Envoy (Wild Cards)
Encyclopedia
The Envoy is a fictional character from the Wild Cards
anthology series and a member of The Four Aces
, first appearing in the story "Witness" by Walter Jon Williams
in the first book of the series, Wild Cards
.
s which make anyone feel like he is their best friend, causing whoever is near him to become completely agreeable—as long as he's in the same room. The effects quickly wear off, however, leaving his victims fully aware of their often uncharacteristic actions.
In 1946 he became a behind-the-scenes member of the Exotics for Democracy, who would later become publicly known as the Four Aces
. The group enjoyed some public success in capturing Nazi war criminals, while behind the scenes Envoy was secretly attending international summits and making everyone get along just long enough to sign peace treaties; but once his power wore off, many nations reneged on their agreements. This caused the Four Aces to come to the unfortunate attention of HUAC, the House Un-American Activities Committee, who were looking for scapegoats.
At first, when he was put on the stand Harstein merely bided his time, waiting for his pheromones to permeate the enormous room. After his powers began to take effect, even the most prejudiced Committee member was referring to Harstein as "America's little Hebe friend". But, again, once the air was cleared the Committee's hostility returned, and David was called back to testify in a sealed booth, rendering his ability useless. He was found guilty of contempt of Congress and jailed.
After his release, David Harstein disappeared. It is rumored that he went to Israel
for several years. He later returned to America under an assumed name and started a moderately successful career as a stage actor named Josh Davidson.
. In fact, the character as he appears in the series, bears a great resemblance to the unnamed character in the Zevon song.
Wild Cards
Wild Cards is a science fiction and superhero anthology series set in a shared universe. The series was created by a group of New Mexico science fiction authors, but it is mostly pulled together and edited by best-selling author George R. R. Martin with assistance by Melinda Snodgrass, also a...
anthology series and a member of The Four Aces
Four Aces (Wild Cards)
The Four Aces are a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in the Wild Cards anthology series, first appearing in the story "Witness" by Walter Jon Williams in the first book of the series, Wild Cards.-Overview:...
, first appearing in the story "Witness" by Walter Jon Williams
Walter Jon Williams
Walter Jon Williams is an American writer, primarily of science fiction.Several of Williams' novels have a distinct cyberpunk feel to them, notably Hardwired , Voice of the Whirlwind and Angel Stationn...
in the first book of the series, Wild Cards
Wild Cards (book)
The first volume in the Wild Cards shared universe fiction series edited by George R. R. Martin. It was first published in 1987 and contained a dozen short stories establishing the Wild Cards universe, introducing the main characters and setting up plot threads that still continue to play out over...
.
Character background
David Harstien is an Ace, one of those gifted with amazing powers by the Wild Card virus. He emits pheromonePheromone
A pheromone is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual...
s which make anyone feel like he is their best friend, causing whoever is near him to become completely agreeable—as long as he's in the same room. The effects quickly wear off, however, leaving his victims fully aware of their often uncharacteristic actions.
In 1946 he became a behind-the-scenes member of the Exotics for Democracy, who would later become publicly known as the Four Aces
Four Aces (Wild Cards)
The Four Aces are a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in the Wild Cards anthology series, first appearing in the story "Witness" by Walter Jon Williams in the first book of the series, Wild Cards.-Overview:...
. The group enjoyed some public success in capturing Nazi war criminals, while behind the scenes Envoy was secretly attending international summits and making everyone get along just long enough to sign peace treaties; but once his power wore off, many nations reneged on their agreements. This caused the Four Aces to come to the unfortunate attention of HUAC, the House Un-American Activities Committee, who were looking for scapegoats.
At first, when he was put on the stand Harstein merely bided his time, waiting for his pheromones to permeate the enormous room. After his powers began to take effect, even the most prejudiced Committee member was referring to Harstein as "America's little Hebe friend". But, again, once the air was cleared the Committee's hostility returned, and David was called back to testify in a sealed booth, rendering his ability useless. He was found guilty of contempt of Congress and jailed.
After his release, David Harstein disappeared. It is rumored that he went to Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
for several years. He later returned to America under an assumed name and started a moderately successful career as a stage actor named Josh Davidson.
Creation
It is likely, given the propensity for 'Wild Cards' creators to reference popular music, that the character's name was taken from the song and album of the same name by singer/songwriter, Warren ZevonWarren Zevon
Warren William Zevon was an American rock singer-songwriter and musician noted for including his sometimes sardonic opinions of life in his musical lyrics, composing songs that were sometimes humorous and often had political or historical themes.Zevon's work has often been praised by well-known...
. In fact, the character as he appears in the series, bears a great resemblance to the unnamed character in the Zevon song.