Achilles woke up that morning and took a moment to remember where he was. He still wasn't used to living at Legion headquarters - their own special secret base! Each time he remembered, he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. Yesterday's meeting had gone quite well, and he'd sent an email to their benefactor shortly after.
The email had included a summary of the meeting, along with Lightning's insistence that they know more about their benefactor and the fact that Prime would be joining as a full member. He'd also sent the patrol schedule they'd come up with and the date and time of their next meeting.
He hoped their patron had responded.
In the meantime, Achilles showered and headed to the kitchen to cook some breakfast. Light Master was already there, in a pair of rocket pajama pants and a white T-shirt.
"Hey, Achilles." Light Master finished putting jam on his toast and hopped up on the counter to start eating it.
"Hello, Light Master. Did you just get up?"
"Not too long ago. Checked the security cameras. Everything's clear."
"Excellent. Did you notice any emails?"
"There was one, but I figured I'd let you check it."
"Perfect. I didn't know if I should hope for a reply so soon, but I'm glad it's here."
"So that's on yesterday's meeting and stuff?"
"Most likely. I can't think of who else would email us."
"Sweet. So, um..." Light Master looked away anxiously as he munched on his toast.
"What is it?"
"What do I do when I'm not patrolling? Do I just...sit here?"
"Hm." Achilles leaned against the counter and put a hand to his chin. What indeed would Legion members do when they weren't working? A few breaks would be great, but keeping everyone cooped up in the base all the time would be no good.
On the other hand, Light Master was in a precarious position. If the military found him, or someone called them to let them know where he was, he'd be sent right back to his parents, which would temporarily remove him from Legion activities. How to best protect Light Master?
"What do you think?" he asked carefully, looking Light Master up and down.
"At least during school hours I should probably stay here I think," he replied. "It'll be easier to blend in when other kids are around. I'd like to still go places and meet up with my friends, but I have to be careful. That stupid military wants to lock me up. In the meantime I guess I can do behind the scenes work for the Legion maybe? Anything you need done? Like recruitment ads or accounting? I can probably do that stuff."
Achilles nodded. "Sounds like a plan. I'll speak to our patron about seeing if we can find some steady work for you to do during your downtime."
Light Master grinned and did a fist pump. "I can't wait."
Achilles smiled and finished his cereal, then put the dishes in the dishwasher. Light Master did the same.
"So Achilles, you gonna check that email now?"
"I believe so. Want to come?"
"Yes!"
They headed up to the computer room, where an email was, sure enough, waiting to be opened.
To: achilleslegionhq
From: legionbenefactor
Subject: Re:July 10 Meeting
Message Body:
Thank you for the update, Achilles.
It makes sense, unfortunately, that Lightning would be suspicious of me and my intentions. Public opinion of the Legion is quite volatile. I would, however, like to change that. By outfitting you properly, and working to control public perception, we can improve your standing until the Legion becomes what it is meant to be - the defenders of the people.
I suppose the naysayers don't realize just how much of a threat Paris and his Phalanx - and Phantasma and those like her - are. Without your protection, people could die. I sincerely want to avoid that outcome. And so as a show of good faith, I will tell you my name.
My name is Benjamin Farley. You can call me Ben. I'm a wealthy investor, though few know about me since I prefer to remain behind the scenes. Anonymity is important to me, as I'm sure you in the Legion understand.
In other news, I'm glad to hear Prime will be joining as a full member. Let me know if he needs any accommodations. I hope your Legion continues to grow. It's too bad about Lightning and Jumper at the moment, but I understand their decisions. We will continue on as we are, and hopefully in the future they will grow to trust me.
Thank you very much for the patrol schedule. Would you mind if I posted it on your website or is this considered secret info?
And speaking of the website, I've added a section for new recruits to apply. Applications will be sent to you, and you can send them a time and place to meet so you and one or two other Legion members can evaluate their Miracle and make sure they are trustworthy. This should help prevent another false member incident. The new recruit can then be added to the Legion's systems and given a room if need be. Again, let me know if you ever need more space and I will arrange it.
I look forward to your next update.
Sincerely,
Ben
Achilles stared at the screen, trying to fight the grin spreading across his face. Light Master, on the other hand, had no such hesitation.
"Sweet! We get a website? And new applicants! This is so cool. Ben, I love you." He bounced around the room for a bit before Achilles couldn't help but join in.
"This keeps getting better and better! I wonder what kind of new members we'll get?"
"Maybe someone with a Miracle that lets them fly!"
"Or super strength!"
"Or crazy martial arts skills!"
"Or invisibility!"
The possibilities seemed endless as he and Light Master brainstormed. Sound waves, electricity, wind blasts, icicles...there were so many potential Miracles! So many things they could integrate into their tactics.
All they had to do was wait for the ad and the website to work their magic.
Achilles' Legion is looking for YOU!
Got a Miracle? Want to use it to defend those who don't?
Apply here! We're looking for new members who know that Miracles are meant to serve and protect. If you feel that you're missing a greater purpose, join us! There is no greater joy than in using your Miracle the way it was meant to be used.
Achilles will meet you to interview you and consider your application. Real name not needed. Uniforms can be provided.
