Broker-Chapter 181

With the trip to Japan just a few days away, Sonya still had things she needed to do in the interim. She had a company to at least pretend to operate and schemes to progress. She had put a lot of tireless work into what she was building during the year between Vegas and the training camps. She had intended for the camps to be something of a vacation where she could watch the fruits of her labor come into their own. It hadn’t exactly worked out that way initially but the results spoke for themselves.

Ten weeks away from any company was a long time for an executive. There was a lot to catch up on and most people would be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data that needed to be worked through in order to get a handle on the state of the company. Not that was a problem for her, Sonya could basically connect to the company mainframe and download every bit of information straight into her head, it took a little while to process even with her enhanced mind but she caught up quickly.

ASTA had grown even in her absence and the various companies it had acquired to maintain its various projects were now fully converted into subsidiaries and products not just for those in the field of ‘heroing’ were being pushed out for purchase by the general public.

In short, Sonya was not worried about money.

She hadn’t been worried much about it from the outlet, but using her ability to give youth or provide healing for people in exchange for funds was not something she needed to concern herself with anymore. Money didn’t solve all problems, though, and for her it was just a means to an end. Some of the new Board of Directors for the company might disagree with her on that front but she didn’t care much for that opinion. Fortunately, that was a minor issue in the grand scheme of things and the company itself was managed well thanks in no small part to Amos.

While Amos was ostensibly the head of the research division for the company and it was his primary focus, he was also the Vice-Chair and Chief Operations Officer. When Sonya wasn’t present, he was in charge. A technopath like Sonya with a sharp mind and scathing wit, he took to management like a machine. That wasn’t surprising to Sonya given the man he had become in the previous timeline which was the reason she’d put him in the position despite Amos’ initial protests. Alongside Amos the ASTA hierarchy was made up of numerous people she was close to and some she had taken in because of her knowledge of them from the previous timeline.

Colin was the Chief Legal Officer of the company, though he ‘worked from home’ according to company records and was rarely in-house. The Chief Financial Officer was a man named Jack Tythe who’s amusingly unfortunate surname was not lost on Sonya. In the previous timeline he had been a powerful unawakened stock-broker and financial adviser who had hoarded his wealth all around the world up until the cataclysm that was the flash. When the world went crazy he had surprisingly turned to funding the various disparate groups that would become the guilds. He was ruined by what Sonya now understood was the Night Society. A man of few words, he was something of a hero in his own right and a real ‘white-knight’ character. Not only was he good at what he did, his reputation brought a lot of positive clout to the company.

The Chief Information Officer of the company was of course Beyol or rather Choi Minjun, his new identity when he was in public. Using the Night Society’s network to assist the company was more than a little corrupt, but when half of the core officers of the company were supervillains, who cared? The final member of the officers was Kerry Watts, the Chief Media Manager who had overseen the creation of the commercial showing off the new US graduates from the camps.

The Board of Directors was made up of more familiar names, Bernetta Lucci, Prichard Earl, Marta Daphne, Jessica Wright, Brigid Winter, and the three people Sonya was talking to in her office at the temporary headquarters for the company while the new building was finishing construction. She was sitting in a comfortable high backed chair with the New York skyline behind her as she smiled over her desk at the small party that had come to meet with her.

“The telecom side is doing well since acquiring Horizon. We’ve finished updating towers across North America and we’re in negotiations to move further out. Some companies aren’t happy that we’ve moved in so quickly and are pressing the European Union on holding us off for now,” Dennis Rand said. He was a thick set man with one of the most outrageous mustaches Sonya had ever seen. His thinning hair was combed over slightly and he kept dabbing his neck with a handkerchief as he spoke. “The final design for the commercial-grade phones will be ready on time for the holidays.”

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“That’s good to hear,” Sonya said with a smile, locking eyes with him. He glanced away uncomfortably before returning her stare and nodding. It was strange to see someone thrown off by her mechanical eyes after spending so much time around other light-touched, but it was also refreshing in a way, “Don’t worry too much about the EU, I’m sure that things will work out better than you expect. I have some friends over there that can smooth things over.”

“As you say,” Dennis said with a grunt, leaning back in his seat before glancing towards the other man in the trio. Onslow Riccard was every bit Dennis’ physical opposite. Thin and wiry with a head of hair and beady eyes. He wore thick clothing to keep himself warm despite the controlled climate around them. His upper lip pressed forward thinly in a way that reminded Sonya of a turtle. It was funny.

“Stores are starting to sell your clothing brands, we’re currently dominating the purchasing market when it comes to monster-based goods and materials. I was skeptical about pushing down prices at first, to be honest, but creating what amounts to a lifestyle brand has proven to be a bold and effective move,” Onslow said, his words clipped and precise as he tapped at the arm of his chair. “We’re certainly seeing profits now after the initial deficit.”

“And you were worried,” Sonya laughed, “I bet Bernetta is happy.”

“Oh she’s thrilled, ma’am,” Onslow agreed with a nod, “We’re still making luxury products as well of course.”

“Of course, that’s where the real money is,” Sonya said dismissively before glancing at the third member of the group, “How are things on your end?”

The third member of the group was a woman with chestnut brown hair and clear eyes that made Sonya’s chest ache just a little at the familiarity to her brother. A composed woman in her late twenties, Annabelle Anders was a woman who had thrown herself into her work rather than succumb to the tragedy that seemed to follow her family. “We’ve expanded the number of agents working for us as go-betweens for heroes. It’s reached the point where we’re going to have to start assigning an agent-per-hero in order to keep from overworking them with the new generation fresh out of the camps.”

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“Is that sustainable?” Sonya asked.

“Not really,” Annabelle said with a shake of her head, “We’re working on new strategies to streamline certain processes to allow agents maintain a larger pool of heroes they work with.”

“Don’t go overboard, we take care of our people here,” Sonya said evenly, “Speaking of which, I haven’t heard much about the side project with the new headquarters. Where are we on that?”

“They were completed long before headquarters as you asked. They’re furnished and ready to go,” Annabelle said, “It came as a bit of a shock to the Minneapolis city council when we told them what you were planning but they were on board after we explained the reasoning and benefits.”

Sonya smiled, “That’s a relief. I’m glad things are looking up. Any troubles?”

“East Asia is continuing to be a hotspot for us,” Onslow cut in.

“Yes, yes, especially China and Japan. We aren’t having as much push-back in Korea but as you can imagine there are a few Japanese hero firms that do not want foreign companies coming in and taking over,” Dennis agreed, “I heard you are going on a trip to Japan with some of the new heroes for the main Guild.”

“Keeping an eye on my schedule, Mister Rand?” Sonya asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course! I am always looking for opportunities. While you are there, might I suggest seeing what you can do? I’ve done a little digging and there is an in-road you can take advantage of,” he said with a grin, dabbing his mustache again.

Sonya smiled, it was good to have people working for her who knew what they were doing. “Do tell.”

“The grandson of the Prime Minister is something of a fan of light-touched heroes and enthralled with the United States hero program. His grandfather is quite doting and listens to the boy a lot which is why their program is so similar to our own and they were more flexible about taking on the suggestions of the Pandora Committee,” Dennis explained, “I learned that he actually made a point to watch that commercial of yours.”

“He’s interested in the camp graduates?” Sonya asked, glancing at Annabelle briefly before looking back at the man, “How about we set up a meeting, then?”

“My thoughts exactly, in particular if you can convince Crusader to meet with him that would be best,” Dennis said, “One of our representatives went to meet with the Prime Minister and the man could not stop bragging about his son’s drawing of her.”

Sonya burst into laughter, “He drew a picture of Crusader?”

“Oh yes,” Dennis said, “He’s quite enamored.”

“How old is he?”

“Ten, ma’am.”

“All we can do is try to set up a meeting and see if that can score us some points,” Sonya said, “See what you can do on your end ahead of my trip,” she added before glancing up at the others, “Thank you for coming to see me.”

The three of them nodded and started to get to their feet before Sonya cleared her throat, “Annabelle, would you mind staying behind a moment?”

The three glanced at one another before shrugging. Annabelle nodded and smiled at the others as they left the room, leaving the two of them alone. Sonya sat in silence for a moment as she regarded the young woman, searching her face. There were no obvious signs, she took good care of herself for the most part, but Sonya could see the faint hints of exhaustion here and there on her face thanks to her far more powerful senses. “You’re tired.”

Annabelle blinked and reached up to touch her face, “Is it obvious?”

“No, you’re hiding it well,” Sonya said before tapping one of her eyes, “I just have good eyes.”

Annabelle snorted out a laugh, “Fair enough,” she sighed, “Work has kept my mind off of things. After dad did that to himself and Nick…” she trailed off into a sullen silence, leaning back in her seat. “...you were close with Nick, right? Probably knew him better than me. We didn’t get along, he was always so out there.”

“I was,” Sonya said with a nod and reached under her desk to pull out a bottle and two glasses. She poured amber liquid into the cups, just a little, before pushing one towards Annabelle. “I never got to talk to you after what happened with your father. I’m sorry. Did he leave a note?”

She nodded, “He was convinced that he had something to do with Nick’s death, that he was responsible and it had something to do with his regained youth,” she said sadly and sipped at her drink, “I think he may have gotten connected to someone he shouldn’t have but in the end it was my brother’s choice to go out there. He died a hero and I’m proud of him for that.”

Sonya closed her eyes and let out a sigh, leaning back in her seat. It was hard to hear but it was something she felt like she needed to hear. The deal she’d made with Johnathan Adders had included a clause to keep him from discussing her identity or how he’d regained his youth. His money had been the impetus for her starting ASTA and building her identity as Ishtar. He wasn’t wrong in his beliefs, in a way, but Annabelle was right. Nick Adders was a Hero.

“I want to tell you about someone,” Sonya said after a moment of silence, “She said something very interesting to me when we first met.”

“What was that?”

“She said she wanted to live up to your brother’s legacy, not to be him, but to be the person who can run into danger and help people, no matter what,” Sonya said, “She obtained a fire-based ability and threw herself into training. Now she’s one of the top graduates.”

Annabelle went still, “Crusader?”

Sonya nodded.

“Crusader said that?”

“Yes. Your brother inspired a young woman who I predict will become one of earth’s mightiest heroes. She apprenticed directly under Black Lotus, Annabelle,” she laughed, “Heck, she incorporated her Firestorm letterman jacket into her hero outfit.”

Annabelle made a face and looked down at her cup, swirling the amber liquid in it, “I’d like to meet her,” she said quietly.

“I figured, would you like to now?” Sonya asked.

Annabelle looked up, surprised, “What?”

“She’s right outside my office,” Sonya said with a wry smile.

Annabelle gaped at Sonya for a moment before chuckling and throwing back the last of her drink in a single gulp. She got to her feet and brandished a rare smile in Sonya’s direction that looked so much like Nick’s it both hurt and soothed at the same time. Sonya rose as well and Annabelle extended her hand for Sonya to shake. Sonya took it and gave it a gentle squeeze. Unable to resist, she used Analyze.

<You have acquired the ability: Indomitable>

She released her grip on the woman’s hand, keeping a straight face as she walked around the desk to open the door for her. She let her friend’s sister walk past. Being a hero is just in her family’s blood, I suppose. All of them were born for greatness, even if they didn’t all awaken.

Perhaps it is in their blood, Ishtar pointed out.

Possible, but let’s not dwell on it for now, this is more important, Sonya replied as Annabelle came to a stop a few paces ahead. Lillian got up from the bench she was sitting on, adjusting her black and orange jacket and brushing her hair over her ear. She brandished a smile in Annabelle’s direction.

“Hi, I’m-”

Annabelle swept the girl up in a hug.

I think you’re right. It can wait.