Supplying Supers - Epilogue - Alpha

Friday June 30th, 2025 Mazuma City, Mazuma Amerika

Gunner Webb

OSDB Hero Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

When the elevator doors opened, Gunner found his team sitting around the conference room table. Over the past week, the construction crews had been busy cleaning out all the broken glass, ripping up the damaged carpet, and boarding up all the windows to prepare for the rebuild. It wasn’t perfect, but helped drown out the thumping jackhammers and constant beeping from construction vehicles that was a daily orchestra as the city rebuilt itself.

Flux walked next to him holding stacks of donuts, boxes of bagels, and coffee holsters with four sprouted tentacles from her back. Since her time working as a supe over the last week, Gunner had watched her become more accustomed to fitting in her skin. She spent more time wearing her purple-and-black leotard.

Flux even made a name for herself with the number of trapped survivors she rescued. Her bloodthirsty nose helped find those still alive, and her flexible form allowed her to squeeze into spots others couldn’t. Even though her more public appearance drew more eyes toward her and the mystery of who she was, Gunner had never felt more proud of her.

When the pair reached the table, everyone cheered. Not for their presence, but for the food and coffee. Flux barely set things down before the gang of supes swarmed the contents, chowing down, sharing jokes, and laughing.

A smile crested Gunner’s face as he listened to the laughs of his team. Everyone had been through so much over the last few weeks. They’d all started off rocky. No fault other than his own, given the necessary requirements of bringing them together. However, with each survivor saved and their public recognition from the mayor as Mazuma City’s saviors. There was a bond that would forever tie them together.

That recognition extended all except for one, himself. That was the price he always paid to keep his city safe. But he coveted his anonymity, and would continue to maintain it for as long as he could.

Gunner set his briefcase and laptop down on the end of the table. After a few taps on his computer, he projected a new image of the city. Everyone quieted and their heads turned to the presentation.

“Before we get started with the good news, I just wanted to provide a brief update on the city. As you can see, the northwest side, near where the rift opened, got hit the hardest. Thanks to you all, the Egalitarians, and those additional supers that volunteered, over a hundred thousand lives were saved from the destruction. All the rescue efforts were completed five days after the rift was closed.”

Gunner waited for a moment as a few members hooped and hollered. “I’ve met with the mayor this week to help get additional resources to help with the clean-up efforts. Our projection is that it’s going to take close to a year for us to clear everything completely. With the president’s assistance, we’re lobbying for additional government relief, given the total amount of destruction. The good news is that the country is rallying around us. Multiple non-profits are reporting donations in the millions, with more coming in every day.”

“Hell yeah,” Blast Wave shouted.

“And before I forget, I wanted to send another final thank you from the mayor and the city.”

“It’s a shame Omen couldn’t be at the ceremony. He was the real hero.”

Gunner caught glances from a few in the room before Yokai spoke up. “He’s a man who doesn’t seem to enjoy the public light. He comes when needed.”

“Yeah, it just felt awkward receiving the medals from the mayor being called heroes when he did the heavy lifting.”

“Don’t discount everything you did,” Gunner said. “You all gave him the opportunity he needed to defeat Mellicent.”

“You’re right… thanks…”

Gunner grabbed a stack of envelopes from his briefcase. He walked around the room, handing them out as he spoke.“With the mayor’s office and the city government overseeing things from here, that leaves us to today. Just so you’re aware, these are not your payments. Inside is the account information where the payments have been paid to. Should you wish to transfer the money from said account, there is a number to call. You will speak to the man on the other end and he will work with you on getting the money where it needs to go. This is just for security and anonymity.”

“I don’t really need this,” MartyrDOM said, handing it back to him.

“You don’t have to take it. But I’m determined to remind you that while our gathering together was one of unorthodox circumstances, the good that you all have done because of it is something that should not be discounted. That is a significant amount of money with your payment and the bonus. It could help people, and there are plenty who need it. You could donate it to your favorite charity perhaps, and help build on the overwhelming good will you’ve built with the public over the last week.”

MartyrDOM twisted her lips, but eventually folded the envelope and shoved it into her back pocket.

Whisper pulled out his pad and scribbled a note that read, “What about the… other stuff?”

“Right,” Gunner said, returning to the front of the table. “I thought about doing something ceremonious like having Flux dissolve a flash drive or me pressing the delete button on my laptop, but I figured that would be too dramatic. As of this morning, I have permanently deleted any data I had regarding the reason you originally arrived in Mazuma City.”

Sighs of relief and smiles rolled through the gang before Gunner continued. “From this point forward, you are free to do what you wish. If you’d like to stay and continue to help inside the city, you are free to stay at the hotel under the same cost-free agreement.”

As the others looked around, Whisper was the first to leave. He grabbed a bagel in his mouth, made several heart symbols with his hand, and waved a peace-sign as the elevator doors closed behind him.

“I’m going to head out too,” the frost-covered heiress said, holding up her envelope.

Before she turned away, Gunner jogged around the table. “Hailstorm, can I have a word with you before you leave?”

Hailstorm cocked her brow. “Sure.” She followed Gunner across the empty floor.

When he was certain they were far enough from prying ears, Gunner turned and whispered. “The mayor and I were discussing what the future supe presence is going to look like inside the city. With the dissolution of the Paragon Alliance looking ever more real and the SOC being criticized for their handling the initial investigation, the mayor has asked what a privatized super group would look like.”

“Would that even be legal?”

“We’re still in the idea phase, but everything looks to be so. The NATO treaties only prohibit supers from being state actors and military assets. But since this would be neither, we should be able to stay compliant. The employees would still need to maintain compliance with the SOC, such as maintaining the licenses, registrations, and annual physicals. However, instead of the pay being handled through the SOC, you’d be a private employee of said company, and Mazuma City would contract the company. I know this doesn’t mean much to someone like you, but we’d be able to provide better pay and benefits. We’d handle all the government affairs. There would be less political red-tape. You’d have the best training facilities—”

“I mean that all sounds great, but what does it have to do with me?”

“When the mayor asked who would lead the team, only one name popped up—yours.”

“Me? Why me? What about Justice? Or the other dozens of heroes ranked higher?”

“Justice is a long shot. Yokai’s been digging into what can be done, but the city can’t wait for her to recover, if we can recover her. You’re the perfect person. You were supposed to be on the Paragon Alliance before, yet you turned it down.”

“Yeah… did you see the people who were on it? Half of them were psychopaths.”

Gunner failed to suppress his laugh. “True… and you’ve already got experience leading your own team.”

“Exactly. Why would I lead a separate team when I have my own?”

“There have been rumblings that the team has been struggling as of late. I’m assuming it’s because of the same reason you came. Perhaps your own internal politics and your family’s affairs?”

Hailstorm looked away and tapped her foot, creating a cracking sound on the concrete floor. The few heartbeats of silence told him she was contemplating whether or not to tell him the truth. When she looked up, she said, “I—I think I’m getting pushed out. Jeremy—I mean, Solar Nova has been vying for the top spot for years. Ever since my family’s dealings have been made public after that New York Times article a few years back, he’s been slowly working on getting the others to see him as the lead. One of the nice things about this whole thing has been having people like Blast Wave, Whisper, MartyrDOM, look to me for direction. And having someone taking care of all the strategy in planning leaving me to the groundwork was all right too, I guess.”

“Look,” Gunner said, holding up his hands. “I know we didn’t get started on the right foot. But I believe you’d make an excellent leader. You don’t need to decide now, but the offer is out there. The city loves you after what you did. This could be an opportunity to start fresh. And if you want help with your family, I’m here for you.”

Hailstorm stared into his eyes for a moment before brushing her frozen hair behind her ear and lowering her head as she grinned. “Thanks Mr. Webb. I’ll definitely think about it.”

“Good luck, Ms. Erikson. Have a safe flight home.”

“Stay safe.”

Gunner watched Hailstorm get on the elevator and leave. When the doors closed, he made his way back to the conference table where he met Blast Wave and MartyrDOM, who were laughing on their way out.

“Are you two headed out as well?” Gunner asked.

“I’d say it’s been fun, but well… you know,” MartyrDOM said. “I’ve got to get back home and get ready for that upcoming tour.”

“What about you, Deacon?” Gunner asked, nodding at the towering super.

“I’m not so sure,” Blast Wave said, rubbing the back of his head. “I don’t think I could go back to a normal life after this, if I’m honest.”

“Had a taste of the super life and can’t go back, huh?” MartyrDOM teased.

“Yeah… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever done.”

“For your first public appearance, I think you did one hell of a job,” Gunner chuckled. “What about the non-profit?”

“Thanks,” Blast Wave said. “I’d have to figure that out, but I’m sure I’ve got people back home that would love to take it over.”

“Would you stay out in Seattle?”

“Maybe? The Pioneers have that place pretty locked down. This whole thing was kind of off the books so I’d have to figure out what I need to do to go legit.” He glanced down at MartyrDOM. “Or maybe… a certain someone could use some extra security.”

MartyrDOM rolled her eyes and laughed. “Oh fuck off, I can take care of myself.”

After the three shared a brief laugh, Gunner said, “Well, if you haven’t figured things out, you’ve got my number. I’m sure I could find work for someone like you if you’d want it.”

“Thanks Mr. Webb. I appreciate it.”

“Safe travels to the both of you.”

“You too,” the pair said in unison as they walked past him.

As Gunner turned to the table, he saw Flux, Yokai, and Velocity all sitting on its edge, conversing. When he approached, they all attempted to suppress their laughs. Their beautiful purple, brown, and blue eyes all looked at him.

“Don’t stop on my account,” he said, smiling.

“Oh, we were just discussing something amongst ourselves,” Yokai said.

Gunner cocked his brow. “Uh huh… well, since this meeting is over, what are your three plans? I’ve got to be local in case the mayor calls or anything needs my attention, but maybe we could take the boat out? Get some fresh air?”

“I’m actually getting to depart myself,” Yokai said, pushing herself off from the table.

“You’re not staying?”

“As much as I’d love to, I need to report back to GIPs and debrief with them about everything that has happened.”

“That’s a shame. I was hoping you’d stick around for a while.”

“Don’t worry, Koibito,” Yokai said, kissing Gunner on the cheek. “If you need me, I’m only a thought away.” Before she left, she turned around and said, “You two keep an eye on him.”

“He’s not leaving my sight,” Flux said with a wrinkled nose.

Yokai waved goodbye before opening a portal and stepping through it.

When the portal closed behind her, Gunner turned and questioned Velocity. “You’re not leaving too, are you?”

“I didn’t have immediate plans. Not sure where… the job lines up in your plans with everything going on, but that’s my immediate priority.”

“I’m obviously going to need some time to put things together. I’d also like some time to ensure the city gets stable.”

“That’s fine. I have nowhere to go. But I’m going to need something to do. I’d get stir crazy sitting around all day.”

“I have an immediate opening for a chauffeur, if you’re interested.”

“You should take it!” Flux said, shaking the assassin’s arm. “You and I could get to hang out more. It would be nice having someone else around.”

Velocity gave a half smile and thought for a minute. “If you’re expecting to walk around and wipe your ass, then I’m going to pass. But if you need someone to drive you around, watch your back, and help you and Flux out, I’m fine with that. Just don’t forget our deal.”

“You have my word.”

“What job are you two talking about?” Flux asked.

“I’ll bring you up to speed once we get closer,” Gunner said, smiling. “For now, boating? Maybe dinner tonight?”

“Yes!” Flux shouted, jumping to her feet. “Afterwards, can we get Chinese?”

“If that’s all right with Vel.”

Velocity stood and stretched. “Yeah, I’m good with all of that.”

Gunner moved to the front of the table and packed his briefcase. When he picked it up, his phone rang. Gunner pulled it out of his pocket and answered it.

“This is Webb.”

The friendly hacker with the California accent spoke cheerfully, “Hey Mr. Webb, how's it going, man?”

“Hey Hex. Everything is all right. How is everything with you?”

“Everything is wild, man. That little laptop you had me breach sent me down the proverbial rabbit hole.”

“Is that so? Find anything interesting?”

“You betcha. I hope you’re sitting down because I’m about to turn your world upside down.”

Gunner sat his briefcase back down and said, “I’m listening.”