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Merc's Metamorphs

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Chapter 30: Promotion

In order to better plan for the meet-up planned by Reed, Frank decided that they would go back to Chicago that day so they could have their time as Metamorphs refreshed for the following morning. The trip was simple enough with Merc's teleportation ability and, once they'd returned to Human form they made a quick trip down the street to a local hotel-- normally Frank would have looked for a mid-rage motel but, considering they weren't in Chicago very often and they'd received a solid payout from their last job he figured there wasn't a reason they couldn't splurge.

The suite they got had several bedrooms and a sleeper sofa but the Alaskan king size bed in in the master bedroom was more than large enough for the four lovers. They ordered room service the following morning and, since they'd specifically not talked about Reed's offer the prior night, they spent the morning doing just that. It was quite a conversation with lots of mixed opinions as they all had pros and cons to discuss.

Nobody was fully convinced one way or another, which meant that there were arguments for and against coming from each of them. The end result was, as breakfast concluded, that the CEO of Legendary Unlimited COULD be worth giving a chance so long as they were careful and didn't over-commit. It was Christopher, in the end, that was the first to really push for giving Reed a chance. Whether it was because he hadn't been a Metamorph as long or hadn't been so directly affected by Legendary's draconian treatment of non-Legendary powered heroes, Frank didn't know, but their newest member made several good points: trust had to start somewhere.

Juan ended up surrendering his long-standing stance against Legendary, or was at least willing to put it on hold as a show of faith, though he made it a point to state that it was his faith in Cy, not the 'evil corporation'. An embrace was shared after that, and, when Christopher expressed his thanks for that trust, Chance caved as well, joining the hug after stating "Dang... after that I'd HAVE to be an ass to say no." Frank ended up with the same conclusion and it was settled: they would at least hear Reed out and give him a chance to make good on his proposed plan.

Once the stress of having to make the decision was over the entire feel of the hotel suite lost its heavy atmosphere and the four of them could smile again. Collectively their minds were made up, they'd decided they'd hear T.R. Giddings out and they'd do it as a united front. The last bit of breakfast tasted sweeter, there was more laughing, hugs were given freely and, though Frank hated to admit it, Chance's puns managed to even be a little funny. It was a great way to reduce the stress level of what they all knew was coming. Frank couldn't honestly believe that they were going to hear out the CEO of Legendary Unlimited... but that's what they'd agreed upon.

In the end, it was he who brought things back into focus. "Guess we'd better not be late, right?"

The late-start that morning was a nice one, but the meeting was scheduled for 11am; apparently Reed liked to take his lunch early and nobody ever bothered checking in on his plans. Despite all of the secrecy, the CEO had chosen a surprisingly public place. It was Juan who questioned that as they all started dressing down in preparation for the change. "I'm surprised that Reed wanted to meet some place public like a park."

Chance had an answer at the ready. "I looked it up online after I got up-- Garfield Park. It's a pretty sprawling place and there are any number of buildings. Hey, Frank... did Reed mention where we're supposed to be meeting him at the park?"

Reed had texted that information to Merc and Frank mentioned what it had said. "Yeah... north side, at the end of Fulton Boulevard. He said that we couldn't miss it."

His boyfriend's voice changed as he continued talking through the change, Chance's mid-toned baritone flowing tantalizingly into the growling bass of Demon with only the slightest interruption as his jaw popped out into a muzzle. "That makes sense. He probably plans on meeting us-- ungh.. aak-- at the... Conservatory."

Bruiser tossed the Pit Bull's tight-fitting briefs at him. "It must be a pretty big park if it has its own conservatory."

Rook was silent long enough that Merc turned to regard the Raven. "Everything alright? Nothing to add?"

Staring at the wall with a far-off gaze, the Bird responded casually. "I am actually reviewing the security feed from around the park. It looks like the Conservatory is closed to the public for a special event. Considering Mr Giddings' resources, I would wager that he has probably reserved the entire thing ahead of this meeting.

Merc smirked. "Trust a CEO to try and be subtle by throwing money at a problem and making things so obvious that it becomes invisible."

Demon clicked his tongue as he finished getting dressed by stuffing his package into his 'uniform'. "Damn... that's a problem I hope I have some day."

Rook fluffed out his feathers, glancing at the balcony of their hotel room. "Seeing as Merc has never been to the Conservatory, I would presume teleportation would not be the most effective. May I recommend a different method for travel this time?"

* * * * *

Over the years that he'd been a Metamorph, Merc had used a variety of powers but one he'd never exercised was the ability to shrink himself and others. Climbing aboard a champagne bucket with a recently miniaturized Bruiser and Demon, they were treated to a flight as Rook carried them like a football tucked under one arm, soaring across the city above the rooftops of the outskirts of Chicago until he began weaving through the skyscrapers of downtown.

It was honestly a much more direct, high profile path than what Merc would have chosen considering the Raven was flying through the city at an altitude easy spotted by numerous people between what the Kangacobra would have presumed were the 9th and 12th floors but, according to Rook, he selected the route specifically because it was 'off grid' and they wouldn't be spotted by more recording devices than he could block.

Demon was particularly excited about hearing that and his verve was easily sensed in their mental communication. "You can scrub video feeds too?!"

Rook's response was much less animated. "I am still learning the extent of my abilities, but I believe this most-direct route will keep us from being recorded while also minimize eye witnesses as well as can be expected in a town of almost three million."

Not only was the Raven skilled at picking a route, but his ability to navigate the city could easily have been from natural aptitude as it might have been some kind of surreal connection to GPS; Merc honestly didn't care since he was just happy enough to have someone else taking over the transportation duties. He did point out one benefit of that arrangement. "Remember everyone: since I haven't used up my power allocation today, at the first sign of trouble get close to me and we'll be outta there."

It was a sentiment that didn't need to be said and, with any luck, wouldn't be needed, but Merc was nothing if not careful. Bruiser seemed to appreciate it. "Right. Stick close, and if there's any indication that this meeting is not on the up-and-up we cut our losses and get the heck out of there."

There were many indications of agreement across the group as Rook began decreasing his altitude, lowering downward as they drew closer to a large amount of green space interrupted by a large, greenhouse-looking structure. Demon was the one to point it out. "There we go. That's the conservatory and it looks like the parking lot is pretty much clear. I guess when the website says it's closed to the public people listen."

Merc couldn't help but throw some shade. "I'd still expect to see a few Boomers wandering around wondering why nobody told them anything about a closure."

Before he could get any acknowledgement (good or bad) about making fun of the lack of technological know-how of generations past, Rook pointed out their objective. "I see Reed... he just entered into the building."

Bruiser seemed to have noticed as well. "There is something almost humorously tragic about a CEO trying to look like a random guy on the street."

Merc, who had been looking all around the park for any signs of danger had not caught on what the Orca was talking about. "Oh? I missed it. How bad?"

Apparently Demon was in on the humor, having also caught sight of him. "Dude... I think shades probably cost, like, a month's salary for an average joe."

Rolling his eyes, Merc smirked. "Cool. That's something we can give him some shit about when we meet up. You see a good place for a landing, Rook?"

The Raven changed trajectory and lowered their altitude rapidly enough that Merc ended up grabbing onto Bruiser and Demon, and they likewise gripped him tightly. Swooping down below tree level, Rook brought them in from the side in a round-about trajectory before landing amidst the greenery. Once Rook had set the champagne bucket on the ground he finally responded to the question using his voice rather than their mind speak. "Yes."

Once Merc and the rest of the team were free of their transport the Kangacobra returned them to their proper size. Rather than calling out Rook for his antics, he moved forward toward the edge of the treeline. "Let's try to minimize any positive identification by bystanders-- straight into the conservatory."

Rook didn't even hesitate. "The South entrance is away from the public eye. Can you text Reed and ask him to have the door opened?"

Merc nodded, glad he'd kept the cell on him. "Sure."

The Kangacobra had forgotten that Rook had never been around during one of the trips in which Merc had thought to bring his phone with and, despite Rook's beak being less expressive than a mouth, the way it parted and the Bird's widened eyes said everything when he reached down and applied pressure to either side of his genital slit, popping the cell out so he could grab it. When their eyes met, Merc shrugged and offered a wink. "I don't have pockets, and male 'roos don't have pouches, so I have to get creative."

Merc's attention went to the phone as he started to send a text, but Demon apparently didn't mind fanning the flames. "You think that's somethin', Rook? You should see how he reacts when he has it on vibrate and someone tri-"

He was quieted by an open-handed smack to his sternum by Bruiser. The Orca motioned to the front of the building. "Keep an eye out... two cars just pulled into the parking lot."

Demon huffed. "Probably boomers, like Merc said."

The fact that some late 60-somethings climbed out got a chuckle from most of the group, and they could barely contain their laughter as the two couples appeared to be arguing about the state of the conservatory; they ended up climbing back into their cars before driving away. While most of the group was focused on them, however, Merc had sent his text and he was the first to notice it, calling for the attention of his team. "Side door's open."

The four of them made a quick rush across the side lot to the covered eaves where the side door stood propped open, hidden from the main parking lot by a trash bin lock up. Right inside the door stood Reed. Before anyone else could speak up, Merc couldn't help himself. "Next time you try to go incognito, aim for a set of clothes that cost less than you spent on those shades, Reed."

Rather than taking offense, the CEO just laughed, reaching up to pat the Kangacobra on the shoulder. "Critique taken." He immediately began heading down the hallway. "This way, gentlemen... I had an early lunch prepared."

Rook switched their discussion back over to their mind speak, which Bruiser had left open. "Be aware, not anxious."

Demon huffed, but cut the sound short as he responded mentally "You sound like a therapist, Rook."

The Kangacobra and Raven responded at the same time mentally "Minor in Psyche."

Reed led them to the main, enormous portion of the conservatory which looked like a forest in doors, only it had a large dining table with eight seats. Five of them had cloches and place settings. Merc took note of the number. "Just the five of us? You didn't bring General Glory along today?"

Reed offered a terse-but-patient smile. "As I said, while Joseph may be an incredible asset in many cases I don't wholly think he is the best pick for a business meeting of this sort. I prefer to keep it just among the five of us. We haven't properly met, by the way."

While the first statements seemed to be made to the group as a whole, Reed focused exclusively on Rook for the final comment. The Raven handled it in stride with the cool efficiency of someone prepared for such a question. "I use the Metamorph name 'Rook'. I am a probationary member."

The CEO simply nodded in return, apparently taking the statement at face value. He about-faced and took several steps closer to the set table gesturing to it. "Well, gentlemen, please feel free to take a seat. Seeing as we're meeting during the lunch hour, the least I could do is be a gracious host and feed you."

Bruiser, still on edge based on his mental missive, was cautious. "If he sits first, he might be up to something... I'm not ready to put it past him yet that hie might try poison."

When Reed remained standing and waited for them to sit down before he did Rook offered a calming retort "He may likely be aware of our distrust. If he were to try something I am doubtful it will be at this meeting."

Merc was willing to agree, adding his thoughts to the telepathic discussion as he chose a seat with a clear view of main entryway. "Right. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt until he gives us a reason to distrust him."

Demon sat down next on the opposite side of the table; Merc knew the Pit Bull had chosen the spot so he could watch the door they'd enter and cover the Kangacobra's blind spot. "Not ready ot trust him yet, but I suppose I could hold off on distrusting him."

Blissfully unaware of the discussion going on in front of him, Reed took his cloth napkin off the table and set it on his lap before opening up his cloche. He took an appreciative whiff of the fish dish beneath. "I have to admit that I am not up-to-date on Metamorph physiology when it comes to foods, digestion, and possible reactions so I made sure that our meal today would be safe for everyone's breed and, since I don't know any specific dietary restrictions culturally or medically, I made sure that shellfish, pork, beef. The meal was prepared kosher and complies with Halal law. If anyone present prefers a vegetarian dish I--"

Bruiser's acknowledgement was monotone as he interrupted. "How thoughtful."

Rook was a little more amiable. "We are all comfortable with meat. Thank you for the consideration, Reed."

The CEO started off with a fork of fish, then moved onto what appeared to be seasoned rice. He put his fork down after chewing and swallowing, carefully wiping his lips before speaking. "As you all know, I am the Chief Executive Officer of Legendary Unlimited. While those not familiar with business operations presume that this means I know everything that is going on with my organization, I can assure you that all I hear is what my direct subordinates tell me, and what I see on the news and, lately, what I hear from rumors... such as occasional snippets of conversation from freelance Metamorph groups who have indicated that Legendary is not as 'upstanding' as I feel we should be."

Demon was as blunt as Reed was tactful. "If by 'not upstanding' you mean taking advantage of contracted employees and leaving em out to dry, I'd say what you're hearing are a lot more than whispers."

Rather than take offense, Reed swallowed a forkful of mixed veggies before responding. "It isn't always easy to to take rumors at face value but, when I started hearing it enough I had some trusted sources check into things and, to my surprise, the width and depth of certain anti-social business practices have some to light."

Merc nodded, finally picking at some of the fish, using his claws instead of the silverware. "Oh? So you're gonna change things now, huh? Starting with offering us a one-off contract rather than a hiring offer?"

Sitting back in his seat, the Human reached up and took off his glasses, breathing on each lens before pulling out a handkerchief to clean them. "Things are rarely as simple as we'd like them, Mr Merc... my great-great grandfather started Legendary Unlimited in October of 1865. He and Joseph fought in the Civil War together and he wanted to make sure that great warriors would always have a place to come home to and a cause for which to fight."

Bruiser snorted through his blow hole, apparently worked up by discussion of General Glory. "Oh? And which of your family shit the bed and let things flip around to taking advantage of people for the bottom line?"

Reed's lips thinned out as he addressed the question; it obviously got to him. "My grandfather lost the business during a health matter after it went public. My father spent a decade working to get it back under family control. Even though he reclaimed the title of CEO he still had to play nice with the board of directors and that meant making exceptions and concessions. After he was forced into retirement four years ago that role fell to me, and it is not easy trying to improve things trying to juggle votes. My family may own forty two percent of the company, but that isn't a controlling majority."

Merc could tell that both Demon and Bruiser had another quip to throw out but, fortunately, Rook kept things civil and moved the discussion forward. "I suppose it's fair to assume that the board doesn't know of this meeting?"

The man shrugged. "In addition to research about what's been going on in the day-to-day operations at Legendary Unlimited I also had some digging done into the past of our current board and... well... let's just say that most of the men and one of the two women there are NOT good people."

Merc, Demon, and Bruiser all shared a laugh at that. The Kangacobra was the first to add "Well, yeah--- no. No, they aren't."

The laughter came to an immediate end the moment Reed added "I need Merc's Metamorphs to attack one of the board."

The discussion was stopped and an uneasy silence spread across the table. Nobody moved, except for Reed, who speared some salad on his fork. Bruiser was the first to speak, throwing out a pointed question. "If this whole new initiative is above board then why is all of this off the books? It makes no sense."

Demon stood. "Yeah... smells like shit to me."

Merc stood next, followed by Bruiser, but Rook remained seated, asking them to wait just another minute mentally before asking a question aloud. "Reed... considering you mentioned wanting Legendary Unlimited to be a moral organization, I believe we're owed an explanation as to why you want us to kill one of the board."

The Human dropped his fork. "Kill someone? No-- nothing like that. I just want you to attack one. The whole point is the spectacle."

Merc could practically see the gears turning in the Raven's head as he narrowed his eyes, leaning closer to the Human. "Explain."

Reed leaned over and picked up a briefcase from the ground beside his chair and set it on the table. He pulled out a folder and tossed it on the table in front of the Metamorphs. "Blackmail material. Pages and pages and pages. I didn't have to look for it very hard-- everyone on the board has files and files of it on everyone else. Checks and balances against one another, or so it seems."

Merc was a fan of cloak-and-dagger but it was still a lot to digest. Still, it was enough to get him to at least get a little curious. "Okay... so 'mutually assured destruction'. What does that have to do with having a Metamorph group going after one of them?"

The human made no move to grab for the file when Rook reached out to flip through it. His eyes remained on the Raven a she spoke. "The whole situation is a powder keg waiting to ignite. They have never thought much of me and generally try to use me as a paw in their game of chess against one another."

Rook paused as he reviewed a photo, ultimately looking up at Reed as he leveled his statement. "You're looking for a promotion."

Demon didn't quite get the reference. "Dude... he's a CEO. You can't get much higher in an organization than that."

Merc, however, recognized the allusion. "He means chess, Demon. A pawn that gets to the other side of the board becomes more powerful."

Offering a subdued smile, Reed nodded. "Exactly. None of them are looking at me because I'm not a conniving back-stabber like they are. It gives me the perfect opportunity to--"

Bruiser interjected "Connive and stab them in the back?"

The CEO chuckled softly. "Encourage them to act-- they'll be easier to manage if I can get them at each other's throats."

Merc sat back down. "Okay... well how's that supposed to work, exactly? Why bother having us attack one of them? How's that supposed to light things off?"

Reed pushed his dish away, setting his napkin atop it as he straightened up in his seat. "I am maneuvering into a position to gain several percent of stock in an upcoming buy-back. If the board is so busy jockeying for position and second-guessing one another then it'll keep their attention off of me until I have the 51% needed for a controlling stake. With some careful planning I should be in position to buy out the corporation and return it to a privately owned company."

Demon sat down too, eyeing the man warily. "That still doesn't explain the need for a Metamorph group to try and off one."

Reed cleared his throat. "Again, I'd prefer you DIDN'T kill anyone. The point is to attack them... not to kill them."

Merc blinked his nictacting membranes incredulously. "And that helps how?"

The man offered a wry grin. "At a recent meeting two board members got a little terse with one another and one asked how they'd handle having a freelance Metamorph group teaching them some manners. I'd like you to act against a board member, seemingly at the request of another member of the board."

Rook's mental communication immediately piped in. "He is suggesting a false flag operation... and a not so subtle one."

Merc took that assessment and ran with it. "You want it to look like that one board member was making good on their threat. It isn't about killing someone... we're just supposed to try and make it look like we're getting a point across."

Reed smiled. "Absolutely. That's all I'm looking for, and I know it will work."

Bruiser scowled. "How can you be so certain?"

The CEO's smile faded. "I have known most of the board members for most of my life. Many of them have been there since I was a toddler. Little friction points and cracks in their unity have been showing ever since my dad regained a portion of control. These people feel invincible in their control of the company in all ways except from the threats that the other board members present. These two especially have been at each-others' throats."

Merc snorted. "Well that's convenient for you."

Reed shook his head. "I've had to wait over 10 years for this chance so I'd hardly call that convenient."

Silence prevailed for several long moments before Rook spoke up. "You plan on having us on the Legendary Unlimited Payroll... but unofficially. It won't be a transparent transaction, but it also won't be very hidden."

The man nodded. "People in power don't hide their power moves. You'll be listed as a contractor, which opens up Legendary Unlimited's ability to recruit Metamorphs without assigning employment, and that will set a precedent moving forward. The board will be thrown into chaos with accusations, and I'll take it from there."

The team huddled in their own mindscape of silent communication as Merc asked Rook. "What do you think? Is he talking out his ass or would that work?"

Rook seemed undecided. "It is a feasible plan-- presuming he knows the board well enough to anticipate their actions, the rest of the pieces should fall exactly as he predicted."

Bruiser was not as optimistic. "What about worst case scenarios?"

The Raven was ready with an answer. "Well, Merc's Metamorphs loses points on the index for anything ranging from 'intimidating a corporate official' to 'attempted murder' and Legendary Unlimited refuses to acknowledge the change in operation protocol on a technicality."

Demon was a little more pragmatic. "But would we still get paid?"

Before the internal conversation could go any further, Merc turned to regard the CEO. "We'll need time to think it over."

Reed, as always, seemed to be completely agreeable. "Absolutely. Shall we schedule a follow-up meeting for next week, gentlemen?"

Merc nodded. "Sure. Schedule it via cell."

The CEO nodded. "That sounds perfectly reasonab--"

The Kangacobra interrupted him. "TEXT this time."