Kahn walked up the stairs to see Eli and Alce talking. Alice turned to face him and said, "I don't know how you use to do things but we don't work for you. So you need to tell us before you arbitrarily decide to hire someone." Khan, partly ignoring Alice, said, "Violet and Kiki Dewinter ran the biggest prostitution ring in this town. The competition decided to take them out, I rescued them and now their workers are now ours. Of course, we'll need to secure actual turf for them to operate as well as businesses to clean the money. Of course if you want to complain about not being consulted on a last second event then please, walk away at anytime."
Eli trying to be the calming voice said, "Look it was last minute, but this is good. I'm sure we can use their knowledge to expand our own interests." Alice sighed and then said, "I'm sorry, between that list you sent me and this, I was starting to feel like you were treating me like I really am your secretary."
Khan said, "Speaking of, did anyone on the list pop out to you? I sent you that list because I assumed you didn't want me to recruit everyone myself."
Alice sighed again and said, "Honestly, I don't know. I mean I'm good at busting heads among other body parts. But picking people not so much."
Eli interrupted and said, "Let's put a pin in that for a moment. Mr. Dovak, are there other methods for cleaning money then what we already discussed?" Khan raised his eyebrow and said, "A little random, but yes, there are two other methods. And both of them are incredibly high risk. For vert different reasons. The first, is to use someone with security access to a banks anti-fraud or anti-money laundering software. They can create a window where you can use the banks to clean and move your money. The problem is the insider will eventually feel irreplaceable and start making demands that could blow the whole scheme. The second is to fake a robbery of a bank or an exchange. Diamonds would be the best bet in that circumstance. The obvious downside is if you are dealing with competent cops or feds then they can see it coming and intercept the money."
They continued to discuss more over the top methods of cleaning money when Alice interrupted and said, "Look, Eli, I know you are excited and everything but we're going to need a lot more people before we can really get started."
Khan then pulled out a map of Stillwater. Several spots were marked with an X. Khan said, "The X's on the map represents empty lots that belong to us. Now, if you don't want to do some recruitment, then you can earn some money and help decide what's going to be built there. And, if you are willing to give me a few hours. Then I can tell you how the loss of the Morningstars is affecting current territories."
The conversation went back and forth. Eventually, Khan managed to excuse himself before they realized that Neenah was still hadn't shown up. Her being tangled with the Dewinter sisters in his bed would have instantly tipped them off. Honestly, dealing with them was becoming a headache but they were still needed to handle the small time wasting stuff, among other things.
...
Consuesla Reyes did not understand what was happening. She came to Stillwater to hone her skills in Boothill. Prove that she was the only one worthy of leading Los Panteros. But here she was, tied up and surrounded by the bodies of Los Panteros, Idols, and Deckers.
Apparently, the Deckers informed Sergio about her arrival. They jumped her, and while the Deckers and Panteros were discussing what to do with her, the Idols showed up intent on displaying her head as a statement. Then another individual showed up and laid waste to the group. And that man was now standing in front of her.
He was looking her over liked some prize animal, deciding whether to slaughter or keep her as a pet. Then he said, "You're prettier than I expected. It can be so hard to find someone who is attractive but won't be missed immediately."
She struggled against her restraints, but to no avail. Then she said, "Fuck you! I'm not going to be some trophy in your display case!" As his hands caressed her body, she winced as her body betrayed her and reacted as he wanted.
He dragged her across the room and bent her over the hood of a car. His intentions clear, Consuesla tried to break free. But was unsuccessful. Then she felt it, the last thing she said was, "You won't break me." He simply responded, "We'll see." Then started thrusting and pulling. And she hated how she loved every moment of it.
...
Eli was staring at the map Dovak had provided. It was very convenient, even if it was old fashioned. It showed who had what territory, where their strongholds and business fronts were, and it showed the empty lots held by their front company, Warlord Incorporated.
Dovak had also provided a list of potential front companies that could be built in those empty lots. Another benefit of those businesses is that they could double as safe houses. Which any members of the crew could use to hide out or as a starting point for patrols. The only thing they were missing at this moment was the capital to build everything.
Suddenly Dovak entered the room, wearing a businesses suit and looking more enthusiastic than last time. The confusion on Eli's face spoke volumes. Without prompting, Dovak said, "We need serious start-up capital. And since banks will report every penny, we need a someone who won't mind funding and benefiting under the table. So, to that end you and I are going to Ultor to speak to a Dane Vogel."
After changing into his best power suit. Eli got into Dovak's ride. While driving Dovak said, "You have questions." Realizing it wasn't a question, Eli said, "Like a million but let's start with. Who is Dane Vogel and why would he help us?"
Without missing a beat Dovak said, "Dane is a middle management worker. He wants the the CEO chair, and honestly with his skills and ambition he should at be a department director by now. But thanks to a certain ambitious rat in Ultor. People like Dane don't get promoted, they get used for everything their worth while those with the right background gets all the credit and benefits."
Eli was left speechless for half a moment, then he said, "That can't be legal or a sound business strategy!" Dovak responded, "Not even close, on both accounts. This is something somebody does when they want a smoldering crater where the company used to be. And I traced it to one individual. Ultor's current head of security, Dex."
Dovak continued, "Looking into the guy I found a pattern. First he comes up with a scheme, then when it fails he puts the blame on someone else, then jump ship for a better employer while making sure to profit off his old employer's massive misfortune that he arranged. Dex is an ambitious fool who can't think beyond the second move."
As the Ultor building got closer, Eli listened to Dovak explain Dex's current scheme and how he already sold out to Marshall and how he was using his position to out anyone in his way by framing them and without due process get them sent to the Frontier. A Marshall private prison. As they pulled up, Eli was beyond nervous and decided to let Dovak take the lead.
...
[A filler flash back - Marvel Arc, while in route to Asgard via the Warp]
Johnny Ohm emerged from the pod. He looked at Brigade and the flesh golem nodded and then left. Johnny gave a sigh of relief, then looked in a mirror. The numerous transformers that covered his body were now gone, but his powers remained.
He gave a small laugh as he noticed his hair was starting to grow back. Johnny looked at the pod were Hazmat was still suspended in. He looked visibly better, but the screen indicated there was more work to be done.
Now, why had he been nervous about being improved? Because on the opposite side of the room was row upon row of heroes that had been captured. Now they were being altered, their past rewritten. While a few other pods were growing new bodies. Johnny couldn't be certain if they also were having their past altered.
Just then an announcement came. "A friendly reminder, while the ship is in the warp you will not be allowed to leave under any circumstances. Thank you for your understanding."
Johnny got dressed in more comfortable clothes than he usually got to wear. The monitor said it would be four days until they arrive at their destination. If he had one complaint, it was this place had no place set for recreation. Not official ones anyway.
Johnny made his way to the bridge, if he remembered correctly. The boss would be indulging in the hual they collected before leaving. Apparently, he'll be busy the entire time. His mind drifted to the faces of thier captives. Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel a little bad. Sure, he had a better them then me attitude about it, but some of those girls were...
He crushed that train of thought as he walked into the bridge. He spotted the field commander, Tanya. Apparently she was collect from a previous campaign. The woman stood there, a notable 5'10. Her blonde hair probably went to the center of her back but she kept it up in a rigid ponytail so it was hard to tell.
She was watching footage from the assault on New York. But he still felt the need to ask, "What are you doing?" Without turning away, she said, "I'm going over the opponents we faced in the battle of New York. Without Master Dovak preparations and the element of surprise. This battle could've gone very differently."
His curiosity peeked, after all, Khan was powerful and the technology and military at his control made it hard to believe that losing was a possibility. Johnny asked, "How so?" Several different scenes immediately replaced the one Tanya was watching. She started speaking.
"Let's start with the preparations. Over the course of several months Master Dovak was subtlety manipulating events, recruiting subordinates and emotionally damaging potential enemies. For example, Miles Morales. Sometimes referred to as the Black Spiderman."
An image of Spiderman wearing black and red instead of the iconic red and blue quickly answered why he was called the Black Spiderman.
"Miles is a young man still in Highschool, thus when the emotional trauma have having his mother abruptly walk out of his life leaving nothing but a note messed with his head."
An image of a woman appeared with the name Rio Morales underneath. Johnny recognized her as one of Khan's occasional playthings from before the big attack. She was probably in his chambers waiting for her turn for when Khan was finished with the new blood. Tanya continued.
"There was also Magneto. A powerful mutant who could manipulate metal. The Protoss, Orks and this ship would've been useless against him. However, Master Dovak met with him secretly. You see, Magneto was creating an island country's called Genosha."
"That country was being built by mutants for mutants. At its current growth rate it would've been a matter of time before it would be officially recognized as a legitimate country by the rest of the world. It was also meant to be the target of dangerous robots known as Sentinels. The destruction of the Sentinel factory, the brutal death of those responsible, a quick fight to showcase power and Magneto agreed to be a subordinate in exchange for convincing as many mutants as possible to relocate to Genosha. At the end of the day Magneto cares more about mutant safety than being their leader."
Johnny responded asking, "If the boss can control people even if they're immune to mental manipulation, why negotiate with Magneto?" Tanya answered, "According to Master Dovak, to be considered a subordinate, it has to be a willing choice. Being tricked doesn't count and a full-blown fight could've cost him Genosha and its population."
Tanya continued, "Of course there was plenty of mental manipulation, like Doctor Doom. Master Dovak feigned partnership with promises of removing his biggest obstacles if he set certain events in motion. Doom didn't even realize that he was being manipulated. He played his role perfectly, not aware that his decisions weren't his own."
"Then there was the battles themselves. The Protoss hit Europe, focusing on the United Kingdom. A nice little distraction to keep anyone from assisting the United States. The Orks went to Wakanda to steal their deposit of Vibranium. Not a critical thing, but did serve as another distraction. After all, countries are reluctant to send aid when their own borders are threatened."
"Then we have the attacks on New York, DC, and The Xavier Manor. The Zerg hit all three as you are aware. You were a part of the New York siege which was led by Kerrigan. Zagara with Fault Zone and Wink attacked the capital. And Master Dovak led the attack on the X-Men."
"Some of the more powerful defenders were distracted and lured out of town. By the time they realized their home was in trouble it was to late. They couldn't organize a defense or an evacuation."
Johnny interrupted saying, "Speaking of New York, I had a question about some of my targets. Now I get having me ionizing the cell towers knocking out any cell and satellite phone. But what was with having me, Hazmat, and Brigade hunt down those mob bosses?"
Tanya answered, "Never underestimate a professional criminal willingness to defend their assets. There was a chance they could organize and prove to be a disruptive element."
Johnny thought about it for a moment thinking about his own criminal experience. The targets definitely had the pull and resources to unite and organize the local super villains. Then another question crossed his mind.
"What were Solara and Paragon doing during the attack?" He asked with genuine curiosity. Tanya answered, "They were generally providing support. Eliminating defenders who had superior positioning, destroying certain avenues of escape, and securing certain individuals on Master Dovak's list."
An image briefly displayed Solara hitting the Punisher's ammo supply causing a sizable explosion. Another flashed by showing Luke Cage being swarmed by Banelings. Johnny thought about the fight, and Tanya was right. The battle would've been insanely more difficult if the enemy had even a moment to prepare.