Meanwhile...
"He's killed another one, Mr. Clark."
The voice was obviously disguised. The image on the vid-screen itself was that of a black silhouette, showing no discernable features. Nothing you could grab and say Hey, he's got long hair or Hey, his face is narrow. His transmissions had always been untraceable despite Clark's best efforts. And he preferred to be called Occam, which gave rise to a whole host of possible identities. Most likely all were red herrings.
"Are you listening, Mr. Clark?"
Clark shifted in the leather chair and stared at the screen, his eyes once more focusing on the shadow that was Occam. Behind him, piles of newly acquired equipment sat under plastic tarps, waiting to be used. A warehouse filled with expensive technology. "Yes, of course. I was merely thinking of... possibilities." Clark's own voice was strong and confident. A voice that had once held command. Everything else about him was forgettable however - blond hair cut unfashionably short, average looking nose, unassuming mouth. The clothes he wore were baggy and entirely bland. All of course, as his training demanded.
"That will be his fourth victim, of those that we are aware of. There is a high likelihood there are more. He must be... arrested." The voice paused. "Status on the project?"
Clark reclined in his chair and shook his head. "Not quite ready, but almost there. I've selected five that show the most promise. Five that seem to truly want a second chance. Something that the Ultimates would never give them. Look at how they're treating Pym. He's a pariah now. " Clark frowned. It was unfortunate that Pym could not be used. "Regardless, the team will be ready soon."
Occam said nothing at first, but the silhouette seemed to stare at Clark's impassive face. "Excellent. I'd like them to begin w-"
"No." Clark interrupted, his voice hard. "I won't either directly or indirectly have their missions dictated by you. We..." Clark pointed at Occam and himself. "... have an agreement. They don't. They will remain... pure."
A wry chuckle came from the vid-screen, and the shadow slowly nodded its head. "Very well then. I like that. And in return for the money and equipment I give you..? What do I receive?"
Clark answered without hesitation. "Exactly what you wanted... Redemption."
Occam was silent for a long moment that seemed to stretch into minutes.
"This is sufficient." With a beep the transmission ended.
With the vid-screen off the only illumination was moon light, filtered through the darkened windows. Clark's chair creaked as he leaned forward and opened a drawer in his desk. His hand dipped in and quickly found what he wanted. A rumpled duster hat and a mask that was vaguely skull-like, both white. He spoke to no one in particular, his voice sounding harsh and bitter.
"This time... Justice will be done."
