[Dominate]

vs. Stranger (won by no show)

“One of the things you learn, after years of dealing with drug people, is that everything is serious”


We drank champagne from the beakers. The results had concluded significance.
After years of immovable diligence, we had the cure. Pharmaceutic deliverance.
The elation was fevered. Back slapping, we partied & lit
cigars from a Bunsen burner, talked of Nobel laureateship.
In a drunken fervor, I laughed. Looked to the stars, drank in the ether.
It wasn’t until later that I realized the taint in our research…
.
.
“Profit drives innovation”. That loophole was hardly a new phrase.
My colleagues strived to embrace it & soon drove Ferraris on Tuesdays.
The price was inflated. Our creation became a commodity
& our operation’s philosophy was taking all profits through patent monopolies
that gave rise to exorbitant fees. An extortionist scheme.
The reach of salvation had been shortened by corporate greed.
By day, I held life in my hand in the form of a little white pill.
By night, I watched the news reports & counted the little guys killed.
The medal I’d once worn proudly hadn’t had the same gleam in a while
I drank vodka from a chipped mug, & saw no reason to smile.





Vs. Zygote (won 5-0)

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John"


It starts as an infant. Ritual sacraments mark the commencement
of a charted existence. Towards a majestically pretty celestial city,
far in the distance. The magnificence of it is impressed on you quickly;
in perpetual sunlight - it sparkles, resplendent,
with gates made of pearl for a marvelous entrance.
Its brightness & glory, - blinding! - it’s harmful to glimpse it
But stained glass optical lenses let you view it in all of its brilliance.
Inside, the hearts of its denizens brim with joy, and ardent contentment.
Hardships are ended, and all within are bonded in friendship.
Of the one who sits the throne, little’s known - he’s guarded, restricted.
& when he does grant an audience, he appears in fireballs, & in whispers.
His powers are vast & incredible – truly, a mark of his kingship.
It’s said he can conjure the wind with no more than a thought or a sentence
And his wrath is terrible - if you break his laws or posit resistance
But he’s good - imparting forgiveness to those who offer repentance.
Daily, throngs of petitioners beg his favor and call for assistance –
“make me smart!”, “give me courage!”, “fix my heart!” - it’s persistent
From afar it’s a mystery - we perceive only sparse interventions
But the closer you are to his kingdom, they say, the sharper your wisdoms.
Many claimed they could reach it... One such group was large and momentous.
They had knowledge of every step - all you needed to do was follow directions
“Follow, follow, follow ….” Their sonorous song was entrenched in
the minds and hearts of their henchmen, standing tall at attention.
With some occasion, another way would garner calls and contentions
But the advocates of such were dismissed as false & pretentious.
“why would you turn towards it?” the Straw Man argued against them,
warning of another realm whose monarch was dark and malignant.
...
And so, John was conflicted. At a crossroads, lost in an instant.
He’d been told to go straight… but that was at odds with his instincts.
He was drawn to the other path, - felt it calling in all of his senses.
He chose it, hoping it would lead him to god where it ended.





Vs. Defiant (won 7-0)

"The War or the Battle"


Blood stained the arena’s floor. Cato’s tunic was soaked with sweat.
He was tired. Exhausted. His sword moving slower and slower yet.
His opponent stepped, red plumed helm framing a contemptuous sneer.
The spectators’ deafening cheer was punctuated with heckles and jeers.
He circled his foe. Searching for weakness, observing his pose.
The soldier sprang! Metal rang as scythe met sword, turning the blows.
Woodchips flew from Cato’s shield as he parried each vicious cut.
Sidestep. Spin and thrust. Peddle back... He wasn’t quick enough.
He staggered. Weapon dropped, his body followed a moment later.
“Finish him!” the crowd roared. “Make an end to this loathsome traitor!”
Blade pressed to Cato’s throat, his oppressor awaited a final command.
The centurion cleared his throat, and bellowed from high in the stands:
“Let this be a lesson, men. Fight in the field with your brothers beside you
Or pay the price for desertion and fight in the ring while others deride you!”
With a thumbs down, it was done now. Death raced down in a savage swish.
Cato reflected on his choice. Maybe the war wouldn't have been as bad as this.





Vs. deadman

"A hero can be anyone..."



EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: IRONPERSON

Looking for an exciting job? That 9-5 won’t seem to do?
Then the action-packed role of Ironperson could be for you!

ABOUT US

S.H.E.I.L.D. is a world leader in global surveillance & crisis response.
Our dynamic force of agents is highly trained, and fights for results.
‘The Avengers’ is our specialized taskforce whose power is unassailable
& due to an excess of white male privilege the role of Ironperson has become available.

THE ROLE

This is an on-call position; each mission will come when it’s relevant.
It is expected after thumbing a précis you will accept with a grudging benevolence.
You will work in a team of four, reporting to a captain & a S.H.E.I.L.D. associate.
Your efforts will be rewarded with a solemn nod when it feels appropriate.

Duties include:
- Insertion into combat zones via spacecraft, plane or ship
- Neutralize hostile entities with lasers and a scathing wit
- At all times, act with integrity to promote justice & natural liberty
- Liaise with key stakeholders to facilitate maximum synergy
- Delay flatulence when wearing suit to avoid reducing vision
- Establish sassy rapport with anthropomorphic computer system

TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL REQUIRE…

- Formal qualification in engineering or mechatronics
- Excellent knowledge of power systems, both arc-based & electronic
- Demonstrated ability in repairing and servicing armor
- Vendetta against crime born of tragedy/personal trauma
- Competence and accuracy with an assortment of powerful weapons
- Microsoft Office 2007

If this sounds like you and you’re ready to stretch your goals,
please don’t hesitate to send your resume care of the address below.

NOTE:

S.H.E.I.L.D. is a committed equal opportunity organisation.
Hiring in all our vocations is based solely on individual qualifications.
We don’t discriminate on the basis of age, race, sexual orientation,
disability, sex or gender, domestic partnership status,
biological normalcy, exposure to chemical concentrations,
or any factor protected by law in any realm of our operations.