Peeling back the mysteries of the world...

The Mariner Corporation

From 1954-1963, there were no Variants, but that doesn't mean there weren't any heroes. Jack Thatcher Leonard was key among the strong-willed, strong jawed heroes who filled the breach—taking up legacies left by the 1920's heroes like Captain Tomorrow and the Stingray.
    Leonard was an explorer, a former Marine from World War II who had earned his degrees in Oceanography and Biology from Lancaster University, an expert in Judo and a crack shot. His articles for National Geographic about the world beneath the waves captured the public's interest and his exploits fighting international crime rings (who had not vanished when they lost their variant enforcers and leaders) attracted government attention.
    J.T. Leonard got the nickname "The Mariner" in 1958, and as far as the press was concerned, he and his crew of ex-soldier scientist/explorers were American adventurers who eclipsed England's legendary Greystoke family (see Future Boy for more information on the Greystokes). His crew, the Windjammers, were all experts in their fields, and worked both alone and alongside MEDUSA to peel back the mysteries of the world and protect people from those who would harm them. They were very successful and greatly admired by the man on the street, who now had real human heroes they could revere.
    After over half a decade of adventuring, the spotlight fell away from the Windjammers; in 1963 Dolphin's appearance in Japan marked the resurgence of variance in world affairs, and in the mad rush people forgot their more human heroes. Leonard didn't mind; he and his crew had finally defeated Sa Hud, the international Asian crime-lord, preeminently debunking his claims of immortality. They were perfectly willing to hand the reins over to a new generation.
    Predictably, Leonard quickly grew bored with retirement. After three years he returned to the sea, leading archaeological expeditions under the banner of the Mariner Corporation. The company started small in 1967, but 20 years later it is at the vanguard of oceanographic research. Lightweight rebreathers, limited oxygenating gasses, tear and pressure proof environment suits, mini-subs and other innovations came from mariner patents and the experience and genius of the former Windjammers.
    In addition, J.T Leonard, now well into his sixth decade, is still uncovering the secrets of the ocean floor, including controversial evidence of either pre-human intelligence or pre-Plovian extraterrestrial contact. 30 year after they started, the Windjammers are still peeling back the mysteries of the world.

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