Crossing Lines
Title: Crossing Lines
Authors: naiveprophet and guiltycross
'Verse: The Effect
Rating: slash - mild
Pairing: Adrian/Alex
Notes: These characters are original creations of Ali and Azy. Alexander Hunt belongs to Ali (naiveprophet) and Adrian Bancroft belongs to Azy (guiltycross). These men were created for the use of role play on an X-Men rp community. That makes them both mutants. A brief background on the characters: Adrian Bancroft is a mutant who commands muscular control over others. He also owns his own large corporation, which has a small branch dedicated to the exploitation of the mutant community called the Underground. Alex Hunt is a psychometrist capable of reading the past, present, or future through tactile touch; he is Mr. Bancroft's personal assistant and accountant.
And this is our Man of Letters entry. ^^
A man. Receding hairline, thick glasses, weak chin. At Alex's computer. Frown puckering between his eyebrows. Checking files. Glaring up at him.
Alex's fingers jerked off of his keyboard. He stared at the computer screen for several long moments. Then his hand carefully moved to the mouse, clicking open his email account.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 12:15 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Accounts
Mr. Bancroft:
An auditor is coming to review our accounts. I saw it just now. I'm uncertain as to how soon it will take place, but I don't want to take chances. This should be dealt with immediately.
While my accounting records are certainly accurate, and we have our safety net, I got the feeling that this auditor will snoop too far, and find missing pieces of the puzzle. How do you expect me to explain the profit from a 'military research' program whose buyers are all fake companies under your name?
I cannot destroy any documents, it's almost guaranteed that we'd be caught, and I'd rather not find ourselves accused of corporate fraud. I need something to hold up our claims.
If you could cut your conference short, I think that this matter is one that you should involve yourself in.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 05:07 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
No hello? No "Hello boss, I'm sorry to report that there's nothing of interest occurring here? I'm about to quit out of boredom?"
I'm disappointed.
But an auditor? So soon? Well now, we should just pack up and leave the country. Oh wait, I’ve already managed that. Best jump on a plane before the company comes crashing down around us.
If there really is an impending audit, I suggest you deal with it immediately. This is not the first time an auditor has come to evaluate Prism Corp, and it certainly won’t be the last. You will do whatever is necessary to prevent this audit, but since you think that it will happen anyway, fill in the gaps.
I don’t expect you to explain anything about Prism’s highly successful military research program. I didn’t set up the Underground without a cover story. That would have been stupid. However, I do feel that the framework isn’t solid enough to withstand a thorough inspection. My name shouldn’t be on all of the accounts linked to the buyer companies, though their paperwork could be expanded. The worst thing about fraud is the unfortunate paper trail. It just has to be elaborate enough to seem real.
However, if you feel like over doing it, have fun. Just keep it simple.
I will not be returning, either. I’m finally out of the country; I’m not cutting the conference short just to coddle you through your worries. Do the work, and we’ll pass the audit.
Besides, I doubt that they would show up in the next week. That would just be rude.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 6:43 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
You're positively witty when you're out of the country, a safe distance away from the noose.
I'm fully aware of the framework we've built around the Underground, but in my vision, I don't believe it was sufficient. Therefore, I will detail the paperwork and clean up the trails as you have suggested. I'm sure that I can manage, but it will take me some time. Let's hope that they're courteous and don't show up in the next week.
However, if this auditor does indeed show up, I would expect you to be here. This is, after all, your company on the line. I don't know what the penalty is for running an illegal organization, but I'm sure it's hefty. I'll look it up.
I don't need coddling, but your company may. In any case, you are much better at lying than I am. My left eye twitches when I'm lying, it's quite obvious.
Of course, it's only a recommendation from your humble accountant.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 9:43 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
Alex, I’m always witty. Just because the wit is often at your expense does not mean you can’t lighten up and enjoy it. Schedule yourself some sex for the first time this decade and relax.
Buy yourself time, if necessary. If they refuse to be courteous, delay them. And if they won’t delay on my account, have them shot. Don’t forget to be polite about it.
Convincing me to return ahead of schedule is futile. I happen to be enjoying myself, and Italy is treating me very well. So unless they’re banging down the door with torches, accusing the company of the holocaust, I’m staying put.
So if my company requires coddling, you will be the one to coddle them. I’m a CEO and a President, not a professional babysitter.
And I won’t dispute your horrid lying skills. You should work on those. A little Botox should take care of the twitch.
My humble accountant needs to learn that his arrogant boss likes to get laid once and while.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 7:03 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
I'm afraid I'm too busy pulling all-nighters to schedule some sex. And anyway, my sex life should be none of your concern.
It's frightening when I can't tell whether or not you're joking about shooting the auditor.
I suppose it's pointless to remind you that your company could very well be on the line here, and even more pointless to request that you stop thinking with your dick.
After all, you can get laid just as easily in New York.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 10:26 AM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: I'm Curious
Can’t you work and have sex at the same time? I thought you were a skilled multitasker. I am again disappointed. While your thrilling sex life shouldn’t be any of my concern, when someone I work closely with has a stick too firmly up his ass, I am compelled to suggest such things for my own sake.
It’s amusing that you’re frightened. I don’t typically shoot people. I find that stopping their heart or preventing them from breathing for a minute or so is much more satisfying and influential.
While I can get laid just as easily in New York, it’s never a matter of location. It’s a matter of who I’m fucking. But your job doesn’t include requesting me to stop thinking with my dick. I’m at a conference. Thinking with my dick is the only way I can communicate with these people.
Oh no. My company is at stake. Whatever shall I do?
Bail.
That's a joke, Alex.
Instead, I shall ‘ask’ my humble employee to start working. While you’re playing Mr. Fix-It with the paperwork, check the files. Our yearly audit isn’t for three months. I want to know why we would be having one so soon. What, exactly, did your vision entail?
A. Bancroft.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 1:35 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Simple Answers
My visions are never very long, and rarely cohesive. You know this. The vision that I had showed me a man, the auditor, at my desk, searching through our accounts. He was frowning, something was wrong.
I have checked over some of our files, and I'm a little concerned that they may have been accessed by a third party. If these records were accessed by someone other than you or I, it could easily explain the urgency of this audit. I am currently doing an employee search to find those employees with experience in hacking. If I can narrow it down and find whichever employee (possibly) accessed our files, I may be able to prevent the audit from happening at all.
And then you won't have to leave the beds of Italy to return to the dismal prospects of New York.
It may all be wishful thinking though.
Alexander Hunt
Seating himself carelessly at the hotel’s desk in his penthouse, fresh from a shower, Adrian turned to his laptop, intent on checking his email. He spent the time that the machine took loading fussing with his wet hair, hoping that Alex had turned up something of use.
Conferences were all the same: long, boring days dealing with arrogant old men in suits followed by boring dinners with arrogant old men in suits. Nights, however, were a different story. They were the reason he actually attended these things himself. They were also the reason why Adrian hoped that his accountant was handling things.
With a long, bare leg hoisted onto the desk, his short silk robe hanging uselessly around his thighs, baring just about everything, he linked up to his company email. Every other email marked as important was ignored as he skimmed the inbox for Alex’s name.
The email spawned a surly frown.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 5:46 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Asinine
A third party? That’s preposterous. If our systems are that easy to access, then I need hire a better computer programmer. Or fire the idiot who thinks he’s a hero.
I don’t want to take chances. No one fucks with my company but me. If your search turns up anyone, suspend them immediately. If they ask why, make up an excuse. If you can’t come up with an excuse, say that they can talk to me when I return.
If we can prevent the audit, all the better, but don’t rely on that. Continue to reinforce the safety net, and don’t fire anyone. I want that pleasure.
Just narrow it down as best you can. I don’t care if it’s one or five. I don’t pay people to take down my company.
Bancroft.
Pulling off his glasses, Alex rubbed his eyes and turned away from the glare of the computer screen. Mr. Bancroft's latest email had aided Alex somewhat. Giving him permission to suspend some of the employees had dialed in on the one person he was looking for. He had handed a female intern her suspension notice, when he had been shocked by a sudden vision.
Sylvia. At her computer. Copying data on a thumb drive.
He had located the thumb drive, wiped the data, followed by her hard drive, claiming it had been infected by a virus. His left eye had twitched.
Man with a receding hairline. Checking files. Shaking hands with Alex. Leaving.
Despite the vision that assured him all would go well, Alex knew he couldn't leave any holes. He continued to fill in their paper work.
Pausing, he turned to type Mr. Bancroft a quick email.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Sat 4/29/2006 12:12 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: You can thank me later
It was an intern, I'm afraid. A computer programmer of some sort, Sylvia Pate. I suspended her, wiped her data clean, and I've had a vision. The audit goes well. I am still, of course, finishing up the paper work to provide solid evidence that the Underground is legitimate.
I had better get a bonus for this.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Sat 4/29/2006 7:23 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Oh, I will.
So it was someone who fancied themselves a hero. The screening process for damn interns requires an update. You can get that started after I return. I want to prevent this from happening again.
Since you’ve already wiped her hard drive, I suggest you replace it entirely and take a magnet to the old one. We still use PCs because people make mistakes, so the information will still be floating around inside of it. Efficiency must take an unfortunate backseat to idiocy.
Just get rid of it.
Beyond that, good work. Getting rid of a perfectly profitable enterprise merely because it’s not morally sound would be a shame.
Oh, and as for that bonus - Don’t worry, you’ll get one.
A. Bancroft
Alex slipped into the large, glass-covered building Sunday morning, carrying a cup of tea with him as he moved into Mr. Bancroft's office briefly to grab a file. He was determined to finish this work up in the next week, it was taking a heavy toll on his sleeping patterns.
His fingers brushed over the file folder he'd been retrieving.
Mr. Bancroft. Bare flesh. Dark hair.
The jolt that accompanied the vision caused the file folder to fall out of his hands and his tea to splash down his front. He scowled deeply, annoyed by the incident and by what he had seen. His employer having sex with some stranger--it didn't exactly scream urgency to him.
With a sigh, he picked up the file again and carried it to his office, where he had a very handy Tide pen in his desk to clean up the tea stain on his shirt. He was nothing if he wasn't immaculate.
He checked his email, sipping his tea, and spilling it down his front again when he re-read the last line.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Sun 4/30/2006 8:48 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Glad to hear it
I'll admit I didn't know about the magnets, I'll go do that immediately after I hit 'send'. As for the intern, can't we just get rid of the internship program entirely? It's annoying playing teacher to fresh-out-of-college brats.
I'm glad to hear that my hard work is finally earning some sort of recognition in your eyes. I was beginning to feel demoted to fortune teller. You know I could very well play the hero too, use my ability to do good. Save babies from burning buildings, that sort of thing.
Instead I aid a man in keeping a business that isn't 'morally sound' from being run into the ground. You do have a way with people.
Alexander Hunt
Adrian’s laughter sounded throughout the penthouse as he reread the last few lines of Alex’s email. Saving babies from burning buildings? Please. Like that man would risk getting his clothes dirty, let alone have the balls to run into anything that was on fire.
He spent a few moments contemplating his answer, picking out a cashmere sweater for the evening as he did so. When he finally sat down to respond, he couldn’t keep a smirk off of his lips.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Sun 4/30/2006 8:17 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: New Aspirations?
While I like your line of thinking, we make a profit from having interns. They’re part time employees and we only have to pay half their wages. And we don’t have to pay them benefits or vacation with pay. So while I’d rather not do away with them, we can restrict them to lower levels where they won’t have access to that kind of knowledge -- dead end jobs in unimportant sectors of the company.
I like the sound of that.
You were fresh out of college once too, Alex. How did you expect to gain experience? Besides, some of these interns are more than willing to please me. I rather enjoy that sort of attitude.
Saving babies from burning buildings? How wonderfully benevolent of you, Alex. I didn’t know that you were so virtuous.
I’d love to see you in tights, but I doubt you’re cut out to be an X-Man. Stick to accounting, you’re good at that. If you would like, I could always introduce spandex into the company dress code. I think yellow would be your color. I wouldn’t want to hinder your heroic aspirations in any way.
I should foster a can-do attitude in the workplace. It should build on my "way with people".
And you can't tell me you don't enjoy the work you do. Would you rather be working in a boring firm with old men bitching at you? I thought not.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Mon 4/30/2006 9:02 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Reconsider the spandex
That really is the way to go. When I interned, it was definitely a dead end job in an unimportant sector of the company, until I proved that I was smarter than the men running the company. Then they fired me. Which, as I understand it, is the way of the corporate world.
Being an intern to you would have been an... interesting experience.
I am quite virtuous, you just never noticed.
As for the spandex, I'd ask you to reconsider. I have a feeling you would derive more pleasure out of it than I would.
Well if I do have one thing to say, it's that your company is certainly never boring. And I suppose having a young man bitching at me is better than old men, though you are getting up there in age. Aren't you nearing thirty? Pretty soon the grey hair and wrinkles will appear.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Mon 4/30/2006 4:54 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Smartass
The purpose of an intern job is to gain experience. Which you did. And then somewhere down the road I hired you. Jobs are fascinating that way.
Some people still have figured the intelligence thing out. Unfortunately, I still fire employees for being too stupid. I’m the abusive, intelligent employer; everyone else is a submissive sheep of an employee. All is right in the corporate world.
Being my intern: It is. It's a pity you never had the opportunity.
I’ll still bring the spandex up at the next board meeting, just to plague the idiots there with images of Mr. Geoffery in such attire. It’s a rather scary thought. I can’t fire people for being unattractive though. Apparently that goes against a person’s rights to a job.
Thirty two is not old. Do I look like those disgusting nearly bald twats who squeeze themselves into a suit every morning? I think not. I really have no idea what you’re talking about though. I’ll be young and beautiful forever.
Bancroft.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Tue 5/1/2006 8:22 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Yes Man
I'm not entirely sure that everyone can fit into the category of 'submissive sheep'. Do I seem like a yes man to you? Another nodding head?
Mr. Geoffery in spandex. Now my breakfast is ruined.
Well, considering that I didn't even realize you were past thirty... I suppose you will be young and beautiful forever.
I will see you tomorrow, sir.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Tue 5/1/2006 4:17 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Brilliant
If I took the time to give everyone a proper, politically correct label I would be defeating the purpose of my analogy. Besides, it’s amusing to consider you another yes man. You could put that nodding head of yours to good use.
See? Brilliant.
Tomorrow it is. I’m looking forward to it.
A. Bancroft
When Adrian arrived at the office early Wednesday morning, it was as if he'd never left. His secretary passed him a stack of memos and his morning tea as he slid into his office. Once in the privacy of the lushly furnished room, he had Alex paged to him.
The man came, obliviously unaware of the sexual energy he exuded--energy he had, but neglected to tap into. Adrian hid his smirk behind his tea cup.
"Welcome back, sir. You asked for me?"
Adrian tsk'ed. "Alex, your heart feels as if its about to pound a hole through your chest. Is something the matter?"
Alex's hand unconsciously rose to his chest protectively, his eyes narrowing. "I'm just concerned that you're about to reveal the new spandex uniform."
A blonde eyebrow arched, lips twitching into an amused smirk. "Alex, I hardly had time to wrap things up in Italy. Designing new uniforms is not a priority. Unless, of course, you're over eager and want to start on that immediately."
"I think I'll pass, thanks. Did you want a report, or...?" Asking why he was there.
"Excellent, you're on the ball this morning. How much do you have left to finish?"
"Just a few details for the finishing touch, really. Another day, and I hope to have it completed." Alex was rather proud of how quickly he'd managed the task, though the darkening circles under his eyes were a dead give away that he'd been spending far too much time on it.
Adrian sipped his tea before setting it back on his desk, licking his lower lip in the process. "You've made remarkable progress in the time you've spent on it." He smirked, rising and moving closer. "Maybe now is the time to discuss that bonus."
The younger man shifted uncomfortably. "Are we talking fruitcake here?"
Adrian's smirk widened and he moved in closer, invading Alex's personal space until his lips were but a breath away from his accountant's. "I was thinking along the lines of something a little more... personal."
Alex's eyes widened and his hands rose up as a barrier between them. "Mr. Bancroft, what--" His fingertips brushed over Adrian's chest, and he inhaled sharply, flicking his eyes closed.
Adrian. Bare flesh. Dark hair. Alex.
He silenced himself, taking a step back and staring uncertainly at the floor.
Adrian's smirk remained, recognizing the signs of a vision, though he knew nothing of its content. He brushed past his employee purposefully, pausing at the door to button up his jacket blazer. "We can discuss your vision at lunch. I'd like to know what else is threatening my company. Perhaps another intern gone awry."
With that, the blonde man slipped out of his office, leaving his stunned accountant behind.
Authors: naiveprophet and guiltycross
'Verse: The Effect
Rating: slash - mild
Pairing: Adrian/Alex
Notes: These characters are original creations of Ali and Azy. Alexander Hunt belongs to Ali (naiveprophet) and Adrian Bancroft belongs to Azy (guiltycross). These men were created for the use of role play on an X-Men rp community. That makes them both mutants. A brief background on the characters: Adrian Bancroft is a mutant who commands muscular control over others. He also owns his own large corporation, which has a small branch dedicated to the exploitation of the mutant community called the Underground. Alex Hunt is a psychometrist capable of reading the past, present, or future through tactile touch; he is Mr. Bancroft's personal assistant and accountant.
And this is our Man of Letters entry. ^^
A man. Receding hairline, thick glasses, weak chin. At Alex's computer. Frown puckering between his eyebrows. Checking files. Glaring up at him.
Alex's fingers jerked off of his keyboard. He stared at the computer screen for several long moments. Then his hand carefully moved to the mouse, clicking open his email account.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 12:15 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Accounts
Mr. Bancroft:
An auditor is coming to review our accounts. I saw it just now. I'm uncertain as to how soon it will take place, but I don't want to take chances. This should be dealt with immediately.
While my accounting records are certainly accurate, and we have our safety net, I got the feeling that this auditor will snoop too far, and find missing pieces of the puzzle. How do you expect me to explain the profit from a 'military research' program whose buyers are all fake companies under your name?
I cannot destroy any documents, it's almost guaranteed that we'd be caught, and I'd rather not find ourselves accused of corporate fraud. I need something to hold up our claims.
If you could cut your conference short, I think that this matter is one that you should involve yourself in.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 05:07 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
No hello? No "Hello boss, I'm sorry to report that there's nothing of interest occurring here? I'm about to quit out of boredom?"
I'm disappointed.
But an auditor? So soon? Well now, we should just pack up and leave the country. Oh wait, I’ve already managed that. Best jump on a plane before the company comes crashing down around us.
If there really is an impending audit, I suggest you deal with it immediately. This is not the first time an auditor has come to evaluate Prism Corp, and it certainly won’t be the last. You will do whatever is necessary to prevent this audit, but since you think that it will happen anyway, fill in the gaps.
I don’t expect you to explain anything about Prism’s highly successful military research program. I didn’t set up the Underground without a cover story. That would have been stupid. However, I do feel that the framework isn’t solid enough to withstand a thorough inspection. My name shouldn’t be on all of the accounts linked to the buyer companies, though their paperwork could be expanded. The worst thing about fraud is the unfortunate paper trail. It just has to be elaborate enough to seem real.
However, if you feel like over doing it, have fun. Just keep it simple.
I will not be returning, either. I’m finally out of the country; I’m not cutting the conference short just to coddle you through your worries. Do the work, and we’ll pass the audit.
Besides, I doubt that they would show up in the next week. That would just be rude.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 6:43 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
You're positively witty when you're out of the country, a safe distance away from the noose.
I'm fully aware of the framework we've built around the Underground, but in my vision, I don't believe it was sufficient. Therefore, I will detail the paperwork and clean up the trails as you have suggested. I'm sure that I can manage, but it will take me some time. Let's hope that they're courteous and don't show up in the next week.
However, if this auditor does indeed show up, I would expect you to be here. This is, after all, your company on the line. I don't know what the penalty is for running an illegal organization, but I'm sure it's hefty. I'll look it up.
I don't need coddling, but your company may. In any case, you are much better at lying than I am. My left eye twitches when I'm lying, it's quite obvious.
Of course, it's only a recommendation from your humble accountant.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Wed 4/26/2006 9:43 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
Alex, I’m always witty. Just because the wit is often at your expense does not mean you can’t lighten up and enjoy it. Schedule yourself some sex for the first time this decade and relax.
Buy yourself time, if necessary. If they refuse to be courteous, delay them. And if they won’t delay on my account, have them shot. Don’t forget to be polite about it.
Convincing me to return ahead of schedule is futile. I happen to be enjoying myself, and Italy is treating me very well. So unless they’re banging down the door with torches, accusing the company of the holocaust, I’m staying put.
So if my company requires coddling, you will be the one to coddle them. I’m a CEO and a President, not a professional babysitter.
And I won’t dispute your horrid lying skills. You should work on those. A little Botox should take care of the twitch.
My humble accountant needs to learn that his arrogant boss likes to get laid once and while.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 7:03 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Re: Accounts
I'm afraid I'm too busy pulling all-nighters to schedule some sex. And anyway, my sex life should be none of your concern.
It's frightening when I can't tell whether or not you're joking about shooting the auditor.
I suppose it's pointless to remind you that your company could very well be on the line here, and even more pointless to request that you stop thinking with your dick.
After all, you can get laid just as easily in New York.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 10:26 AM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: I'm Curious
Can’t you work and have sex at the same time? I thought you were a skilled multitasker. I am again disappointed. While your thrilling sex life shouldn’t be any of my concern, when someone I work closely with has a stick too firmly up his ass, I am compelled to suggest such things for my own sake.
It’s amusing that you’re frightened. I don’t typically shoot people. I find that stopping their heart or preventing them from breathing for a minute or so is much more satisfying and influential.
While I can get laid just as easily in New York, it’s never a matter of location. It’s a matter of who I’m fucking. But your job doesn’t include requesting me to stop thinking with my dick. I’m at a conference. Thinking with my dick is the only way I can communicate with these people.
Oh no. My company is at stake. Whatever shall I do?
Bail.
That's a joke, Alex.
Instead, I shall ‘ask’ my humble employee to start working. While you’re playing Mr. Fix-It with the paperwork, check the files. Our yearly audit isn’t for three months. I want to know why we would be having one so soon. What, exactly, did your vision entail?
A. Bancroft.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 1:35 PM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Simple Answers
My visions are never very long, and rarely cohesive. You know this. The vision that I had showed me a man, the auditor, at my desk, searching through our accounts. He was frowning, something was wrong.
I have checked over some of our files, and I'm a little concerned that they may have been accessed by a third party. If these records were accessed by someone other than you or I, it could easily explain the urgency of this audit. I am currently doing an employee search to find those employees with experience in hacking. If I can narrow it down and find whichever employee (possibly) accessed our files, I may be able to prevent the audit from happening at all.
And then you won't have to leave the beds of Italy to return to the dismal prospects of New York.
It may all be wishful thinking though.
Alexander Hunt
Seating himself carelessly at the hotel’s desk in his penthouse, fresh from a shower, Adrian turned to his laptop, intent on checking his email. He spent the time that the machine took loading fussing with his wet hair, hoping that Alex had turned up something of use.
Conferences were all the same: long, boring days dealing with arrogant old men in suits followed by boring dinners with arrogant old men in suits. Nights, however, were a different story. They were the reason he actually attended these things himself. They were also the reason why Adrian hoped that his accountant was handling things.
With a long, bare leg hoisted onto the desk, his short silk robe hanging uselessly around his thighs, baring just about everything, he linked up to his company email. Every other email marked as important was ignored as he skimmed the inbox for Alex’s name.
The email spawned a surly frown.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Thu 4/27/2006 5:46 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Asinine
A third party? That’s preposterous. If our systems are that easy to access, then I need hire a better computer programmer. Or fire the idiot who thinks he’s a hero.
I don’t want to take chances. No one fucks with my company but me. If your search turns up anyone, suspend them immediately. If they ask why, make up an excuse. If you can’t come up with an excuse, say that they can talk to me when I return.
If we can prevent the audit, all the better, but don’t rely on that. Continue to reinforce the safety net, and don’t fire anyone. I want that pleasure.
Just narrow it down as best you can. I don’t care if it’s one or five. I don’t pay people to take down my company.
Bancroft.
Pulling off his glasses, Alex rubbed his eyes and turned away from the glare of the computer screen. Mr. Bancroft's latest email had aided Alex somewhat. Giving him permission to suspend some of the employees had dialed in on the one person he was looking for. He had handed a female intern her suspension notice, when he had been shocked by a sudden vision.
Sylvia. At her computer. Copying data on a thumb drive.
He had located the thumb drive, wiped the data, followed by her hard drive, claiming it had been infected by a virus. His left eye had twitched.
Man with a receding hairline. Checking files. Shaking hands with Alex. Leaving.
Despite the vision that assured him all would go well, Alex knew he couldn't leave any holes. He continued to fill in their paper work.
Pausing, he turned to type Mr. Bancroft a quick email.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Sat 4/29/2006 12:12 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: You can thank me later
It was an intern, I'm afraid. A computer programmer of some sort, Sylvia Pate. I suspended her, wiped her data clean, and I've had a vision. The audit goes well. I am still, of course, finishing up the paper work to provide solid evidence that the Underground is legitimate.
I had better get a bonus for this.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Sat 4/29/2006 7:23 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Oh, I will.
So it was someone who fancied themselves a hero. The screening process for damn interns requires an update. You can get that started after I return. I want to prevent this from happening again.
Since you’ve already wiped her hard drive, I suggest you replace it entirely and take a magnet to the old one. We still use PCs because people make mistakes, so the information will still be floating around inside of it. Efficiency must take an unfortunate backseat to idiocy.
Just get rid of it.
Beyond that, good work. Getting rid of a perfectly profitable enterprise merely because it’s not morally sound would be a shame.
Oh, and as for that bonus - Don’t worry, you’ll get one.
A. Bancroft
Alex slipped into the large, glass-covered building Sunday morning, carrying a cup of tea with him as he moved into Mr. Bancroft's office briefly to grab a file. He was determined to finish this work up in the next week, it was taking a heavy toll on his sleeping patterns.
His fingers brushed over the file folder he'd been retrieving.
Mr. Bancroft. Bare flesh. Dark hair.
The jolt that accompanied the vision caused the file folder to fall out of his hands and his tea to splash down his front. He scowled deeply, annoyed by the incident and by what he had seen. His employer having sex with some stranger--it didn't exactly scream urgency to him.
With a sigh, he picked up the file again and carried it to his office, where he had a very handy Tide pen in his desk to clean up the tea stain on his shirt. He was nothing if he wasn't immaculate.
He checked his email, sipping his tea, and spilling it down his front again when he re-read the last line.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Sun 4/30/2006 8:48 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Glad to hear it
I'll admit I didn't know about the magnets, I'll go do that immediately after I hit 'send'. As for the intern, can't we just get rid of the internship program entirely? It's annoying playing teacher to fresh-out-of-college brats.
I'm glad to hear that my hard work is finally earning some sort of recognition in your eyes. I was beginning to feel demoted to fortune teller. You know I could very well play the hero too, use my ability to do good. Save babies from burning buildings, that sort of thing.
Instead I aid a man in keeping a business that isn't 'morally sound' from being run into the ground. You do have a way with people.
Alexander Hunt
Adrian’s laughter sounded throughout the penthouse as he reread the last few lines of Alex’s email. Saving babies from burning buildings? Please. Like that man would risk getting his clothes dirty, let alone have the balls to run into anything that was on fire.
He spent a few moments contemplating his answer, picking out a cashmere sweater for the evening as he did so. When he finally sat down to respond, he couldn’t keep a smirk off of his lips.
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Sun 4/30/2006 8:17 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: New Aspirations?
While I like your line of thinking, we make a profit from having interns. They’re part time employees and we only have to pay half their wages. And we don’t have to pay them benefits or vacation with pay. So while I’d rather not do away with them, we can restrict them to lower levels where they won’t have access to that kind of knowledge -- dead end jobs in unimportant sectors of the company.
I like the sound of that.
You were fresh out of college once too, Alex. How did you expect to gain experience? Besides, some of these interns are more than willing to please me. I rather enjoy that sort of attitude.
Saving babies from burning buildings? How wonderfully benevolent of you, Alex. I didn’t know that you were so virtuous.
I’d love to see you in tights, but I doubt you’re cut out to be an X-Man. Stick to accounting, you’re good at that. If you would like, I could always introduce spandex into the company dress code. I think yellow would be your color. I wouldn’t want to hinder your heroic aspirations in any way.
I should foster a can-do attitude in the workplace. It should build on my "way with people".
And you can't tell me you don't enjoy the work you do. Would you rather be working in a boring firm with old men bitching at you? I thought not.
A. Bancroft
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Mon 4/30/2006 9:02 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Reconsider the spandex
That really is the way to go. When I interned, it was definitely a dead end job in an unimportant sector of the company, until I proved that I was smarter than the men running the company. Then they fired me. Which, as I understand it, is the way of the corporate world.
Being an intern to you would have been an... interesting experience.
I am quite virtuous, you just never noticed.
As for the spandex, I'd ask you to reconsider. I have a feeling you would derive more pleasure out of it than I would.
Well if I do have one thing to say, it's that your company is certainly never boring. And I suppose having a young man bitching at me is better than old men, though you are getting up there in age. Aren't you nearing thirty? Pretty soon the grey hair and wrinkles will appear.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Mon 4/30/2006 4:54 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Smartass
The purpose of an intern job is to gain experience. Which you did. And then somewhere down the road I hired you. Jobs are fascinating that way.
Some people still have figured the intelligence thing out. Unfortunately, I still fire employees for being too stupid. I’m the abusive, intelligent employer; everyone else is a submissive sheep of an employee. All is right in the corporate world.
Being my intern: It is. It's a pity you never had the opportunity.
I’ll still bring the spandex up at the next board meeting, just to plague the idiots there with images of Mr. Geoffery in such attire. It’s a rather scary thought. I can’t fire people for being unattractive though. Apparently that goes against a person’s rights to a job.
Thirty two is not old. Do I look like those disgusting nearly bald twats who squeeze themselves into a suit every morning? I think not. I really have no idea what you’re talking about though. I’ll be young and beautiful forever.
Bancroft.
From: ahunt@prism.bus
Sent: Tue 5/1/2006 8:22 AM
To: abancroft@prism.bus
Subject: Yes Man
I'm not entirely sure that everyone can fit into the category of 'submissive sheep'. Do I seem like a yes man to you? Another nodding head?
Mr. Geoffery in spandex. Now my breakfast is ruined.
Well, considering that I didn't even realize you were past thirty... I suppose you will be young and beautiful forever.
I will see you tomorrow, sir.
Alexander Hunt
From: abancroft@prism.bus
Sent: Tue 5/1/2006 4:17 PM
To: ahunt@prism.bus
Subject: Brilliant
If I took the time to give everyone a proper, politically correct label I would be defeating the purpose of my analogy. Besides, it’s amusing to consider you another yes man. You could put that nodding head of yours to good use.
See? Brilliant.
Tomorrow it is. I’m looking forward to it.
A. Bancroft
When Adrian arrived at the office early Wednesday morning, it was as if he'd never left. His secretary passed him a stack of memos and his morning tea as he slid into his office. Once in the privacy of the lushly furnished room, he had Alex paged to him.
The man came, obliviously unaware of the sexual energy he exuded--energy he had, but neglected to tap into. Adrian hid his smirk behind his tea cup.
"Welcome back, sir. You asked for me?"
Adrian tsk'ed. "Alex, your heart feels as if its about to pound a hole through your chest. Is something the matter?"
Alex's hand unconsciously rose to his chest protectively, his eyes narrowing. "I'm just concerned that you're about to reveal the new spandex uniform."
A blonde eyebrow arched, lips twitching into an amused smirk. "Alex, I hardly had time to wrap things up in Italy. Designing new uniforms is not a priority. Unless, of course, you're over eager and want to start on that immediately."
"I think I'll pass, thanks. Did you want a report, or...?" Asking why he was there.
"Excellent, you're on the ball this morning. How much do you have left to finish?"
"Just a few details for the finishing touch, really. Another day, and I hope to have it completed." Alex was rather proud of how quickly he'd managed the task, though the darkening circles under his eyes were a dead give away that he'd been spending far too much time on it.
Adrian sipped his tea before setting it back on his desk, licking his lower lip in the process. "You've made remarkable progress in the time you've spent on it." He smirked, rising and moving closer. "Maybe now is the time to discuss that bonus."
The younger man shifted uncomfortably. "Are we talking fruitcake here?"
Adrian's smirk widened and he moved in closer, invading Alex's personal space until his lips were but a breath away from his accountant's. "I was thinking along the lines of something a little more... personal."
Alex's eyes widened and his hands rose up as a barrier between them. "Mr. Bancroft, what--" His fingertips brushed over Adrian's chest, and he inhaled sharply, flicking his eyes closed.
Adrian. Bare flesh. Dark hair. Alex.
He silenced himself, taking a step back and staring uncertainly at the floor.
Adrian's smirk remained, recognizing the signs of a vision, though he knew nothing of its content. He brushed past his employee purposefully, pausing at the door to button up his jacket blazer. "We can discuss your vision at lunch. I'd like to know what else is threatening my company. Perhaps another intern gone awry."
With that, the blonde man slipped out of his office, leaving his stunned accountant behind.