Black Hat (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
evilopportunityemployer) wrote2019-04-25 07:38 pm
evilopportunityemployer) wrote2019-04-25 07:38 pm
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[Don't mind the flames, Flug. He's simply disposing of trash.]
He can remember the event itself for all I care. But your face will be gone.
[There's no question that Virgil will not be released from his employ. No one is fired or let go from the Black Hat Organization. They are only terminated. And given the impossibility of that here in Ryslig....
At long last, Black Hat finally seems to notice his arms again. His lip curls into a irritated sneer - ruined. The shirt's ruined, no doubt. Huffing, he slides his hand out from under Flug's and makes his way back to the chair.]
Get to work, Flug.
[But the contract. The contract, of course. They will have to discuss that, won't they? Flug did not care for Virgil's hiring, impromptu as it was, and Black Hat won't tolerate his judgement being questioned.]
Doctor?
He can remember the event itself for all I care. But your face will be gone.
[There's no question that Virgil will not be released from his employ. No one is fired or let go from the Black Hat Organization. They are only terminated. And given the impossibility of that here in Ryslig....
At long last, Black Hat finally seems to notice his arms again. His lip curls into a irritated sneer - ruined. The shirt's ruined, no doubt. Huffing, he slides his hand out from under Flug's and makes his way back to the chair.]
Get to work, Flug.
[But the contract. The contract, of course. They will have to discuss that, won't they? Flug did not care for Virgil's hiring, impromptu as it was, and Black Hat won't tolerate his judgement being questioned.]
Doctor?
[Black Hat has a point, Virgil could recall the fight without dwelling on the moment prior. The memory soured as it was, he probably wouldn't even want to. It's a relief to see his master head back to the chair and issue that familiar order. Flug moves to resume unbuttoning the shirt just as he started, reaching for the clothe once more.]
"Yes, Sir?" [He can talk and work but Black Hat has his undivided attention regardless.]
"Yes, Sir?" [He can talk and work but Black Hat has his undivided attention regardless.]
Why do you disagree with my hiring Virgil Alexandrescu?
[He leans back in the chair, undoing his tie as he speaks. If Flug has a problem, Black Hat needs to hear it, and then quash it so that the organization has a united front.]
[He leans back in the chair, undoing his tie as he speaks. If Flug has a problem, Black Hat needs to hear it, and then quash it so that the organization has a united front.]
"He just." [Flug struggles with the urge to both write it off and find the right words.]
"Doesn't.. strike me as... Organization material." [That's not a sufficient answer though. Lying to smoothe over Black Hat's ego won't help, not at this stage of things. Flug really will have to treat this like a proper report.]
"He hasn't had any formal schooling."
[He didn't dedicate his LIFE to getting YOUR attention. He didn't put in the work!]
"Seems to even be treating the idea like I'M his boss."
[As if he, FLUG, needed help! They don't even have as many customers here! His unbuttoning starts to turn slightly more frantic.]
"If just anyone c-can waltz up and get hired..." [Then does Flug's position really have the prestige he brags it does? His job that encompassed his entire identity and self worth? Did being the only human to last the longest in Black Hat's household hold any weight at all?]
"What will he even do."
"Doesn't.. strike me as... Organization material." [That's not a sufficient answer though. Lying to smoothe over Black Hat's ego won't help, not at this stage of things. Flug really will have to treat this like a proper report.]
"He hasn't had any formal schooling."
[He didn't dedicate his LIFE to getting YOUR attention. He didn't put in the work!]
"Seems to even be treating the idea like I'M his boss."
[As if he, FLUG, needed help! They don't even have as many customers here! His unbuttoning starts to turn slightly more frantic.]
"If just anyone c-can waltz up and get hired..." [Then does Flug's position really have the prestige he brags it does? His job that encompassed his entire identity and self worth? Did being the only human to last the longest in Black Hat's household hold any weight at all?]
"What will he even do."
[Black Hat listens to it all, not once interrupting. Indeed, his only action is to help the unbuttoning process, reaching behind himself to undo the buttons beneath his wings that hold his shirt in place there. Once Flug finishes, Black Hat is silent a bit longer. And then:]
You're right.
[Because Flug is. Under normal circumstances, Virgil would never have been hired on.]
He's not worthy of it. But I had no choice. Kill him, he'll just spring back right as rain with the fog, able to blabber whatever he wants.
[Black Hat shucks off his vest.]
So. I'm binding him. A short leash, one he clearly doesn't object to. One he'll lose if he steps out of line. Not for long, though. If he does that, I'll put it back on again once we are free - and it will be a noose.
[He growls it out - it's clear Black Hat is not anywhere near pleased with the situation.]
For now, he'll be your drudge. Do what you want with him.
You're right.
[Because Flug is. Under normal circumstances, Virgil would never have been hired on.]
He's not worthy of it. But I had no choice. Kill him, he'll just spring back right as rain with the fog, able to blabber whatever he wants.
[Black Hat shucks off his vest.]
So. I'm binding him. A short leash, one he clearly doesn't object to. One he'll lose if he steps out of line. Not for long, though. If he does that, I'll put it back on again once we are free - and it will be a noose.
[He growls it out - it's clear Black Hat is not anywhere near pleased with the situation.]
For now, he'll be your drudge. Do what you want with him.
Edited 2021-05-17 04:53 (UTC)
"I am?" [If Flug had a nickel for the amount of times he heard that so plainly. It does abate the doctor's frustrations, at least a little, it isn't often Black Hat would be so considerate of him expressing such doubts. This felt less like an scolding and more of an actual conversation.
With those final clasps undone, the shirt is removed and they can begin. Wet clothe meets the first wound to flush out any debris.]
"I have no use for a drudge." [More to the point, Flug loathed anyone getting in the way and touching his experiments, costing him valuable progress. The man wasn't a hatbot. Flug can't trust a botanist mechanic with no training to handle his equipment, moreover make someone who didn't necesarrily want to be hired respect the authority of a position they did nothing to achieve. Anything involving coding was out, nothing with complex formulas, think, think, what use could Virgil provide?]
"I'll set him to errands. Research gathering." [Though Flug will admit he sometimes enjoyed going out on those for some fresh air; mores the pity.]
"Keep to his current projects. See what merit can be found in them." [Drain the fluid, clean water, rinse and repeat.]
With those final clasps undone, the shirt is removed and they can begin. Wet clothe meets the first wound to flush out any debris.]
"I have no use for a drudge." [More to the point, Flug loathed anyone getting in the way and touching his experiments, costing him valuable progress. The man wasn't a hatbot. Flug can't trust a botanist mechanic with no training to handle his equipment, moreover make someone who didn't necesarrily want to be hired respect the authority of a position they did nothing to achieve. Anything involving coding was out, nothing with complex formulas, think, think, what use could Virgil provide?]
"I'll set him to errands. Research gathering." [Though Flug will admit he sometimes enjoyed going out on those for some fresh air; mores the pity.]
"Keep to his current projects. See what merit can be found in them." [Drain the fluid, clean water, rinse and repeat.]
[A single affirming nod. Black Hat's not going to deny the truth of the matter solely to beat down Flug's ego; that would be counterproductive. He's still displeased over the exposed face matter, but for now his temper has cooled.]
You'll figure something out. [Both a command and a commentary; of course Flug will. It's not something Black Hat need concern himself with unless Flug spectacularly fails - or Virgil refuses to take orders from the arachne. In the latter case, well, Black Hat will straighten matters out.
He digs his claws into the chair arms, hissing at the flushing. It's not painful, per say, not compared to other times he's been injured, but it's a strange sensation nonetheless. And usually the punctures aren't in his arms.]
We'll also take advantage of his unique monster properties. [He taps his free hand on the armrest.] Remember that, Flug, I'll put that in his contract so he can't weasel out of it.
You'll figure something out. [Both a command and a commentary; of course Flug will. It's not something Black Hat need concern himself with unless Flug spectacularly fails - or Virgil refuses to take orders from the arachne. In the latter case, well, Black Hat will straighten matters out.
He digs his claws into the chair arms, hissing at the flushing. It's not painful, per say, not compared to other times he's been injured, but it's a strange sensation nonetheless. And usually the punctures aren't in his arms.]
We'll also take advantage of his unique monster properties. [He taps his free hand on the armrest.] Remember that, Flug, I'll put that in his contract so he can't weasel out of it.
Hello, Lord Black Hat. We spoke on the network several days ago. I was interested in possibly meeting you in person. How comfortable are you with the idea of aiding a hero with his own personal goals?
Not that much, I am sure.
How about if I tell you that I terminated 34 supers on my little island?
:)
Not that much, I am sure.
How about if I tell you that I terminated 34 supers on my little island?
:)
Syndrome, yes? You would be correct in that. I don’t help heroes. But you’ve thrown me an interesting twist.
What drives a hero to kill his fellows, I wonder?
What drives a hero to kill his fellows, I wonder?
Oh, a myriad of things, but in my case, it was disillusionment involving a specific incident and one specific hero. An incident that I’d be more than happy to tell you about over a drink or two as we talk about what it is that we can provide for each other.
Let me put it this way: I dedicated many years of my life on a personal project that was going to change the way the world viewed heroes. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful due to a few mistakes and someone who I thought I could trust turning their back on me.
Like I said though, my story is one that I would prefer to share face to face. Don’t worry — I am quite handsome if that is a concern of yours.
Let me put it this way: I dedicated many years of my life on a personal project that was going to change the way the world viewed heroes. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful due to a few mistakes and someone who I thought I could trust turning their back on me.
Like I said though, my story is one that I would prefer to share face to face. Don’t worry — I am quite handsome if that is a concern of yours.
Virgil considers himself, well, on fine terms with Black Hat. At least he worked hard and hadn't gotten himself killed.
What he has now, though, is something he's sure Black Hat will like.
Virgil strolls into the lab and right up to the demon, two hands tucked into his pockets. Shockingly confident. "Boss, I've got something you're going to want to see."
Presumably Black Hat wouldn't want him to beat around the bush. "I inherited a few things from Majima when he disappeared. One seems to be a barn containing artifacts of the vessel from Mr. Evangelisti's portal."
What he has now, though, is something he's sure Black Hat will like.
Virgil strolls into the lab and right up to the demon, two hands tucked into his pockets. Shockingly confident. "Boss, I've got something you're going to want to see."
Presumably Black Hat wouldn't want him to beat around the bush. "I inherited a few things from Majima when he disappeared. One seems to be a barn containing artifacts of the vessel from Mr. Evangelisti's portal."
It's always painful to discover how flawed and human they are, isn't it? You'll have no such disappointment with me, I assure you.
Consider my interest thoroughly captured, Syndrome. We will have to meet in person - I will gladly let you unload your hero troubles upon me. And perhaps more, if I take a liking to you. I daresay I cut a striking figure myself, after all!
Consider my interest thoroughly captured, Syndrome. We will have to meet in person - I will gladly let you unload your hero troubles upon me. And perhaps more, if I take a liking to you. I daresay I cut a striking figure myself, after all!
That level of confidence normally would earn him a berating; no one tells Black Hat what he's going to want to see or not. Black Hat's attention snaps up from the vial of liquid he was rolling between his fingers, pondering whether or not a simple taste of it would cost him dearly. Some habits die hard, and the 'sipping whatever concoction Flug's whipped up for fun' habit is one he misses dearly.
He's ready to snap at Virgil for the intrusion on what is shaping up to be a moment of the time-honored tradition of villain brooding, but the faerie judges correctly. Beating around the bush is not something Black Hat wants!
The vial is set down almost immediately and Black Hat is turned to face Virgil in a flash, his eye boring into the other man.
"'Seems' or 'is'?"
It's an important distinction; Black Hat already acquired a pair of pieces from the vessel, but to have more.... He leans forward, gaze intent. "Did you bring them?"
He's ready to snap at Virgil for the intrusion on what is shaping up to be a moment of the time-honored tradition of villain brooding, but the faerie judges correctly. Beating around the bush is not something Black Hat wants!
The vial is set down almost immediately and Black Hat is turned to face Virgil in a flash, his eye boring into the other man.
"'Seems' or 'is'?"
It's an important distinction; Black Hat already acquired a pair of pieces from the vessel, but to have more.... He leans forward, gaze intent. "Did you bring them?"
Perhaps more, you say? Well you have me intrigued with just how exactly more you mean. :) I have been told that I am a charmer before, but I will let you decide that!
But it was, yes. Still, it taught me an important lesson that I carry with me to this day and one that I will never forget. And something extraordinarily valuable about Supers — they always have weaknesses, no matter how super they are.
Message me whenever it works best for you. I am sure you are a busy person so no need for it to be soon, and don’t worry about my schedule; I will gladly accommodate you and Dr. Flug. ;)
But it was, yes. Still, it taught me an important lesson that I carry with me to this day and one that I will never forget. And something extraordinarily valuable about Supers — they always have weaknesses, no matter how super they are.
Message me whenever it works best for you. I am sure you are a busy person so no need for it to be soon, and don’t worry about my schedule; I will gladly accommodate you and Dr. Flug. ;)
Virgil seems to have a vested disinterest in his safety these days, anyhow. Aside from his time with Fizzlebean and that seems- well, different.
He pauses slightly, digging into his shoulder bag to present one of the pieces.
"I believe it's the real thing, but I know I should let Dr. Flug and Professor Lottablog make the judgement call and aid in moving the pieces without risk of destroying them."
It was, though, the real thing.
He pauses slightly, digging into his shoulder bag to present one of the pieces.
"I believe it's the real thing, but I know I should let Dr. Flug and Professor Lottablog make the judgement call and aid in moving the pieces without risk of destroying them."
It was, though, the real thing.
The corner of Black Hat's mouth pulls up to expose teeth - he doesn't like it much that Virgil has begun developing a certain... lack of fear towards him. But no matter - that's not important at the moment.
Black Hat's eye goes wide when Virgil pulls out the fragment, and the faerie barely finishes speaking before the demon snatches the stone piece out of his hand. Holding it in his claws, Black Hat looks it over, noting the similarities to the two pieces he's already gotten off of Marco. In fact, he's going to want to compare them right away.
"Don't move," he orders briskly, vanishing in a burst of flame. A few moments later he returns, one hand clutching the piece, the other holding a small bag. He strides over to a counter and sets both down.
Black Hat's eye goes wide when Virgil pulls out the fragment, and the faerie barely finishes speaking before the demon snatches the stone piece out of his hand. Holding it in his claws, Black Hat looks it over, noting the similarities to the two pieces he's already gotten off of Marco. In fact, he's going to want to compare them right away.
"Don't move," he orders briskly, vanishing in a burst of flame. A few moments later he returns, one hand clutching the piece, the other holding a small bag. He strides over to a counter and sets both down.
"Uh, yes sir-"
He freezes, letting Black Hat take the shard and run off. He is a little proud of himself, waiting patiently, one claw tapping against the floor a little nervously.
He watches the two pieces go down beside each other, leaning in a little to watch the comparison.
He freezes, letting Black Hat take the shard and run off. He is a little proud of himself, waiting patiently, one claw tapping against the floor a little nervously.
He watches the two pieces go down beside each other, leaning in a little to watch the comparison.
You actually did seem bored and I'm not going to play favorites with you and AM.
Would you like a treat?
Also--- a distraction?
Also I'm experimenting with cake modling. Want to eat a savory cake that looks like a baby? I forgot to check if Margaret is still "here", but the urge to send her a Baby Jesus cake effigy anonymously strikes me as a great plan. :)
Would you like a treat?
Also--- a distraction?
Also I'm experimenting with cake modling. Want to eat a savory cake that looks like a baby? I forgot to check if Margaret is still "here", but the urge to send her a Baby Jesus cake effigy anonymously strikes me as a great plan. :)
I'm never bored.
[Lying!]
You've already offered AM the baby cake. I'll take a puppy one instead. Make it adorable and add some nice crunch to it.
Hah! I'd fund that. Haven't seen her about the network lately, thumping her bible and telling us we're all sinners or what have you. Pity; she's a fun one.
[Lying!]
You've already offered AM the baby cake. I'll take a puppy one instead. Make it adorable and add some nice crunch to it.
Hah! I'd fund that. Haven't seen her about the network lately, thumping her bible and telling us we're all sinners or what have you. Pity; she's a fun one.
Ho ho ho! Merry freaking Christmas!
Your Secret Santa recipient this year is Sonic ("BlueBlur69" on the network). Please buy, make, or otherwise procure him a nice gift before December 26! You can give this directly, or label it clearly and drop it off at Crowe Clinic C/O Hawkeye Pierce.
Remember: Saint Nick is watching, and he knows where you live!
Happy Holidays, etcetera, and so forth,
Santa Claus
Your Secret Santa recipient this year is Sonic ("BlueBlur69" on the network). Please buy, make, or otherwise procure him a nice gift before December 26! You can give this directly, or label it clearly and drop it off at Crowe Clinic C/O Hawkeye Pierce.
Remember: Saint Nick is watching, and he knows where you live!
Happy Holidays, etcetera, and so forth,
Santa Claus
[There's many things Black Hat doesn't expect to receive as a message, but this? This possibly tops them all. He'd seen the so-called 'Secret Santa' posts on the network and summarily ignored them. Even if 'Santa Claus' doesn't reply, Black Hat is going to give his two cents in response.]
What the hell is this?
What the hell is this?
Your Secret Santa assignation.
Surprise!
Surprise!
On Christmas Virgil will turn in what feels like an obligatory gift to his boss; a new pair of black suspenders with red accents.
[Black Hat gets a huge, but weirdly light, package for his Secret Santa. It's wrapped in black wrapping paper, tied in a dark gray ribbon. If Black Hat dares to open it, however, he will be immediately assaulted by extremely bright and cheery colors. It seems like his Secret Santa got him an overly fluffy Nattensfest sweater with the phrase "Resting Scrinch Face" stitched on it.
Under it is a single of the hit song "I Got You Babe" and a note.]
Dear Black Hat,
I thought you'd like some joy brought into your life to help warm that dark, black heart of yours <3 You may not know who I am, but I've chatted with you enough to know that you need some real joy in your life, and I am more than happy to give it to you.
No need to thank me, seeing your bright smile is all I need.
Love,
Your secret santa :)
Under it is a single of the hit song "I Got You Babe" and a note.]
Dear Black Hat,
I thought you'd like some joy brought into your life to help warm that dark, black heart of yours <3 You may not know who I am, but I've chatted with you enough to know that you need some real joy in your life, and I am more than happy to give it to you.
No need to thank me, seeing your bright smile is all I need.
Love,
Your secret santa :)
[As threatened and promised in equal measure.
Spider-Man sends Blackhat a hand-drawn digital rendition of this meme]
;)
Spider-Man sends Blackhat a hand-drawn digital rendition of this meme]
;)
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