Super Sales on Super Heroes 6 -ch19-

Chapter 19 - Putting on Pretense -

Felix was working his way through a number of high level reports.

With Felicity’s return, he was suddenly starting to feel a lot like a CEO again. A leader of an organization rather than a manager. He was getting more done in a handful of days since they’d rejoined one another, than he had in months.

“Tribune, what’s the current trading rate on the dollar compared to the fen?” Felix asked, his fingers hovering over his keyboard. He was currently reading a request for an Association base to be put down in the country of Linista, which was somewhere in Asian continent.

Felix had no memory of the country existing in his own world but that wasn’t really a surprise. The number of countries in between the worlds, as well as their names, and histories, were quite radically different.

“Nevermind,” Felix said before Tribune could respond. “We have a request to put down a base in Linista. I imagine if we agree, there might be a shift in the exchange rate. Afterall, that’d put a lot more dollars into that country since most of our own currency is based in the States.

“Or am I misreading the situation? I feel like it’s an appropriate time to invest before we agree or disagree. Though it’s probably not worth it. The stock market games you’re already playing likely are earning more.”

“You’re not misreading the situation, and yes, I’m actively working the stock market in our favor. Our gains are above average, though the market is far too volatile for it to be something we can dig into,” Tribune answered.

“Alright, leave it be then. Nevermind. Though maybe we should send a ‘leak’ to the Linista president that we’re going to say yes,” Felix muttered and then clicked the email and opened it. He quickly threw in a response of ‘yes. Please word this correctly’ and sent it off to Felicity and Faith.

“You have two meetings in the next hour you cannot miss,” Felicity’s voice cut through his ramblings and thoughts.

Blinking, Felix hesitated while staring at his computer. Then turned his head and looked to the office that’d been built into the side of his own.

He’d thought it was to expand his own office.

It’d been to put in an office for Felicity to be directly attached to him. Now Faith, Kit, and Lily were all doing the same thing.

Several teams of Andrea’s were working away. Knocking down what had been there, building out new walls, and framing doorways for the new offices. Whatever had been on either side of him was being sacrificed to this endeavor.

“You won’t want to miss them,” Faith added quickly. She was working out of Felicity’s office while hers was being built. “Eva will be calling you in about two minutes. It’s her first break from college. We only let her know this morning that you were back so she’ll be excited and if you don’t take the call, you can guarantee she’ll figure out how to get a portal back. Then scream at you.”

Felix winced, paused, then nodded his head. If the call was that soon, there was no reason to open up another email if he’d have to cancel it quickly.

“Eva is calling? Hooray!” Andrea announced. One of the Andreas bounced over to him, pushed her chest into the side of his head, and wrapped her arms around him. “Let’s call her together. She’s been all cooped up at school.

“We couldn’t talk to her or call her or anything. Nothing at all! I missed her, nn. Though we did find out information about her. She’s dating someone!”

Felix raised his eyebrows and suddenly felt very annoyed.

Very, very, annoyed.

“He didn’t even known who she was when he asked her out. In fact, he probably still doesn’t know,” Felicity called from her office. “Don’t go full pushy dad. I’ve already looked over it completely in any way you’d want to, it’s fine.”

There was a moment of resistance in his mind that he wanted to fight against that and look into the guy anyways. Except he knew he owed Felicity a bit of emotional reinforcement.

“I understand. I’ll leave it at that as I trust you implicitly, Fel,” Felix remarked. He couldn’t see anything since Andrea still had her arms around his head.

Andrea bent down a bit and began to sniff at his head while pushing him into her chest. Each sniff growing longer and deeper.

“Andie, you need to throttle it just a bit,” he whispered. He knew for a fact that Andrea’s sense of smell often led her when it came to her interests and pursuits. If he didn’t give her a tap now, she’d be pawing at him momentarily.

“Nn? Nn! Yes, sorry,” Andrea got out with a soft huff, then a long inhale. She then stood up, pulling his head firmly between her breasts. “I’m okay now. Also… you called me Andie.”

“I mean, yes? Would you prefer Third? Still Andrea,” countered Felix. Then his phone began to ring.

“It’s Eva! Hooray!” Andrea shouted, not responding to him. Though he’d felt her whole body tensed up when he named her by her Andrea designation. He heard her snatch up the phone. “Hi Eva! How are you!?”

“I uh… hey, Andie. Hey,” Eva replied with a laugh. “Is—”

“Felix, say hi,” Andrea demanded and she let go of his head finally. Then the phone was pushed up to his ear.

“Hey, Eva. I’m back,” Felix said, trying not to be angry at the overly excited Beastkin. “How’s school? Everyone told me to let you finish up before reaching out.”

“Oh! I-hi! Hi, yes. Yes, schools alright. Everything is going fairly well,” Eva got out in a rushed breath, a nervous giggle trailing after her words. “Really, well, actually. I wasn’t really happy about you just leaving without even saying a word but I got it.

“Especially when I heard you didn’t talk to anyone about it, you just left. Miu was… she was very unhappy with you.”

“I’ve made it up to her,” Felix said, grinning. “Also… Kit and Lily are home.”

“I know, I heard this morning when I got back in touch with the Legion systems. I already sent them several emails each,” Eva confirmed, laughing again. “I was really glad. It-it feels like everyone’s home. Everyone’s back. All’s well.”

“That’s the plan. Or was the plan. Now we’re just moving to consolidate and… ah… live, I guess. Consolidate and live,” Felix answered, realizing that he needed to hear himself say that.

They didn’t have a real pointed direction right now.

Legion as a whole was back to where it had been.

He’d even spent a great deal of points to resurrect anyone they’d found and who had been missing. The number of MIA and KIA from the world apocalypse was extremely low now.

So… which way do we go then?

Andrea pulled Felix’s head back into her breasts and leaned over the top of him.

“Tell me about your boyfriend!” Andrea gushed loudly at the phone. “Can you, me, Felix, and your boyfriend go out for dinner!?”

Ah. Yes.

The boyfriend.

That’ll do for the moment.

***

Felix was surprised. As they walked through the cleared streets of Legion City he found that a great deal of it was already repaired.

“It’s Andrea,” Faith reported, walking along beside Felix. She, Evie, and Talia were always around him now. While others came and went on their jobs, those three were always around him.

Normally Andrea would be there as well, but she was currently holding a conference of the Andreas. Where every single one of them would be present and consult with one another.

He’d even seen one of those meetings happen once. It wasn’t something he’d ever want to see again. The definition of “absolute anarchy” wouldn’t begin to cover it.

They talked, screamed, fought, killed, held tea parties, made pancakes, and generally interacted with one another. Even as they might kill one another, they’d absorb, break apart, have a chat about toppings, then gang up on another group of Andreas.

Only three were exempt and that was the three Seconds.

Who were due any day now.

Felix felt like those timelines were wrong. That they should have already given birth. But given how everything else was going, he really couldn’t be positive anymore.

“They’re actively working to repair the city on their off time. The more they repair it, the more effort they put in, the fewer points you spend,” Evie added. “So they feel it’s a perfect usage of what time they can.”

“Seems silly. I mean, personally I know what I’d do with my off time if I were her. I’ll take the check-in,” Talia remarked. Then she stepped forward ahead of the trio and launched herself into the air. Flying toward a larger building on the horizon.

Two of the Draco Custodes went into the air with her and followed her off.

“She’s so thirsty,” Evie said, looking at Faith. “It’s… thirsty, right? That’s what they say?”

“I don’t know? You’d have to ask Carlotta or Alma. They’re from this world. I’m from a hell-world very similar to… well… where we are right now.”

Felix saw the reason they were here up ahead. The commander of the PMC forces that was working to clear the city was waiting for him. It was a weekly update that they had insisted on having with him.

In addition to them wanting to purchase ammo at rates Felix was slightly concerned for, they’d also been attempting to contract Legion’s Telemedic forces. Ioana had set them loose to recover a few squads that’d ended up crossing exchanges with monsters that still haunted Felix’s nightmares.

Creatures that lived in the dark and were never far away in the shadows. Waiting to pounce and devour anyone foolish enough to leave lit areas.

It was becoming rapidly apparent to the PMC, as well as Legion, how beneficial contracting the other could be.

“Commander,” Felix said, coming to stand next to the woman. He provided her with a Legion salute and held it. She returned a gesture to him that was most likely the salute for their company.

“Legate,” said the woman and dropped her salute at the same time Felix did. She was dressed out in a way that made her look a lot like the modern soldiery, though with some obvious upgrades. Though she was also wearing a sword, for some reason. Her face was covered in an odd mask as well, her voice was slightly muffled but clear. “Progress continues. We’re well within our expected timeline. There shouldn’t be an issue with meeting it.

“Your… sister, ended up returning back to her own world the other day. She said she wouldn’t have time to tell you. I felt it pruden to report it just in case that turned out to be true.”

Blinking, Felix hadn’t realized Melody had left.

“Thank you for letting me know. I was unware. Anything to report out of the ordinary?” he asked.

“No. Other than we haven’t taken losses. Your medical facilities are… impressive,” the woman finished with something in her voice he couldn’t identify. “I’d like to include usage rights to the Legion hospital as well in our service request.”

It’d only taken the Inc-Suc organization one request to purchase equipment to figure out it was a rental and service only situation. To which they immediately launched a new request to rentals and services.

Most of it was stipulated as, “when the contract ends”.

Though at this point, Felix was contemplating hiring them to retake the entirety of the planet. They seemed apt for the job and enjoying it as far as he could tell.

“That’s fine,” Faith offered from the side.

“Telemedics can enter freely so obviously including that as part of a service isn’t very difficult,” Felix amended. He needed to make sure everything was always clear and transparent. Then he decided to chance it a bit. “Contract with me to take the entirety of this planet. We can sell you some equipment directly for it. Maybe we can reach a barter for it since we both have something the other wants.”

The commander’s eyes were hard to see through the goggles she was wearing, but he hadn’t missed it when her head had immediately gone to nod in response. She was doing all she could to school her response.

“I’ll relay that to my superiors,” the woman said. “I’d like to propose an officer exchange as well. I have several daughters I’d like to work directly with Legion and learn more about you all.

“I’m sure we can equally educate and teach in return those you’d wish to send to us. I see no reason not to further our involvement with one another since we seem to fit so well.”

“Legate, I would recommend conversing with your inner-circle, but that the response will be yes,” Tribune reported. “Inc-Suc and Legion are working extra-ordinarily well together. Much of our forces are elite and well geared, but very few in number.

“They are geared above the average, but numerous. Numerous, experienced, and skilled. They lack readily available resources and from the coms that’ve been overheard on open frequencies, their world isn’t too pleased with PMC organizations at the moment.”

“I understand. I think I can tentatively agree to that even before talking to my people,” Felix said with a slow nod of his head. This agreement had started with just a temporary contract but it was rapidly becoming more. Which he was certainly fine with.

He wanted people.

They wanted resources.

A perfect trade deal.

“We’ll have to see about getting a garrison here on Legion City for you as well. No sense in not incorporating you directly into Legion where it fits,” Felix continued, his thoughts running on down along the trajectory he saw.

Legion would have to be careful to never be completely reliant on Inc-Suc, just as they would need to be careful with Legion, but it would be a great partnership.

“That would be appreciated,” the commander said.

“Then why don’t we—”

There was a pop and a click that came through Felix’s coms line, causing him to stop mid sentence. It was usually someone trying to talk to him directly.

“You there you stupid shriveled testicle of a goat?” growled Felicia.

Felix grinned immediately.

“Of course I am. How are you? You doing alright? Oh, did you like the whiskey?” Felix asked, holding up an apologetic hand to the commander. They only nodded their head.

“I.., yeah. Thanks for that. Made Ioana really happy to have people over,” Felicia mumbled, the gruff over-tones to her words knocked off in a flash. “She really did like the whiskey. Not for me though. Not a drinker anymore.”

“I know. Your present should be arriving today or tomorrow,” Felix continued. “I got you as many magazine subscriptions to mechanic type things as I could. Well, that and tech. Given how your power works, you always need more fuel for the fire.”

There was a grunt that came back as a response. Followed by a sigh.

“Thanks, Felix. You’re a good friend,” confessed Felicia. Sounding like a different person entirely. “Got something new for you. The Andreas found it amongst the wreckage of that attack. It’s a ray-gun or something. Was what caused all that vibrational whatever that happened.

“Came in to the lab today. I’ve already picked it over. This isn’t like the rest that was made by a machine, by the way. This one looks like it was made in a lab similar to my own. By hand. That means you can figure out who made it, right? This won’t just come back to a general manufacturer that could be selling things to anyone at all.”

“Tribune, Felicity already drew up everything for the commanders needs, right?” asked Felix.

“Yes, Legate. She also drew up an officer exchange as well,” Tribune added. “She drew it up the moment they asked. She actively monitors your frequency.”

“Of course she does,” lamented Felix, then he looked to the commander. “I’ll forward you all the agreements. I have to go. Thank you for your hard work.”

With a brief salute held only long enough to receive one in return, Felix then turned and started heading off. He needed to get to Felicia’s lab.

“Felix? You there?” asked Felicia.

“Oh, yes, sorry. I’m heading your way now,” Felix confirmed.

“No need. I sent the device up to your office. I don’t need it now. I already picked it apart for anything useful, then put it back togehter. Works fine,” Felicia explained. “Will you come back over again on Saturday? I’d like to have you, Kit, Lily, Andrea, and Miu over again. It was nice with everyone there.”

“I’ll be there. That means Andrea and Miu will, at the very least,” Felix confirmed.

“Kit and Lily will be there then. I’ll send out the invites. Ioana will be happy for it,” confessed Ioana. Then the com went silent.

Talia landed on the street directly in front of Felix. Landing with grace and agility that made her armored form look sensual despite it being bulked out. She looked to them and fell in with the group. Behind him he could hear the two Dragons landing as well.

“Nothing out of the ordinary. No sign of that Dragon Rene mentioned. There’s clear signs one was here at one point, no idea where it went though,” Talia stated quickly. “Where we going? Back to the bedroom I hope?”

“His office,” Faith answered even as Felix wrestled with his thoughts.

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind that. It could be fun,” mused Talia.

“Ha, too bad. My Nest-Mate was thinking about me, not you. He thinks I’m the prettiest woman he’s ever met other than Gaia,” Evie teased, and unleashed a slap to Talia’s back.

“Nasty lizard,” Talia grumped good naturedly. Felix couldn't help but wonder in that moment where Victoria was. He lamented her loss and hoped she'd just... show back up at some point as Talia had.

“Nest-mate, are you hungry?” Evie asked, ignoring Talia. Before he could say no, she held up what looked an awful lot like a small bag of jerky. In fact it was likely his favorite jerky that was more like steak chunks.

“Yes, thank you, Evie. You beautiful Dragon. My glorious red. Champion of the Dragons,” he said and took the baggie. His helmet came off quickly and he started eating them.

He’d ply her with compliments and kind words if she kept him as well fed as she did. Not to mention the pastries and cookies she kept bringing him whenever he was stationary.

The pride flowing off of Evie was something he could practically

“Dragon Housewife classes are every weeknight at nine pm with Goldie,” Evie remarked. “You should attend, Talia. She’s even managing to turn Lucille and Carol around. A little.

“Well… not really. I don’t think anyone will take my position away from me. Combat only counts for so much, after all.”

By the time he made it to his office he’d finished off the jerky as well as the soda Evie had then offered him. He was concerned about his ever increasing appetite but in the same breath he didn’t seem to be gaining weight in any way.

Every medical check came back as him being in great health.

Looking to the corner of his office, he found a strange looking “ray gun” sitting on a tri-pod. It really did look like was Felicia had described it.

It reminded him of old movies and comic books.

Walking up to it, Felix yanked on his power. He wanted to know who he’d have to sign a contract with, so he could upgrade this thing. Who the owner was so that they could be sought out to get information.

A name popped up that meant nothing at all to Felix.

Travis Cox. My apologies.

Then Andrea burst in through the door. Several of them in fact.

All of them carrying trays of pancakes.

“NNN! PANCAKES!” shouted the Beastkin as they all rushed forward. “Evie said to bring lots cause her Nest-Mate was hungry. So we have lots!

“But we have to go back to our meeting. Sorry, we can’t stay!”

Each Andrea rushed by, deposited their overwhelming tray of nothing but pancakes, butter, and syrup, kissed Felix, and scurried off.

“They all smelled like blood,” Talia remarked.

“They’ve probably a few dozen times in the all-Andrea-hands meeting,” Felix said, then picked up a tray. He planed on eating the contents all by himself.

Just like he would the planet.

He’d take the world in his hand, dominate it, make sure he could control it if anything went truly awry, then release it. If he could step in and fix it at any time, then he could allow it to go on whatever path it wished.

No sooner than he sat down at his desk than Evie, Talia, and Faith all surrounded him at said desk. They had removed their helmets and each had a tray of pancakes as well. Though Talia had clearly removed a considerable amount of hers and parceled it out to the other two.

As if realizing he was looking at her.

“I can’t magically burn it off like some people,” Talia complained with a shrug of her shoulders. “I have to work out constantly to keep my figure. It’s not like I’m magically perfect, you know. I have to do alot to look as good as I do. Lots of work. You should upgrade me so I don’t have to work as hard.

“Then I could focus on other things. You know, like seducing you again.”