RKMBs Forums .::Important::. Writer's Block Vanguard Europe #0

"As much as I hate to keep you waiting, Lady Lykopis, I have an appointment with someone I've had some trouble getting to talk to. I'll return as soon as possible for your tour though."

"I understand."

Paragon returned Lykopis' smile as he pressed his control that opened a gateway, he stepped through the portal and it closed behind him. To the credit of the receptionist in the room he entered, she didn't seem too taken aback by the nature of his entrance. "Hello, the name is Paragon, I have an appontment."

"You're expected. Just take that hallway, it's the room on the end." The receptionist pointed to a door next to a large sign reading Blackburn Information Systems.

"Thank you." Doc Paragon headed to the indicated room, the door was open so he walked in. "Mr. Marshall?"


Drake Marshall looked up from the papers on his desk. There was a new looking name plate with his name and the title Head of Security. "That's right." Drake smiled as he stood up, his face open and friendly. Doc Paragon didn't believe it, but Drake gave no visual clues that Paragon was not welcome.

The bulk of Drake's muscular frame couldn't be fully concealed by the suit he was wearing, though it looked like Drake had tried to do so to Paragon's keen eyes. One thing Drake didn't try to cover up was the way he moved. No one as thick with muscle as Drake should be able to move as smoothly as he did. It seemed odd at first that Drake would try to cover up his abilities in all ways except for that one, but the reasoning was clear once Paragon gave it a little thought, until recently Drake had been confined to a wheelchair due to nerve damage. He was probably still enjoying having full use of his body too much to hold back.

Drake extened his hand and Paragon took it. Drake didn't seem ready to say anything more, so Paragon spoke first. "You've been a hard man to get into contact with, Mr Marshall."

Drake was still smiling, the Doc still didn't trust it. "Been busy, I was just starting here and I've been busier than I would have otherwise. Our president and owner hasn't been able to put in as many hours as usual and for some reason she trusts me more than anyone else here."

"That probably has something to do with the fact that her name is Jessica Blackburn-Marshall."

Drake was still smiling. "Yeah, probably."

"You're testing to see how much I know about you."

Drake's smile actually got bigger and one of his eyebrows raised. "I can see why you'd think that."

He's enjoying this. "I have access to all of Vanguard's files about you. Your rate of healing and endurance are both superhuman, this has allowed you to train until your other physical abilities; strength, speed and agility, to near human peak. You've mastered more armed and unarmed fighting styles than most people could name and you're an accomplished gymnast. You used your skills as the vigilante crimefighter Nightwatch until you became bonded with the otherdimensional dragon named Drax in a conflict with Jonas Cascade. Later on, Drax joined Vanguard International where you served as his advisor until the two of you became seperated during a mission. your old abilities returned and your healing ability displayed the previously unknown effect of being able to return you to your previous highest state of fitness, so you got your strength speed and agility back almost intstantly. The details get sketchy after that mission."

Drake made a big display of mock relief. "Oh, that explains it!"

"Explains what?"

"Why you're trying to recruit me for your team even though I'm retired from that superhero stuff."

"I'm sure we can come to some terms Mr. Marshall..."

"You seem to already know that I'm married to the President and owner of this company, so you know you can't buy me with money. What can you offer me that could justify me risking my life when I have a wife and newborn daughter to think of?"

"Because you're needed. What is it you said when you were Nightwatch? The people with the power to fight need to protect the ones who can't fight for themselves."

Drake's smile was now his familiar, natural crooked one. "I had a feeling someone would throw that back at me some day."

"You'll still be able to live here with your family, of course. Transportaion to our offices in Europe won't be a problem. I can compensate you in ways other than a paycheck. I know that Blackburn Information Systems has been trying to break into the european market, I can put you in touch with some contacts. Plus this will be your opportunity to show that Drake Marshall can make a difference without being Nightwatch and without being bonded with a dragon. What do you say?"

Drake's expression was unreadable as he steped back behind his desk, then he pushed a button on his intercom. "Ashley? Cancell the rest of my appointments for today. I'm going on a field trip with Doc Paragon here."

"You don't have any more appointmets today."

"I know, I was being dramatic."

"Oh, sorry."

"I've decided to give you a chance, Doc."

"Great, come with me to meet your teammates."

Drake picked up a gym bag by his desk and followed Paragon trhough the portal.