Broker

Chapter 161

A petite woman with long white hair walked past the hedges, her hands at her side. She was as pale as a ghost with a pair of eerie mechanical eyes that whirred and spun in her head, glowing a brilliant hot pink. The blue sky shone overhead as the faint trickle of fountains filled the air. She was wearing a fitted thick turtleneck sweater, white, as usual, and a pair of thin white gloves. Her black pants glittered a bit in the sunlight as she stepped past a rosebush. She smiled at the camera, her mechanical eyes twinkling with a mixture of mirth and compassion. “Hi, I’m Sonya Chernovna,” she said, “It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, hasn’t it?”

She chuckled, “It’s gotten a little wild out there. It can be scary at times. Even as things calm down in one way, another problem seems to just pop up,” she said with a shake of her head before tilting it with amusement, “Honestly, doesn’t seem that much different from before, when you put it that way.”

The view shifted and she walked over a small bridge across a narrow stream that passed through the garden, “Everyone’s asking the same questions; ‘What can I do to help?’ ‘How do I protect my family?’ ‘What’s being done?’” she recited as she ran her fingers over a rose, she stopped and turned to the camera again. “Right now we are in an unprecedented era of conflict and change. The world is more than it was before, and we all need to do our part to make sure this era becomes one that can uplift humanity into something better.”

She raised a hand to beckon someone towards her and six young people strode out from the sides. To her right, a blonde young man with piercing blue eyes and a sharp smile stepped out. He was accompanied by a muscular girl with streaked black hair and a brown haired young man with a thoughtful expression and violet eyes. On the bottom of the screen, words appeared.

OTIS
Most Promising Heroes, East Coast Training Camp

CRUSADER
Most Promising Heroes, East Coast Training Camp

GRAVITIC
Most Promising Heroes, East Coast Training Camp

From the left, a young woman stepped out with off-white eyes that seemed to flicker now and then, her black hair held loose around her thin face. With her was a young man with steely gray hair and a toned body beneath a tight fitted black shirt. Finally, a dark haired boy with narrow eyes and a small smile teasing his lips stepped out as well, his gloved hands in his pockets. Their names appeared as well.

CRANE
Most Promising Heroes, West Coast Training Camp

MAGNUS
Most Promising Heroes, West Coast Training Camp

SYPHON
Most Promising Heroes, West Coast Training Camp

Sonya gestured to the six of them on either side, “These young people have stepped up, despite all the forces arrayed against them, and so can you.”

Otis inclined his head, “That’s right, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. The first step towards combating villainy is knowing. The Pandora Committee reporting center is always open,” he said, “With your help we can fight villainy at its source and get help for those who are on the verge of doing something they may regret.”

Crane flipped her hair back and put a hand on her hip, “We’re counting on you to help us. More and more people awaken powers every single day, and making sure that they know what they’re dealing with is important. There are facilities in every major city that can provide education and assistance,” She said, “Awakening can be scary, we’ve all gone through it. Don’t go through it alone.”

Crusader crossed her arms over her chest, “You always have the right to defend yourself and your family, whether you are light-touched or not. Whether it be a monster or a villain, remember these steps. Call for a hero or the police if you can. Prioritize your life and those around you and attempt to get away. If all else fails, fight back.”n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Magnus raised a clenched fist, “Villainy festers where people look away,” he said firmly, “Don’t let it happen on your watch, you can be a hero too. The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. We’re all in this together.”

Gravitic smiled, “Help us help you and together we can make something incredible out of this new world we live in,” He said.

Syphon straightened up and nodded, “And don’t forget, we’re always recruiting. If you think you have what it takes to join us, go to your nearest Pandora Committee facility and sign up.”

The six young heroes spoke up as one, “We’re waiting for you.”

The camera tilted slightly and a statue appeared in the frame, a man standing with a kind smile on his face and his hand outstretched. “Together, we can be the firestorm,” Sonya said off camera before the screen went black, “This message has been brought to you by the Pandora Committee.”

Sonya sat back in her chair and beamed at the others in the room. “Great job guys,” She said brightly, scanning the faces present. The six young heroes were all sitting with her as well as a few others. Marta stood a pace behind her, her hands resting politely at her lap as usual. Across from them, standing near the television, a woman in flashy orange glasses wearing a red t-shirt and jeans beams at them all with barely concealed pride.

“Knocked it out of the park, this’ll work great,” She said.

“Thanks for taking on the job, Kerry, I know you’ve been busy,” Sonya said with a small smile. Kerry wasn’t someone that got the limelight very often, but she was still a valuable asset for Sonya. The Chief Marketing Manager of ASTA had been an indie director before Sonya had scooped her up during the rise of the company in the year between Vegas and the first hero training camps. 

Kerry rubbed her nose and smirked, “Just doing what I do best, ma’am,” She said before glancing at the final person in the room. A man in a suit sitting on a small fold-out chair with a steely look in his eyes. A pin on his lapel of a torch held over the earth marked him as a member of the Pandora Committee. “What’d you think, Jeremy?”

Jeremy Locus was the new North American representative for the committee, “I’m sure Miss Mint will be happy with it,” He said with a nod, “It’ll resonate well, I’ll have it scheduled for first broadcast after the graduation ceremony,” He turned to the young heroes in the room, “Congratulations by the way. Especially you three from the East Camp, you stepped up even after the raid.”

Sonya glanced at the group and raised an eyebrow. From an outsider’s perspective she supposed that it was true how impressive the three of them in particular had come across. She, on the other hand, knew better. It was no surprise to her that Otis would stay the course, of course he would. While he was a conniving bastard he was not one to back down from a challenge. If anything, it was just another way for people to fawn over him. Lillian and Greg on the other hand had the hearts of heroes, through and through. There was no doubt in her mind that they’d go far, it was honestly a shame that only the top three from each camp could participate in this. Otherwise she had almost a dozen more she felt deserved the spotlight.

“Thank you sir,” Otis said smoothly, a small smile creeping on his face. Sonya resisted the urge to shiver. “No villains are going to make us back down, right?” He asked the other two.

Lillian nodded vehemently in agreement before tilting her head to look at Sonya, “We’re… going to have a chance to see our folks before this airs, yeah? I’d like to explain my um…” She trailed off and gestured to her face and hair.

Sonya barked out a laugh, “Actually! I was going to tell you this later but since we’re here I might as well,” She crossed her legs and shifted back in her seat, “I’ve invited your families to the graduation ceremony. There’ll be a party the night before and they’ll get to have a tour of the facility, a little thank-you for their support and to celebrate your success.”

Otis made a face but said nothing and Sonya didn’t acknowledge it. Lillian on the other hand tensed a little, “That’s tomorrow!” She blurted.

Greg chuckled, “Somebody’s got a lot of explaining to do!” He laughed.

Lillian groaned and slumped in her seat as the other three soon-to-be graduates gave her odd looks. Syphon was the first to speak up, “What? The tats come with your ability or something?” He asked, picking at his fingernails as he looked her up and down.

Sonya watched them as the conversation meandered on from that point. While they’d met a few times during the brief filming of the commercial, this was the first time they were all sitting in the same room with nothing more to do than talk about things other than the ad. While the East Coast camp had seen a lot of unusual circumstances, the West Coast camp was a more baseline experience. That hadn’t detracted from the results in any way, something that delighted her a great deal. Though it had triggered a bit of tension on the West side. She could sense the mixed feelings that they had towards their peers with all the attention they’d been getting.

Not that it matters, she thought, Competition is good and it’s not like they’ll be seeing one another very often in the immediate future. 

She brought her hands together in a noisy clap that drew everyone’s attention, “Alright! How about some lunch and then we’ll have Euclidia send us back to our camps, mm?” She said brightly, “We’ve got a lot to do and it seems like a few of us need to get prepared to see family,” She teased, winking at Lillian who let out a sigh. Marta cleared her throat behind Sonya and she tittered out a laugh, glancing back at her, “Oh let me have my fun,” She said and got to her feet, a big grin on her face. “Now, who wants a burger?” 

–

They stepped through the portal and back into the camp an hour or so later. Lillian and Greg spoke quietly with one another as they walked towards the common building. It’d already been rebuilt, a rushed effort between ASTA and the Pandora Committee. Almost no signs of the fighting that had taken place remained, though there were still scars here and there. The most notable was the plaque set next to the doors leading into the building, on it was a list of names. The young aspirants who had died trying to escape to the common building. She frowned briefly at the names before glancing towards Otis as he turned to her. 

“Did you need something, Mister Mallory?” She asked, keeping her expression pleasant. It was still hard seeing him more and more often but she’d learned to take some enjoyment out of it now and then, despite the visceral disgust that boiled in her gut. He was her most hated enemy, yet he was so close by. 

“I wanted to thank you, ma’am,” He said brightly, “For this opportunity.”

She tilted her head to the left, “What on earth are you thanking me for?” She asked, “You stepped up during the raid,” She said, Even though I know the only reason you did was to force my hand you little shit, “I hold mythics I sign with ASTA to a higher standard,” She said, “You met it,” She paused and tilted her head, “Are you sure about your codename though?”

He blinked and pursed his lips, mulling the thought over for a moment, “I like Otis. I know it has nothing to do with Gilgamesh but…” He trailed off and shrugged, “I’m a fan of the classics.”

She examined his face for a moment before letting out a sigh, “Very well, enjoy your evening, Mister Mallory. I have high expectations for you in the future.”

He grinned at her and nodded, “I won’t disappoint you,” He said and walked away.

Sonya watched him go and rested her hands on her hips. She glanced at Marta whose face betrayed nothing. The two of them waited for the walking apocalypse to slink back into the common building before she finally spoke, the portal arch sliding back down into the ground. She raised a hand and the air seemed to ripple for a moment, an illusion of silence wrapping around them and obscuring their words, “Fucking bastard,” She grumbled as she ran her fingers through her hair, “Updates?” She asked quietly.

“Colin’s made contact,” Marta said, “Kera is with him just in case our quarry does something drastic,” She smirked a little and Sonya gave her an approving wink, “He’ll send you a message as soon as they have a response,” she continued before gesturing to the area around them, “Everything for the ceremony is going according to schedule.”

Sonya’s lips pressed together, “I want a host of professors posted at the ceremony,” She said cooly, “If a single hint of that woman’s ilk comes anywhere near it…” She trailed off and pushed down her bloodthirst.

Marta inclined her head, “It’ll be done,” She said before straightening, “Barry is done with the preparations, he’ll be ready when the time comes, you have your army.”

Sonya checked her nails and looked back at the building for a heartbeat, “Good,” She said and turned fully to Marta, “Has she made any further moves?”

“Not yet, though we have observed her using new routes to supply her people,” Marta said.

Sonya snorted, “I’m surprised she hasn’t retaliated with more force, though. Is she angling for a cold war?”

“It’s possible,” Marta said thoughtfully, “Ever since the raid she has been remarkably quiet,” she continued, “It’s like she’s turned all of her focus inward towards her cult rather than putting much effort into recruiting and strengthening herself.”

“Strange,” Sonya said, “If we weren’t having such a problem with sending spies her way I’d love to know what she was up to. Have Beyol keep an eye on it.”

“Of course, Ma’am,” Marta said with a bow before straightening up, “You’ve been more engaged lately, It’s good to see.”

Sonya grinned at her and crossed her arms behind her back, “Ishtar told me to take on a villain mindset and I figure this is part of it. We’re done with the camp so it’s on to the next step after all.” She said before starting to walk towards the common building.

“You still haven’t figured it out? What she meant?” Marta asked next to her.

Sonya frowned, “Yeah, something’s missing but I just don’t understand what she’s expecting,” She said with a sigh, “It doesn’t matter. She’s me, I’ll figure it out. It feels like it’s on the tip of my tongue, though, which is frustrating.”

“You’ll manage,” Marta agreed.

“I always do,” She said with a breath and glanced up to see Black Lotus standing on the balcony, looking down at her. She smiled to herself, “That commercial is the first shot fired against Liberty, what comes next is going to be amusing,” She said and dismissed the illusion wrapped around her. Two more figures stepped out to stand on either side of Black Lotus, a brown haired woman in a blue set of robes and a red haired woman in a brown cardigan. She beamed up at them, Yes, I have just about everything I need.

 “Ladies!” She called, “Looking forward to the party?”