X-Factor Case File: The Triskelion Files - Log 9

[x-dominion.livejournal.com]

X-Factor sets up a sting to confirm they have found the leak.



His name was Paul Stoddard; a technician with four years at SHIELD under his belt. They had run down his information and found little to set him apart. He`d graduated from Marshall College as an electronic technician and was working for CGI when SHIELD hired him away. The only hiccup in his life more ordinary was a nasty little sports gambling habit tucked away on his laptop. Paul was an ardent basketball fan who didn't know nearly as much as he thought about it, based on a slew of failed wagers. The numbers weren`t anything that would get his legs broken, but he was still nearly ten grand down, a sizable sum for a moderately paid technician who also had a respectable level of student debt.

So the motive was simple. He wasn't an ideological leaker and driven by conscience to give the Bugle the pictures. He saw an opportunity to make some money and get ahead of his debts. The question was how shakeable was his loyalty? If he was an opportunist, this would not be the last time, and eventually he’d come into information that could cause harm.

They’d set an anonymous meeting at the back door of the Midtown Tap Room. It would look like he was just going to use the washroom, they’d told him. As he opened the door, the three of them were standing there, waiting.

Warren was oddly excited for this. The image inducer was easily the most amazing thing he'd ever been given. He'd thought he'd always have to do behind the scenes things, but not this time -- this time he was Ken Woods, average person extraordinaire. Giving Paul a brief nod, he debated extending his hand. Was Ken a handshaker? Nah. He was tough and cool. Aloof. Ken Woods, a man's man.

"Paul," he said in a questioning tone,as if he already didn't trust him. Warren wanted Paul to implicate himself so deeply, even the Pope couldn't save him.

"That's me. What do you want? I just came out here for a smoke."

***

The bugs had already been planted and the cameras set up long before Warren, Arthur and Lorna started to put on their disguises. Adrienne, wearing a baggy Speedy Courier jacket and hat appeared to snooze in the driver’s seat of the van. It neatly deflected suspicions as to why the van was there, with Kane, Bobbi and Jessica in the back.

Bobbi had been given control of the cameras while Jessica handled sound. It was vital that they got the information clearly; was Stoddard willing to turn over SHIELD info to a group he would know upfront had criminal ties? Or would he refuse, changing what they needed to do to shut the leak. Time would tell. Kane sipped coffee out of his paper cup as the back door opened.

“OK, we’re a go."

Bobbi readjusted one of the cameras, making sure it was set up at just the right angle to record precisely what they wanted it to record. After she was satisfied she quickly scanned the rest of her displays before giving Kane a thumbs up."Rolling just fine so far here."

Jessica pressed the headphones to her ears and quickly adjusted the sound dials in front of her. "I've begun recording. Let's nab this asshole." Jessica stated.

"And here he comes out of the back of the bar." Kane said, peering in. The three had closed with him, starting to talk. "Come on, kid. Say no and walk away." Kane muttered.

Hoping that the same thing would happen, Bobbi kept the cameras running and focused on the potential transaction just the same. She zoomed one of them in closer as they grouped up and turned to Jessica. "How's the audio coming in?"

"Perfect."

***

There was a loud noise as a blonde man in sunglasses stepped behind Paul and shut the bar door, but also placing himself so that Paul would have to go through either him or Ken to make an escape. Sunglasses was smiling, but oddly enough it seemed genuine. Eager.

"Paul," and the new man's tone was as soft as his smile, "Let's not play this game. You know perfectly well what we're here for. We have a proposition that should make all of us very happy. You like being happy, Paul? Right?"

Sunglasses nodded toward the woman who at not yet spoken. "Let's get down to business."

"Please, have a seat." Lorna gestured to one of the empty chairs nearby.

Warren watched with a bored look as Paul gingerly sat down. "I don't think we need to remind you that we all want this done as quickly as possible. Show us what you have and we'll figure out the offer.". He smiled, an almost predatory look to his face. "Money is of no concern."

"You wanted unedited fight footage, especially of the Hulk and the new Iron Man suit. I can get both, totally just under six minutes combined." Paul said. "How much do you think that's worth?"

"Ten grand," and Arthur wasn't even trying to be suave as he lowered his sunglasses enough to wink with the number. "Two up front and the rest upon delivery. We'll add another five to insure your silence, but Paul -- I say this because I like you, Paul -- we work for people you don't want to piss off. The five is a courtesy between friends."

Lorna set the briefcase on the table that held the two grand, "It is all here. Feel free to check if you like."

"What is it that you want the footage for?" He said, collecting the money.

Warren gave an indelicate snort. "Did you just grow a conscience? What does it matter what we want the footage for? All we need to know is that you'll deliver." He glanced at the money going into Paul's pockets.‎ "Or do you want to put that back on the table?"

"I-" Stoddard thought better of it and left without a further word.

***

"Sadly, that's all we needed. Good job everyone."