[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

The request for a meeting had been moderately surprising. Vincent Maxfield moved in some of the same circles as Dominic, but they weren't even acquaintances, he only knew of the man by name, that and research after it he had contacted him. He knew Axin much better. He'd even briefly courted the weapons manufacturer before the Event. Thing had changed then. His company, Ascendant, had more than doubled in size since then, his representation of the Program made him one of the most desirable PR and Marketing CEO's in the country. In truth it felt more like he was just an employee of the Program now. It was rare he had time for other clients, but then that was why he had a company. It was a far cry from the position he'd started in, doing odd jobs around the neighbourhood, it was even a far cry from a year ago, when he had been one of the individuals running around the streets in a costume. He flicked an imaginary spec of dust from the suit he was wearing at the moment. This one was a lot more stylish. He was sat in his New York office, musing over the best way to introduce a new Hero to the city. New York had suffered more than most since the Event, Shockwave, then the more recent bombings. The anti-metahuman sentiment here seemed to be growing stronger daily, and it seemed to be particularly resistant even to appealing Heroes. The Program had already had to move on three Heroes who just hadn't managed to crack the public opinion of New York City. His intercom buzzed, and he tapped the button without looking up. His secretary, Gregory, who travelled with him, spoke instantly. "A Vincent Maxfield to see you Mr Weaver." "Send him in."

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[Vincent Maxfield]

Vincent exited the vehicle. ”Thank you, Ms. Marcell.” He said gratefully, giving his driver an earnest smile before closing the door behind him.

He looked up at the building, back straight, suitcase in hand, a smile on his face. He was looking forward to this meeting. He’d done some background into Dominic Weaver. He’d heard a lot about him. The definition of a self-made man. Came from a working-class family, built himself up from nothing. No fancy college, no college at all. He now owned a sizeable company that had more than doubled since the Event. Nowhere near the size of Axin, but it was admirable. He’d worked his way to the top on charm and charm alone. And that was something to applaud.

This meeting was a big risk. He’d set up the meeting under the guise of a partnership, and he’d have to maintain that guise throughout. If Dominic Weaver caught a whiff that there was any ulterior motive, that could destroy Axin’s relationship with the metahuman community. The peril had his blood pumping, it put him on edge. He had to admit, it was exciting. It had been a while since he’d encountered a real challenge. He’d silenced his phone and turned off his bluetooth. He needed all his attention focused on this meeting.

He walked confidently into the building. Vincent made quite the impression with his well tailored suit and shiny suitcase. He walked with pure self-assurance. He made the impression of being an important person without giving off an iota of self-importance.

He walked confidently up to the secretary. ”Hello, I’m Vincent Maxfield. I have a meeting with Mr. Weaver.” He said warmly, but with distance.

“Top floor. Elevator's to your left.”

”Thank you.” Vincent smiled. He made his way to the elevator, pressed the button to the top floor, and waited patiently as it climbed up the building. Finally, he reached the top, the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. He stepped out and walked toward what he assumed to be Dominic Weaver's personal secretary.

”Vincent Maxfield. I have a meeting with Mr. Weaver.” he repeated.

The secretary pressed a button and spoke into an intercom. “A Vincent Maxfield to see you Mr. Weaver.” He heard a voice come out the other end end of the intercom, and the secretary nodded. “You can go on in. He’ll be on the third room to your right.”

”Thank you- I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Gregory.”

”Thank you, Gregory.” Vincent smiled. He walked down the hallway. Third room to his right. Confidently, he opened the door, not with force, but smoothly, respectfully. ”You must be Mr. Weaver.” Vincent said, closing the door behind him and walking up to the man in the room. He held out a hand. ”Vincent Maxfield. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He smiled, friendly, but with professional distance.

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

Dominic stood as the door opened, moving around the desk to greet his visitor. The other man was tall and slim, with glasses and closely cropped black hair. His suit was exquisite, clearly expensive. If it wasn't a thousand dollar suit then Dominic would have quite happily have opened a window and taken the swiftest route to the ground. The man was extending a hand, and Dominic grasped it, making sure to give the right impression, while reading his own from the man's grip. His father had told him you could tell a lot about a man by the way he shook hands. Vincent's grip was strong, clearly he was a businessman, used to making decisions swiftly. Dominic smiled, then gestured to one of the chairs that had been placed before his desk. It was solid and functional, modern, but not the kind of high-class design that would have been found in an office he owned. No, he was here on Program business, so he was confined to their offices and resources. He found it useful to compartmentalise the two parts of his work. He still wasn't entirely sure of the reason for this meeting. Vincent had requested it, and while Dominic didn't make a habit of ignoring requests for meetings, it was rare that someone had enough pull to get past Gregory in the first place. That the someone in question worked for Axin, a major weapons supplier only made it all the more intriguing. "So, Mr Maxfield, how can I help you?"

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[Vincent Maxfield]

Vincent took Dominic’s hand firmly, professionally. Vincent’s father had coached him in the art of handshakes from a young age. Not too tight, not too loose, with confidence but humility, and under no circumstance should he do more than three pumps. Dominic’s reciprocated the handshake quite impressively. The man was clearly professional and greatly self-assured. This was going to be a productive meeting.

Vincent matched Dominic’s smile and obeyed his gesture, taking a seat in one of the chairs, smoothly unbuttoning his suit as he did so. He noticed as he sat that the furniture was of rather poor quality. Was Dominic a function over form sort of man? He didn’t seem the type. It must be the Program’s resources he was using. It wouldn’t surprise Vincent if the Program put more of its finances in the Hero side of things than its office decor.

”Well, Mr. Weaver,” Vincent began, ”I believe we can help each other.” He smoothly, subtly moved the chair slightly closer to the desk, closing the distance between appointer and appointee, putting them on a more even level. This was Dominic’s home turf after all. He needed to assert himself. ”The Axin Corporation is dedicated to the protection of the people. Our goal is to maximize safety and security for everyone, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or nationality. I believe you here at the Program have a similar worldview.” Vincent smiled warmly. ”What I’m offering, Mr. Weaver, is a partnership. I believe your Heroes combined with our weaponry could be a powerful force of nature.”

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

Ah, the 'I believe we can help each other' opener. Dominic had used it himself, and thanks to his influence in the Program, he heard it far more often now. What it really meant was that they wanted something, and they were going to sell it through the apparent mutual benefits of a relationship. Dominic wondered briefly what Axin, a military manufacturer, could possibly want with the PR head of the Hero Program. He stopped his wondering, Vincent was here after all, so no doubt he was just about to find out. Dominic sat himself, leaning back in his chair as he studied the man sat opposite him. Vincent went on, explaining how Axin was dedicated to the protection of the people of America, and not in fact, making vast amounts of money. It was hardly fair of him to be so initially critical of the man, but ultimately everything came down to money. Even the Program. Dominic had been wealthy before the Event, but his brief career as Surge, and the continued popularity of Heroes like Paladin and Glacia meant that the money kept rolling in. "I'm sure we have a much more similar worldview than you think." Dominic didn't return the man's smile. It wasn't a hostile gesture, merely one that said 'impress me'. "A force of nature?" He leaned forwards a little. "Mr Maxfield, our Heroes are already a force of nature, their powers are a product of evolution, not technology." He shook his head, "And I think you misunderstand the true purpose of our Heroes. They are not SWAT, they are not Riot Police, they are powerful people that want to do the right thing. People are afraid of metahumans, equipping them like we equip our military would only give them more cause to fear." Steepling his fingers, Dominic shook his head, "No, you will need to have a clearer offer for us, I cannot in good conscience announce a relationship between the Program and Axin without knowing exactly what you intend to bring to the table."

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[Vincent Maxfield]

So the game begins.

”I’m sure we do.” Vincent replied, understanding the man’s meaning behind his words. That was the cornerstone of any business meaning after all, finding the meaning behind the words, and being able to communicate a hidden meaning yourself. And in this instance, hiding the true motivation of his words behind as many layers of meaning as he could muster. It was an art, as complex and beautiful as a Botticelli.

Vincent saw that look in Dominic’s eyes. Dominic held all the cards. It was Vincent’s move. His turn to show his worth, to lay his cards on the table.

“What is technology but a product of our nature? But semantics, Mr. Weaver, semantics.” He said, waving a hand in dismissal.

”I understand the rather delicate relationship metahumans have with the public. But let me offer an alternative perspective to your proposed scenario. The Axin Corporation has a very good relationship with the United States military.” As in the Axin Corporation had quite a bit of sensitive information about the military’s activities. ”What would be wrong with associating your Heroes with our country's heroes? They are, after all, the very definition of people who want to do the right thing. We could easily set up some PR events linking the Program to the military, not in an aggressive manner, not highlighting the proverbial ‘forces of nature’ wielded by our men and women in the service and by your Heroes, but rather something far more peaceful and patriotic. Perhaps even set up some public meetings with politicians,” who the company had invested in heavily and also held some sensitive information about, ”get them to say a few choice words and phrases, pass some favorable bills. What I’m suggesting, Mr. Weaver, is something more akin to brand affiliation. As a PR man, I’m sure you understand the importance of such a thing.”

He smiled. ”All I ask in turn is that you invest in some of our weaponry. And I assure you, this won’t be relegated to a simple AR-15. We can create weapons that will work in tandem with your Heroes’ powers and be perfectly PR friendly. The Axin Corporation can be quite creative.”

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

Clearly Vincent was determined to establish the relationship, made clear in his determined soldiering on through Dominic's rejection. Not that he had expected anything less. Vincent Maxfield was clearly an accomplished salesman, and no one reached the level that he had without a certain degree of persistence and ruthless determination. Which was exactly what worried Dominic right now… He had nodded in agreement with the connection between Heroes and those in the armed forces, even if the point did not strike home for him. Even so, he had let Vincent finish before he responded. "As many would hesitate to draw a connection between New York's Finest and the military, so I would be loathe to do the same with the Heroes. They are not here to defend our country, we have one of the largest populations of metahumans in the world, and certainly the largest organised program of such, imagine the global fallout if we clearly built a relationship between the Program and the military." Already countries were using metahumans in their militaries, and they were proving every bit as destructive as he had feared. Apparently Russia had a woman that could vaporise half a battlefield by snapping her fingers, and there were rumours the latest North Korean nuclear tests had been a metahuman rather than anything manufactured by man. "Look Mr Maxfield, the best scientists in the world are working on metahumans, and most of them haven't got the faintest clue how to proceed. What can your company offer us that every other research facility, government and corporate think tank haven't managed to dream up?" He leaned back. "And more importantly, why does my Program need it?"

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[Vincent Maxfield]

Dominic was still oblivious to his true intentions, which was good, but he was by no means making this easy. Vincent expected nothing less. Most business meetings went down easy. His smooth voice and unwavering confidence could sell almost anything. Dominic was obviously more intelligent than to be won over by such surface level presentation. Vincent needed to offer something of substance. And it looked like a simple PR stunt wouldn’t cut it.

”Fair point, Mr. Weaver, although I’m certain spun the right way, we can deliver the message of heroism rather than violence. Let’s put a pin in this idea for now, I’ll let you think over it.” Connecting Heroes to the military would a great first step for the Axin Corporation. Once associated with them, it wouldn’t take a hard push to integrate them, and once integrated, the government would surely offer them as fair game for Axin’s scientists do with them what they will. Sure, there would be the issue of powers competing with weaponry, but that would be a temporary complication. As Vincent offered, the company would arm the metahumans with specialized weaponry, further spreading their brand.

He smiled. ”Let’s put our cards on the table, shall we?” he began. ”The Axin Corporation has money, and it has an awful lot of it. Now I’m certain those aforementioned research facilities and government and corporate think tanks have offered you money in the past, but that certainly doesn’t diminished its value. What the Axin Corporation aims to do is associate its brand with your Heroes. Like it or not, they are an up and coming competitor in the weapons and armory field, a force of nature, if you will. The Axin Corporation, rather than competing, would like to form a partnership. We are willing to offer you a large sum of money in exchange for having your Heroes brandish our specialized weaponry. It’s a winning situation for us all, Mr. Weaver.”

The joys of capitalism. Anything can be bought.

Dominic Weaver

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

Dominic was fully integrated into the American Way, and that dream, like it or not, was about money. The offer of it was expected, in meetings like this it usually came down to the money. Most things did in Dominic's experience. He did not like the words that were said however. The tone might have been friendly and smooth, but the message felt almost like a threat and Dominic bristled. "I'm sure your corporation wishes to associate it's brand with the Program, there aren't many companies in America that don't." It was true, Heroes had been approached by everyone from Exxon to Coca-Cola, with Heroes being well paid for their representation on everything from t-shirts to sports drinks. There were certain rules and limits of course, certain companies the Program did not want to be associated with, but by and large it was down to the individual Heroes involved. The Program would take a small cut from these license deals, and by and large these were used to pay for the equipment standardised among Heroes, along with the Program's own research and development. That and the Hero Program was Federal Department, a new one, with the kind of budget most could only dream of. "No, it is not a winning situation for us. The Program is not in competition with your company, we aren't even playing in the same ballpark. You'll notice that Heroes license their image, they are not sponsored like sports teams. Their costumes remain free of branding." His tone was calm and even, though it was clear he was not interested in negotiation on this point. "You are welcome to approach individual Heroes and make an offer to them, but the Program as a whole is not interested in a partnership, we are a Federal Agency, not a commercial corporation."

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[Vincent Maxfield]

The downsides of capitalism, human error.

Dominic’s tone was even, but Vincent recognized the barb in those words. The message behind them was clear. ‘You have nothing to offer me.’ ‘You are not impressing me.’ ‘You are wasting my time.’ Vincent needed to change this, and change it fast. He was losing, and that was not something he would accept.

He felt his family’s shadow loom over him. His sisters skipping a year or more when he only got ahead a measly semester. His parents demanding he stay in his study until he finished writing that paper, and if he didn’t get an A he was grounded for a week or more. His mother was a brain surgeon, his father a music producer, Madison a senator, Sidney a heart surgeon, Ashley a lawyer. He would not fall below them. He would prove to them that he was capable. Failure was not an option. It never had been and never will be.

He needed to make a power move, and he needed to make it fast. Luckily, he had a trick or two up his sleeve. ”Will you excuse me, Mr. Weaver.” He took his phone out of his pocket and accessed the company’s private database. He scrolled through the folders. ”I’m curious, Mr. Weaver, do you know about Ms. Courtney Powell?” He looked at his phone, adjusting his glasses as if to see better, though he could see quite clearly. ”Better known as Shadow? Or how about Mr. Rahim Nadeem? I believe he went by The Hammer.” He looked back up at Dominic, the same, calm smile on his face. ”The list goes on. I know the privacy of your Heroes is important to you. It would be a shame if their information got out.” He knew only a handful of Heroes' identities, but by naming only a few, he aimed to let on he knew more than he did. Silence could speak volumes.

With the rather vanilla business tactics out of the way, he had to go for something more intense. He expected nothing less from Dominic. ”My goal is not to intimidate, Mr. Weaver. I would simply like you to know where we stand. A partnership with the Program is vital for Axin’s plans for the future. I hope you would like to reconsider our offer. And don’t worry about being a Federal Agency. Axin has made partnerships with many Federal Agencies before, we are well versed in the field.”

Dominic Weaver

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Will Chase

Frowning, Dominic sat back as Vincent pulled out his phone. It was rude, extremely so, and Dominic wondered what it could be that was so important that the man risked offending him. Not that it would make much difference at this point. Dominic had already made his position clear. The Program would not be announcing any partnership with Axin while it's public image was under his stewardship. When Vincent started talking Dominic's jaw almost dropped. Not that the man knew the names of Heroes, but more that he had the audacity to start dropping them here. Clearly there was a huge leak somewhere in the Program, that or these Heroes had been particularly lax when it came to preserving their own identities. He made a mental note. The moment this meeting was concluded he would be tracking down the origin of Vincent's information. His surprise would have been obvious, taking him a moment to get it back under control. He mulled over the potential repercussions of what Vincent was threatening. He liked Courtney and Rahim. They were good Heroes, doing it for the right reasons. This man was threatening their careers, their livelihoods, and ultimately, their lives. Worse, he had apparently done so without hesitation. Dominic was becoming more and more assured that the Program should not partner with Axin. He remained leaning back in his chair. "Mr Maxfield. It's perhaps fortunate that you've said these things to me. I feel like you're a kindred spirit, and I can tell you have drive. Sometimes people with too much drive make foolish decisions." He tapped a finger on the glass surface of his desk. "But I happen to know both Mr Nadeem and Ms Powell. They're lovely people, very powerful metahumans. Most Heroes are, it's sort of a requirement to be in the Program. We look for people that can handle themselves, whether through power or through experience. I wouldn't piss them off myself, and I've met people much scarier than they are." Tracing his finger idly across his desk, he continued, "That and what you have just done constitutes a Federal offense. I doubt you are acting alone in this, but should you be charged with such an offense your company would drop you in a heartbeat. I've seen their kind before, you aren't worth so much to them that they'd risk being embroiled in the kinds of crime you're threatening. No paper would print your story, no news network would run it, and any way you have of publishing it online would swiftly be tracked by some of our… backroom Heroes." His expression hardened, clearly he was not playing. "Go ahead. Publish those names. Those Heroes will be relocated and given new identities in a matter of hours. And this Program will be the stronger for it."

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[Vincent Maxfield]

Vincent kept an even, polite, confident smile as he saw the surprise flit across Dominic’s face, but inside his smile grew. Finally, he had something of an upper hand. It was a shame he had to pull out those names. It gave him no pleasure to play dirty like that. But all is fair in love and war and the oft forgotten business. He’d done much worse to acquire what he needed for Axin, and he’d gladly do it again.

He steeled himself for Dominic’s offense. He’d heard about the man, and there was no way he was going down that easily. And boy did he have an offense. He started out slow, with a gentle backhanded insult. Then he came in subtly threatening violence against Vincent on the Heroes’ behalf. And finally, he dropped all pretense and called what Vincent did a Federal offense, at which point Vincent’s smile grew an iota; hardly noticeable, but it was there. Clearly Dominic had no idea how he obtained this information or how high his sources went. It always helped to have a senator or two (or ten) in your pocket.

Dominic’s final remark showed just how deeply Vincent had gotten under his skin. It was angry, confrontational, even defensive, one could say. He was emotional, a weakness in any business setting. He obviously cared for the wellbeing of the Heroes beyond just the needs of the business, and that was exploitable.

Once Dominic’s spiel was finally over, Vincent said in a calm, even tone. “Mr. Weaver, if a Federal offense were a threat to me or anyone in our organization, we wouldn’t have this information in the first place, much less use it as I just did. But as I said, this is not to intimidate, this is simply to let you know where we stand. And trust me when I say that if we must use this information as leverage, we will use it wisely. It would be an awful hassle to set up so many Heroes with new identities and I’m almost certain the Program will not be stronger for it, if anything it will come off as sloppy and easily penetrable. Besides, there’s no assurance we won’t become aware of said identities. Axin has a very large influence, as I’m sure you know.”

He put on a slightly less detached tone, something more sympathetic. ”This goes beyond business, this is politics. You’re a smart man, I’m sure you’re aware of the rampant anti-metahuman sentiment that - with recent events - is simply growing. And politicians will be fast to capitalize on it. Axin has significant political influence. Agree to work with us, and we may just be able to turn the tide in favor of the metahumans.”

Dominic Weaver

[Dominic Weaver]

Surge The best part of “believe” is the “lie”. + Vincent Maxfield

Dominic stood. "No." He was angry, but he kept his emotions in check. Vincent's reaction to Dominic's clear warning had been relaxed, too relaxed. Clearly he was confident in his sources, and in how much his company valued him. And maybe he was right, maybe they would go to the wall for him, Dominic doubted it, but it was entirely possible. "You're right Vincent, maybe this is politics, and I was never a politician, I hate people that don't mean what they say. People that lie. People that see others just as tools." He turned around to look out of the window. "I'm sure your company has a very large influence, I'm aware of rising anti-metahuman sentiments, but I will not be blackmailed." If they were willing to reveal a hand that included extortion and Federal crimes then they were after more than a simple licensing deal. No one went to that kind of expense and risk just to improve their image. Axin wanted something, and they thought the Program was the best way to get it. He didn't know what they wanted and that set alarm bells ringing. He shook his head, a rueful smile on his face. The Program was supposed to make things better, but as with anything that involved money and power, there were people that wanted to take advantage. He'd never been a particularly violent man, even when he'd worn a costume as Surge he hadn't enjoyed the violence, but the urge to turn and punch Vincent was a hard one to resist now. "You will have no such agreement from me." He turned a little away from the window. "Do what you will, reveal identities, wield your influence. I have influence too, and there are many people that value the Program now for what it is. If you wish to risk widening such a divide then so be it, but if you won't tell me what it is that your company wants then there will be no deal between us."

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[Vincent Maxfield]

That no was final. Vincent could tell, Dominic had made his decision and he was not going to change it. It seemed he had lost this one. Dominic’s moral code was too potent and too stubborn for Vincent’s business tactics. Luckily, Dominic was only the first in a long line of potential meetings. As if the PR man was important. No, he was simply the lowest risk. He was the bottom rung on a very tall ladder.

”Blackmail is a harsh word, Mr. Weaver.” He said evenly. Vincent didn’t like to think of what he did as blackmail. Blackmail insinuated that he was doing something wrong, immoral. He didn’t think what he was doing was wrong at all. It was simply business. He’d had this sort of tactic used on him many times. It seemed a natural part of the job

Vincent nodded his head respectfully and stood. ”I understand. I thank you for your time, Mr. Weaver. It’s a shame we couldn’t reach an agreement.” He would reach out for a handshake, but he sensed that Dominic wasn’t in the mood for such a gesture and it may just come off as an insult, and Vincent didn’t want that. Despite everything, he still respected the man.

He walked out of the room and down the hallway. ”Goodbye, Gregory.” He said politely as he passed him.

“Oh, goodbye Mr. Maxfield.” Gregory replied, somewhat surprised.

He stepped into the elevator, waiting patiently as it descended, walking out as it reached the bottom floor. He strolled out of the building, and as soon as he was shrouded in the anonymity of the crowded sidewalks of New York City, he took out his cellphone, dialed a number, and gave a short, succinct message. ”Release Courtney Powell and Rahim Nadeem’s identity to the public. Thank you.” He had to follow up with his threat, but he couldn’t play all his cards at once. He had other meetings to attend.

The release would be perfectly executed, untraceable. Dominic could claim that Vincent had threatened to release this information, but it would be hearsay, it wouldn’t hold up in court. He would presumably tell his superiors, and knowing his reputation, it was likely they would believe him, which would be advantageous for Vincent. It would work well for Dominic’s superiors to know exactly where the company stood in relation to the Program.

After he hung up, he called his driver. Ms. Marcell was at the building within minutes. “Where to?” She asked as he turned on his bluetooth and started answering the mass of emails that had piled up on his phone.

“Headquarters. I have another meeting to schedule.”

Dominic Weaver