Otis crossed his legs and got comfortable. He didn’t have long to have this meeting, but there was at least enough time to enjoy the seat in a luxury car. He smiled to himself as the young man next to him collected his thoughts. Felwinter got into the driver’s seat and Riot into the front passenger’s seat. He met the weepy Herald’s side-eye and cocked an eyebrow. No need right now, only if he doesn’t want to come to an agreement.

Riot looked away.

Otis turned to his guest. He was a year or two older than himself but still had the marks of deeper youth about him. He looked nothing like his father, rugged and chiseled. He had dark skin and eyes that were almost black. His clothing was fancy, if a bit simple, the fit and fabric being far more expensive and deliberate than the desire for ostentatiousness. “Young Master, are you alright?”

“My younger brother is the Young Master of the family,” the young man said. “It would be rude to answer to that.”

“Nazih then,” Otis said dismissively, trying not to be annoyed by the thing’s pretentiousness. Pretending any of that matters in front of me lowers my impression of you. “Tell me what you wanted to tell me.”

“My younger brother wishes to speak, in person, once you have the leave to do so. He has a great many concerns about our father and his… relationship with Ishtar,” Nazih said.

Otis raised his eyebrows. “Erebus and Ishtar are close? I had a feeling, but it’s nice to confirm it.”

“He is very appreciative of her, almost to the point of madness. His behavior is strange at times, and while the Young Master ostensibly supports him, he questions King Erebus’ longevity as a leader,” Nazih said quietly. “Ishtar has done a lot for our family, though, so it pains me to speak with you. I hope you feel no offense to that.”

Otis forced a smile. “None taken at all. I get it. I’m a hero, right?”

“Yes.”

Otis let out a breath. “So? What does the ‘young master’ want with me? I-” He trailed off, frowning a little as he noticed something odd. The air felt different. He turned his head and glanced at the lights above them in the car - they were flickering. Then a single static pop jumped between the chair and himself. He sat up, and he reached for the handle of the door, but the motors screeched in the automatic locks.

“Hey, Otis!” A voice called from above. “Ishtar says, ‘Hello!’”

KRAK-KOOOOOOOOM!

The world went white.

Otis pulled himself from the wreckage of the car and staggered to his feet. His body was covered in burns from the exploding engine, ripped by the twisting metal, and melted by the unfiltered wrath of a full-power lightning bolt. He coughed and realized his eyes had exploded at some point. He couldn’t see the menu. He snarled and tried to push himself up, but he couldn’t stand. He couldn’t feel his legs.

ISHTAR, YOU BITCH! He threw himself onto his back and panted. “Felwinter! Riot!” he shouted.

“Riot’s not breathing, sir!” Felwinter gasped. “I lost an-”

“I don’t care!” he shouted. “I’ll fix it in a minute. Just-” He coughed again. “Kill me already so I can regenerate!”

The blade punctured his heart. He woke a moment later, whole, as a crowd formed around him, taking pictures, talking, and asking questions. Too many people to reactivate Anonymous. He turned his head and looked up to see Bluestar raising her hands to create a barrier over him and the others. To Felwinter, whose arm and leg were destroyed. To Riot, who gasped and began coughing, his body untouched as he surreptitiously hid the threads he had sent out to redirect the blow to another target. To the incinerated bones of Nazih behind Riot. He looked up at the building where the voice had come from and saw her.

Kerauna grinned and brought another bolt down, smashing through the blue sheet that Bluestar projected. Otis lost consciousness again. When he woke, she was already gone. Out of reach from his wrath.

Shots fired then, he snarled as the rage nearly made a vein pop in his throat. Let's get this game started! I’m going to kill you!

–

As the heroes in Dharan cleared out the rest of the forces around the anchor beast, Sonya’s mood just jumped. She got the confirmation text that not only had Kera delivered a blow to Riot, but also Felwinter and Otis. Apparently, he’d snuck out and gotten into a car with them. She had to restrain her bubbly grin imagining his reaction. She even sent a picture of the burning car, Otis injured, and people gathering around. It was nicely framed, with very good composition. There was even a bit of Bluestar standing atop the steps.

”I will treasure this photo,” Sonya said to Kera. ”Excellent work. I think we should work on a reward for you.”

”No biggie, it was my pleasure. If you happen to stumble upon any electrical powers, just let me know. I’ve been peckish recently,” Kera said in response. ”I just landed in Ontario.”

”Marvelous work.”

Sonya’s real phone rang, and she looked up at the others. Medved was watching the proceedings on the screen with curiosity, while Lillian and Greg spoke quietly with one another. Leiandra turned and looked her way with a frown as Sonya got to her feet. “I need to take this,” she said politely. “Be right back.”

Leiandra was about to say something when her phone chimed, and she looked down at it, jolting upwards. She looked at Sonya with a frown, and Sonya rolled her eyes. She answered the phone right there. “Guildmaster! You’re on speaker. I’m here with Crusader, Gravitic, Medved, and Leiandra Firth.”

”...this is sensitive.” Bluestar said quietly.

“Just go ahead. What happened?” Sonya asked.

”Ishtar attacked Otis. She sent Kerauna.”

Greg and Lillian were on their feet. Even Medved was standing, his eyes wide. “She got into the Guild Hall?” Lillian practically shouted. “Is everyone okay?”

Bluestar paused. ”It would appear that Otis snuck out for a bit to talk with his friends in a car outside. Kerauna was waiting and hit hard before fleeing. I saw her myself. She made a point of waiting until there was a crowd before leaving. Otis is alive, so are Riot and Felwinter, though they’re pretty banged up. Lifesaver is working on them.”

Let them die, Sonya thought bitterly. They scorned every opportunity at mercy I gave them.

“He snuck out while under in-house suspension and nearly got himself killed, is what you’re saying,” Sonya growled, feeling Leiandra’s burning gaze on her.

“After we put his team back together, who he caught up in all this,” Bluestar growled. ”I’m seriously considering a full unpaid suspension for a month or two, minimum.”

Sonya scoffed. “I think we’ve come to the point where we know that won’t do much. After this, I want him more closely observed. No. I’ve got a better idea. We’re going to call it a Service Assignment.”

She didn’t look at Leiandra, but she could sense the woman shift a bit. The others did as well. ”Pardon?”

This was an old way of punishing problems back in the previous timeline. Maybe it’s time we introduce it into this timeline. I can use it to isolate him a bit more while also giving me full leave to scrutinize his every move. That’s right, Otis. This was just to make you even more exposed. You can take advantage of it if you want, but I’ll be watching.

“There are numerous lame-duck dungeons in the US. Too weak or small or located in problematic areas to be useful, but still needing to be cleared out and culled regularly. I’ll speak with Carla and get it cleared with her and the US Admins. We’ll send him to do it, travel around, and clean up each one while under strict supervision,” Sonya said. “How does that sound?”

Leiandra huffed, and Sonya heard her muttering. “...Not a terrible idea. Well played.”

”Who would you have observing?” she asked. ”It would need to be an International to wrangle him and keep him on task, as well as report back.”

“You’re right. How about…” She trailed off and looked over at Medved. “Medved, do you know anyone who’s extremely observant and good at controlling people with complicated abilities?”

The big man grunted. “Hm! Someone with mental abilities would be good, I think, or someone tough as nails. I would recommend Webster, but the boy is a bit… eh… insular. He doesn’t like leaving his workshop for anything.”

Shame. It would be funny to put the founder of the original Anti-Otis movement in proximity with him. I was hoping you’d recommend him, but you're not wrong about his personality. He’s paranoid because of his ability. Sonya thought, then tapped her lip. “Oh, wait,” she looked at Leiandra. “Don’t you have a mental ability? Are you strong?”

Leiandra stared at her. “You want me, the person investigating you and your companies, to follow around one of your problem heroes?” Leiandra scoffed. “Is this some kind of twisted reverse-psychology game?”

“No.” Sonya said bluntly. “It’s transparency.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you,” Leiandra said. “While my ability might qualify, I am woefully inexperienced comparatively. He wouldn’t have a hard time with me.” She frowned. “Though I suspect you knew that and were giving me the offer out of courtesy.”

Sonya kept her poker face. “The offer stands, Leiandra.”

“Hmph. I’ll do some digging and find someone,” Leiandra said. “This isn’t a terrible idea and something the Committee should consider implementing in general. You should have someone related to your guild come as well. Ideas?”

“I’ll go,” Lillian said, and everyone turned to look at her. Lillian didn’t blink. “I will go.”

No one spoke for a moment until finally Bluestar chimed in. ”You aren’t an International, Crusader. You don’t have the rank to-”

“Then file the request,” Lillian said and got to her feet. She crossed her arms behind her back and tilted her chin up. She looked Sonya square in the eyes. “I’ll be Mythic as long as I keep working. I have the reputation. I have the strength. I have the team. Let’s see what the Committee says. If they agree, I’ll be there.”

”If they refuse, there’s a waiting period,” Bluestar warned. ”Don’t rush in.”

“I’m ready,” Crusader said. “More than a lot of the Internationals were when they started. I’ve only been active less than a year, but I don’t think I’m suited for street patrols, ma’am. I need to be there to help with the bigger problems.”

Sonya pursed her lips, impressed. Wow. I didn’t think she would step up. I know you want to look into him, Lillian, but don’t overdo it. I know you’re angry. She met the girl’s eyes, and a flash of gold burned in them. Sonya sensed the girl’s heart rate. It was steady. Oh. You aren’t making a rash decision, are you? You calmed yourself before speaking. Color me impressed.

“Okay then,” she glanced at the others present. Medved was chuckling and nodding eagerly. Leiandra nodded with approval as well, which was a surprise. Greg looked impatient, but he did clap his friend on the back and give her a thumbs up. “No one’s arguing here, Bluestar. What do you say?”

”I’ll file it now, unless you want to include it in your conversation with Chairwoman Mint,” Bluestar said.

Sonya shook her head. “No. Let’s go through official channels. Do this right if we’re doing it.”

”I’ll get it started.”

Sonya hung up and put her phone away before applauding. She knew Lillian’s true motivations, and she didn’t blame her. She trusted the girl not to jump the gun and do something foolish. This was about observing that bastard and finally getting a hint while he was forced to work on his own. While he was paraded around the country out of direct sight, Sonya would target his new Heralds with the occasional problem. Keep them on their toes and out of interfering with her work. She was almost done with the old generation. She’d exterminate the new ones next.

“Well said, Crusader,” Leiandra commented.

Crusader glanced up, and Sonya felt the girl’s heart rate accelerate. Sonya turned to Leiandra and was about to tell Leiandra to give the girl some space. Neither had spoken more than a few words since the whole event began, and for good reason. “I don’t need your approval, Firth,” Crusader said and sat back down. “I just need to do my job.”

“Ha ha! Easy there!” Medved laughed. “We’re all friends. The Pandora Committee is one big family, yes?”

“It should be,” Sonya said with a smile and made her way back to her seat. She crossed her legs and reclined, watching Lillian and Greg out of the corner of her eye. Greg was squeezing his hands together and shooting her the occasional glance. Looks like there’s someone else who wants my attention. I’ll talk to him later.

“Crusader,” Leiandra began. “I apologize if-”

“Apologize to Harbinger. Those representatives still have their jobs, no thanks to you.” Lillian bit out before catching her breath and exhaling. Another gold flash flickered in her eyes. She rubbed her neck and got to her feet. “Sorry, I need a minute,” she said and marched from the room. Sonya watched her go. She can calm down over Otis, but her friends get her fired right back up. Put that righteousness to good use, little hero.

The door shut behind the young hero, and Sonya looked at the others who were sitting in silence. Leiandra looked crestfallen, her eyes down as she rubbed her temples. Greg was equally flustered, and only Medved seemed at ease. She smiled at him and cocked an eyebrow. “Medved, you know what I’m thinking?”

“That we need drinks?” He grunted, amused.

Her eyes widened. “Wow! You can read minds!”

He laughed. “Ha! You’re not so difficult to parse, kukla!” He chortled and hopped to his feet, walking over to the bar. “What’s your poison? Leiandra?”

“Gin,” Leiandra sighed. “Thank you.”

“Porter, if you have it,” Greg grumbled. “I got a taste for it while working with Molly.”

“Something sweet for me!” Sonya chirped. “The more sugar, the better!”

As if summoned by those very words, the door opened, and Marta stepped inside. She gave Sonya a huffy look and cocked an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be watching your sugars, ma’am?” she asked delicately as she strode past the displays to stand behind her seat. “I warned you about overdoing it.”

“I’m not diabetic!” Sonya snorted. “It’s fine! Tell her it's fine, Medved!”

“It’s fine, Miss Handmaiden,” he chuckled and walked over to put a glass of something that smelled a lot like schnapps in Sonya’s hand. He handed a glass to Leiandra and a bottle to Greg before finding himself a seat. “I haven’t had a chance to say hello to the indestructible dragoness that protects Miss Chernovna,” he declared. “I was hoping to get a chance. My daughter is a big fan.”

“I usually don’t fight to-” Marta began.

“No, no! Not that, silly! She watches your occasional streams about the cosy-play or whatever it is. I’m still a bit, er…” He scratched his head, “confused about the whole thing. But I try.”

Sonya turned and gave her friend a bright look, mouth open and grinning goofily. Marta cleared her throat and blushed, “Oh, well. That’s very kind of her. I don’t do it as often as I’d like, but I do have a few props I could possibly spare for you to bring back. If you’d like.”

The big man’s face shone like the sun. “That would be lovely!” He glanced at Sonya and shot her a surreptitious smirk while Sonya sipped at her drink. Marta didn’t miss it and tapped Sonya on the head. “This or your candy, Miss.”

Sonya pouted and kicked her feet. “Marta! Come on!” She tried to look cute, but, unfortunately, while it worked on Ishtar and a few others, it did not work on her darling caretaker. Marta crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine. I’ll be good.”

As the battle lines were drawn in the screens and heroes prepared to fight, the tension in the judge’s room was eased just a little by the laughter that followed. A small relief ahead of the chaos that was starting to unfold.