Broker

Sonya blew bubbles into her drink as she stared out the window, lost in thought. The sound drew the attention of a few of those sitting around her, but she paid it no mind. It was her dining pavilion, after all. She could do whatever she wanted. Besides, of course, kill the two people sitting just a few seats away from her. As much as she wanted to. She really wanted to. It would be so easy to just do it. She flicked her eyes towards Qilin, who was sitting quietly with a cup of coffee and staring daggers across the table. Next to her was the insufferable First Wind, who was slouching in his seat and basking in the sun coming through the glass.

She looked to her right as the awkward atmosphere intensified and met the eyes of her latest guest and the target of Qilin’s incomprehensible ire, the Chairwoman of the Pandora Committee herself. Carla was smiling at Sonya in that ‘you dug this hole for yourself’ sort of way that made Sonya want to do unspeakable things to her. She blew a few more bubbles to chase off that particular instinct as her attention drifted to the fourth attachment to her increasingly large guest list.

Nietz sat with his eyes fixed firmly on the table in front of him and his hands in his lap as a tiny bead of sweat trickled down his temple. Not more than ten hours before, she had been nearly standing on top of the youth and verbally ripping him apart. She’d been in full regalia, of course, so he had no idea he was sitting a few seats away from the same person. Only two people at the table knew she was Ishtar: Carla and Qilin, and both of them were keen on keeping the secret. That still didn’t change the fact that she did not want him there. Her gut told her he was a source of trouble.

Still annoyed about his ability? Ishtar asked.

Sonya kept her poker face as she sighed inwardly. I’m more shocked than anything. Evolutionary is basically useless at first sniff. It doesn’t do anything right out the gate, you have to get hurt or find an evolutionary imperative in order to make any use of it. Its instincts are so vague that it’s impossible to figure out exactly how to make it adapt.

It explains his desperate need for a regenerative ability, though, Ishtar pointed out.

Yes, but it also says a lot that the brat is bulletproof, Sonya said. How many times has that kid been shot?

Hm, good point. Would you consider that self-destructive or masochism? Ishtar wondered.

I consider it trouble, Sonya shot back. I don’t want him on my ship.

You know what Carla is going to ask. Are you going to say no to her? Ishtar asked.

Sonya blew a few more bubbles before grunting and leaning back in her seat. She crossed her legs and let her smile come back. No point in getting bent out of shape over it. She could figure out a way to keep him from causing too many problems. Not that I can kill him now, she reminded herself. “Well! This is interesting,” she said playfully and tilted her head towards Carla. “Latte, darling?”

Carla chuckled. “That would be wonderful, Sonya.”

“Great!” Sonya said and pulled out her phone, tapping a few screens and setting it down. “Amos has turned this ship into a playground equal to the beach house,” Sonya explained. “The menu is on an app.”

“Convenient,” Carla said thoughtfully, not breaking eye contact. “Sonya… we need to talk about it.”

Sonya crossed her arms. “But I don’t wanna!”

“Sonya,” Carla pressed and raised her eyebrows. “He doesn’t have a way to get to Dharan with Euclidia as busy as she is. Adam and Brent’s suggestion was overwhelmingly accepted by the Committee, so we’re committed now. You agreed to let him participate in the next round. This is on you.”

Sonya scoffed. “What’s got Molly so occupied anyway?” Sonya complained. “I know the villains causing trouble in the dungeons are an issue, but she can’t be that busy.”

Carla sighed. “She’s had a pet project she was working on with Gravitic for a while that she’d put aside for the Liberty War. Now that it’s over, she won’t take any more time off of it. Not even Chunhua could convince her to delay it any longer.”

“Oh yeah,” First Wind said. “She was bitching on and on about it the other day. She wants to get into some rooms or something.”

Qilin shook her head. “The Backrooms, you idiot.”

“Hey! Name-callin’ in front of the Chairwoman?” he shot back.

“It’s not name-calling,” Qilin said patiently. “If it is a proven fact.”

“Qilin, be nice,” Carla reprimanded her patiently.

The International-class hero actually scoffed and went back to her coffee, staring hard at the side of Carla’s head while First Wind turned away with a grumble. Sonya, on the other hand, was more fixated on what was said. Euclidia wants to get into the Backrooms? That’s troubling. She reflected on her teleportation ability and considered the strange liminal space as a target, confirming that she still had a connection to it since she’d been there once before. I’m not sure I want the heroes getting there just yet, especially after I rebuilt that bridge and reactivated the portal.

You and I both know what that place really was, Ishtar said. We need to speak with Loki about it if we want to know how much risk is involved in the heroes getting there.

You’re right, no use worrying about it right now, Sonya agreed. I can plan around it and throw some wrenches in to delay her a little bit until we’re certain. It shouldn’t take too much effort.

Good plan.

“Sonya,” Carla cut into her thoughts. “I’d like you to let Hero Nietz stay on the ship with you. He’s an experienced security specialist. You can keep him close at hand in places where Qilin and First Wind’s high profile could cause trouble.”

Sonya let out a long, overdramatic sigh that Carla clearly knew was just an exaggeration based on her grin. “And how does Hero Nietz feel about this arrangement?” Sonya asked the young man, fixing him with a stare. “Shouldn’t you be training? I’m sure there are dungeons here in Australia that the guilds would let you use, and you could use the money earned there to get a flight to Dharan.”

Sonya sipped noisily at her drink while Nietz looked up at her, and she earned a reproachful look from Carla for her trouble. She set the drink back down and waited for him to speak. My browbeating last night must have given him a lot to think about. He’s not as brash as usual.

“My ability is adaptation,” he said after a long pause. “I developed a new function recently after hitting a wall. All I need is a small space to make use of it and some basic training equipment. I’ll sleep in the training area if I have to. I won’t be a bother.”

So that’s how you’re going to excuse it, Sonya thought with amusement. Fine, five points to Nietz for a good story. 

She clicked her tongue a few times before pulling out her phone and tapping out a quick text to Amos. She couldn’t use her HUD to text in this company, obviously. He responded immediately, and she set the phone down on the table before crossing her arms. “Alright, there’s a room available that Doctor Carter can have his dolls convert for your use by tomorrow morning. You may stay on my ship as a guest. I am undecided about keeping you on as part of my security detail,” she said flatly. “I already have Qilin and First Wind.”

She turned to Carla and smiled at her. “I don’t trust him yet, love.”

Carla shrugged. “I think that’s good enough for now,” she said and turned to Nietz.

Nietz got quickly to his feet and bowed at the waist. “Thank you so much, Miss Chernovna. I promise I won’t be a bother. Thank you for all the help you’ve given me so far.”

Carla winced, and even Qilin’s eyes flickered with momentary tension. First Wind was oblivious until Sonya tapped her nail hard on the table. “I take promises very seriously, Hero Nietz. Don’t break your word with me.”

He straightened and met her eyes, swallowing once. “I understand, ma’am.”

She glanced at Carla, who mouthed a ‘thank you’ to her. Sonya graced her with a smile and got to her feet. “Now, if we’re done here, I have an award ceremony scheduled for this afternoon, and I really want to be ready for it. Marta’s picking out some outfits right now for me,” she said before turning back to Carla. “Are you coming?”

“I’ll watch the ceremony here. I want to enjoy the facilities while I can,” she said with a chuckle. “I’ll see you tonight.”

First Wind whistled, and Sonya forced herself to ignore him, only to be immediately rewarded by Qilin, who elbowed him. The two bickered as Sonya waved to her lover and the aspiring International sitting next to her before making her way towards the rear of the dining pavilion. As she did, she stopped at one of the tables a few spots away and put her hand on the back of one of the chairs. “Enjoying your breakfast, boys?” she asked the three men sitting at the table.

Barry, Colin, and Beyol looked up at her from where they’d been quietly eating whilst eavesdropping and monitoring Qilin and First Wind. Beyol was wearing the same face he’d worn when he’d visited ASTA headquarters months before, Barry had never shown his real face in public as Kingshark, and Colin was a known entity. The lawyer was the first to smirk at her and raise a glass of orange juice in toast. “Having a blast, boss. Off to get gussied up for the party?”

“That’s the plan,” Sonya said with a wink. He’s doing a great job despite Qilin’s presence. Masterful actor as always.

“Don’t let us keep you,” Barry grunted. “I’ve got bacon for days here, and I’m gonna enjoy it.”

“I’m wary of overeating,” Beyol mumbled into a six-layer stack of pancakes. “I have a date tonight.” He looked up at the others, who were all staring at him, and furrowed his brows. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

Sonya’s eyes fluttered before she shook her head and waved at them. “Talk to you later, guys.”

Qilin and First Wind followed her all the way to the captain's quarters after that. Qilin looked contemplative, while First Wind seemed intent on touching every surface he came across with the curiosity of a toddler. She half expected him to start tilting paintings on the wall just to annoy someone. Fortunately, he had at least some measure of self-control that prevented him from finding an early grave at Marta’s hands.

When they arrived at the doors, Sonya turned and put her hands on her hips. “First Wind, you can stay here.”

“What? Why?” he asked. “I’ve gotta guard you at all times.”

“You are not watching me dress,” Sonya said flatly. “Stay put.”

How did Otis tolerate this guy? I know Otis well enough to know he would have killed him for half the nonsense he’s said and done already. She dismissed the thought before stepping through the door and leaving the unhappy First Wind behind. The door hissed shut behind her, and she spotted Marta standing next to the bed with her hands politely folded at her waist, clothes already laid out.

“Welcome, my lady,” Marta said. “I have your attire for the evening prepared.”

“Always can count on you, Marta,” Sonya said with a sigh and pulled her t-shirt off, tossing it to Marta, who caught it deftly. Sonya snatched up the blouse set aside and looked to the window for a moment before speaking, “Are you happy with your deal, Qilin?” she asked after a heartbeat. “The room is sealed, speak freely.”

Qilin didn’t say a word for a few heartbeats, and Sonya looked back at her with raised eyebrows. She was looking away, red in the face. Sonya blinked a few times. No… she thought. You can’t be serious. She’s… is it because I’m Ishtar that she’s like this? Oh lord.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Qilin said quietly, her monotone a mismatch for her flustered appearance.

Sonya pursed her lips and buttoned up her shirt. “You’re a grown woman, Qilin. I’m just changing. Quit acting like a frisky teenager.”

Qilin twitched and looked back at her, clenching her fists. “Right,” she trailed off before speaking again. “I have a question.”

“I may or may not answer it,” Sonya said with a lazy sigh and took a pair of cufflinks from Marta.

Qilin frowned. “I’m not a weakling like Hero Nietz,” Qilin reminded her.

Sonya stopped in the middle of adjusting her cuffs and looked over her shoulder, meeting the Herald’s eyes. “Let’s make something clear, Qilin. You know something that you shouldn’t. You’ve made a deal to keep it a secret, so I’m not worried about you squealing.” She paused to let the words hang before continuing. “I am also not concerned about you in general. You are alive because I permit it and for no other reason. Do not take my forbearance as license.”

Qilin shuddered before nodding. “Understood.”

“Ask your question.”

“Those three men at the table,” Qilin said. “I know Matthews, but the other two were not immediately familiar. Yet my wisdom told me that they were very dangerous. Were they-”

“That’s all you need to know,” Sonya said as she adjusted her belt and fixed the buttons on her vest. Marta was going for a flashier look this time. Black with silver trim. “Great picks, Marta.”

“My pleasure, ma’am,” Marta said.

Sonya turned to Qilin as she pulled her coat on and pulled her hair out, letting it fall down her shoulders and back. “You just need to focus on playing bodyguard, Qilin. I trust you know better than to interfere with my plans when the time comes?”

“I will neither hinder nor help you,” Qilin said, her usual reserve returning as she crossed her arms. “My sole interest is to watch.”

“Then watch away,” Sonya said and walked past her. “If you’re looking for entertainment, you’ve found it. As long as you stick to that, I’ll keep renewing our deal, and you can keep experiencing life without guardrails, just like you wanted.”

Sonya felt the woman’s eyes on her back and resisted the urge to shudder in revulsion. She sent a text to Marta through her technopathy as she approached the door and opened it, finding First Wind lazily leaning against the far wall. 

<Watch her while we’re out. If she so much as puts a toe out of line, kill her. Poetic justice be damned.>

The response came only a heartbeat later. <It would be my pleasure.>

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