Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Do you guys have any nicknames that you like to go by, or do I have to start making some up? I’d understand if you don’t feel comfortable giving out your real names, or any other incriminating information, but two of the people here aren’t even wearing masks.”</span>
Scorpia and Speed Demon exchanged a look.
<span class="mu-g">“I thought our codenames were sort of like nicknames already.”</span> Scorpia said.
Everyone else nodded at that.
<span class="mu-b">“Of course, some names are a bit more of a mouthful than others. Like ‘Hydro-Man’ and ‘Speed Demon’.”</span> Boomer said, leaning back in his chair and making air quotes with his fingers.
Both men glared at him, but Hydro-Man was the first to get over it.
<span class="mu-b">“The name’s Morris. Morris Bench. Whether ya wanna call me Morris or Hydro-Man is up to you, really.”</span>
You blinked at him, and a quick look around the room showed you that everyone else was equally surprised at his admittance. You supposed that he didn’t think much of maintaining a secret identity, but that was kind of obvious from the way that he dressed.
<span class="mu-r">“Nice to meet you, Morris. Can I call you Moe?”</span> you asked.
He cocked an eyebrow.
<span class="mu-r">“I guess we’re not there yet. I’ll try again later. How about the rest of you?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Scorpia’s fine.”</span> the green-clad woman said. <span class="mu-g">“It’s short and sweet. And Boomer’s just, well…Boomer.”</span>
You both looked over at the man, but he didn’t look the least bit bothered by the statement. You guess he must've gotten this nickname, even before he was recruited by the Maggia.
<span class="mu-s">“And you may call me Pierre.”</span> Cyclone added. <span class="mu-s">“Although my codename is brief enough where I wouldn’t mind being referred to as such.”</span>
After that introduction, all eyes fell on Speed Demon. He’d finally taken a break from stuffing his face to contribute to the conversation.
<span class="mu-g">“What about you, speedy? I remember hearing somewhere that you used to go by the name ‘Whizzer’. Would you like that to be your new nickname?”</span> Scorpia said, a teasing smile on her face.
Speed Demon scowled at her.
<span class="mu-r">“Speed Demon’s fine, thanks. If you need to make up a nickname in your head, be my guest. But when we’re in the field, or hanging out with all the other made men, I’d like you to call me by my codename. I’m sort of trying to build a reputation here.”</span> he explained.
You nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“I can respect that. I’ll be sticking with my codename too, if anyone was curious.”</span>
From the looks on their faces, that came as no surprise to them.
<span class="mu-r">“But going back to the topic of grease stains,”</span> you continued, turning your attention to Cyclone. <span class="mu-r">“I know a few tricks to get stains out of your suit. And I’m sure the Manfredi’s wouldn’t let us go out wearing anything but our Sunday best.”</span>
You paused, frowned to yourself, and then leaned back in your plush, leather chair.
(Cont.)
