Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: DEVOTED (02/04/21)
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TITLE: Dedicated Dunds | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
02/11/21 -
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Upon arriving at the mayor’s office, Megawatt was ushered into a conference room filled with his team, the mayor, and a group of serious looking people in business suits. The mayor spoke first. “Thank you, Light Force, for attending this meeting of the council and our solicitors. I realize this is short notice, but the council has decided to address a problem head-on.”
Diamond, never one known for patience, interrupted, “What’s the problem, Your Honor?”
Megawatt moved in front of his friend and seconded the question. In response, the mayor motioned to one of the suited men. “Mr. McEleveroy represents the city’s legal team, and we need to solve the problem of the property damage when you all have a fight.”
Amazing Girl stood straight and demanded, “What about the supervillains? Who’s going to have them help ‘solve the problem of property damage’?”
Mr. McEleveroy responded for the mayor. “Young woman, we are dealing with what we can control. Naturally, we can’t control the supervillains, but we need to deal with the collateral damage from when you all battle. Just three weeks ago, Diamond broke the window at the First National Bank. They sued the city for the repair. While the city’s insurance covered the cost, we need to find a way to recoup the cost to the taxpayers. Surely you agree?”
Megawatt attempted to regain control of the conversation. “I presume you have a plan to ‘recoup’ the money the city has been paying out?”
McEleveroy nodded to the hero, thankful that he wasn’t being as confrontational as his teammates. “In fact, we do. We want to have you donate the profits made from Light Force merchandise to the city.”
Megawatt stared at the man in disbelief. “Sir, the proceeds from action figures, T-shirts and the like, already go to reputable charities. You want us to turn that money over to the city?”
The mayor responded enthusiastically, “Yes, we hoped you would. Think of the tax increase your families would have to pay if we are forced to raise taxes to cover the cost. While I’m sure you are donating to reputable charities, I urge you to think of the taxpayers…”
McEleveroy spoke again. “We’ve taken the liberty of contacting the retailers who sell Light Force branded products. None of them have an issue with switching from the charities you mentioned to putting the money in the city coffers. Now, my legal team has put together these contracts for you to sign, assigning the revenue to the city’s insurance fund.”
Megawatt asked an obvious question. “You don’t expect us to sign our real names?”
McEleveroy chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind, but I understand superheroes have issues with using your true identities. The companies we approached allowed you to sign your assumed names, and we would consider that acceptable.”
Diamond asked gruffly, “What if we don’t want to sign?”
McEleveroy shared a glance with the mayor and said quietly, “If necessary, we’ll sue you for the money. Unless any of you are independently wealthy, this is the best solution.”
Diamond glowered at the solicitor, but Megawatt reached for a pen on the mayor’s desk and said resignedly, “Where do I sign?”
With a look of triumph, the mayor fanned out the seven copies of the contract, one for each of them. Megawatt signed one copy, and motioned to his team to do the same. One by one the teen heroes reluctantly stepped forward, with Diamond waiting until the other six had signed the contracts. “Doing this against my better judgement,” he murmured as he signed the contract assigning the rights to any use of his image.
Blue Flame asked the mayor, “Sir, are you planning to inform the groups we support that you are appropriating their funding, or were you expecting us do that?”
The mayor beamed at the heroine. “I plan on informing them that your team was presented with an issue, and acted in accordance with your civic duties.”
As the teens left the office, Megawatt mused, “At least no one’s going to stop me from dedicating my time to help people, in or out of costume.”
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