Re: Tim and Hydra - part 3 of 3
Tim leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers briefly before looking sideways at him. "You have a point to all this?"
"Well, yes. You indicated earlier that you didn't want to be vetted. But... vetting indicates that we're looking for subordinates. Instead, we're looking for more of a partnership. Something mutually beneficial." The man fold his hands together atop the table. "Wayne Enterprises has so much potential. LexCorp is still mending from the disastrous presidency. Hammer has grabbed up business that Stark Industries lost dumping money into its humanitarian efforts. Rand Enterprises is going the same way, and Oscorp lost billions in its research and hasn't recovered losing its head CEO. I could go on about the list of companies that could run this world, but you and I both know Wayne could lead, and not just on U.S. soil, if the cards are played right."
"... It could," Tim said, voice wary.
"All we need is someone at the helm who could get it there."
Bruce and Damian can do that just fine. And you don't want me at the helm, either. This is just bait. Tim sipped his coffee, then looked down at his cup, rolling it on its edge in distraction. "Hm. And where do you and your cronies fit into that?"
The man looked down at the table, fingers steepling before looking up. "I belong to an organization that is very concerned for the future of the world and humankind. Scientists, entrepreneurs, visionaries.... We are about to embark on a new chapter, ready to come into the light and make ourselves known. We endeavor to fix the things that are wrong. Gotham, with all its crimes, with the lowlifes that take people's parents from them, from the freaks that parade around in clown and scarecrow masks. We intend to correct infrastructure, bring on an era where no one fears destitution, disorder and disease." He looked pointedly at Tim. "We have a great many items researched already and near completion. A cure for AIDS, even."
Oh, that's low. But he had to feign interest, so his eyes flicked upward, jaw setting as he watched the man, holding his gaze now.
"...And if I say no?"
The man spread his hands. "Well, we'd be disappointed. We reward people who help us reach our goals very richly, and we'd assure you could have Wayne Enterprises in the end, answering and scraping for no one and able to pursue your ambitions and desires as you saw fit. But if none of that is appealing... you may walk out the door. Free of obligation. We'll only ask that you keep our little chat between us."
I walk out that door and something is going to happen to assure I can't utter what happened in this room. That's a fatal choice if you don't have something more creative up your sleeve... and looking at all the signals you're throwing without meaning to... you definitely have something more clever up your sleeve.
Still, Tim stood. He looked at the man, measuring, then started for the door slowly. He came to a halt just before his hand touched the handle. He clenched his hand into a fist, then made a huffing sound. He turned back around, glared, walking back to his seat and flopped down.
"I'm listening. No, I'm not agreeing to anything--just saying I'm listening, and some details about how you figure you can accomplish that? I don't want to know. Don't even want to contemplate it. Also, this coffee is crap. You want me here, I need something on my stomach and better caffeine."
The man smiled.
Hook, line, and sinker... Let's see what I can get out of you now. Tim then leaned back, arms folded, quietly petulant and waiting while the man went to the door and ordered the men utside to get a latte and to arrange transport to a dining facility more suitable for their guest to continue their conversation.