just the start of a most memorable evening. This I do swear."
