Volume 1: Calling Cards

Gennison nods.

Business is business. A couple supers approached me this afternoon, actually. Said you were a reference. Always a class act, Mr. Tacular, even when taking your leave. I am honored to be a small chapter in your comic history.

He shakes your hand.....er.....tentacles...... and the receptionist escorts you out the maze of a building.

Gennison closes the door again and sighs. Well, judging from your attendance, I'm guessing we've lost Ms. Riven as well. Win some lose some. Part of why I wanted your opinion on the supers you met is because Quantum Gal and the Black Swan got a hold of my number. He chuckles. They said the Ox was an insufferable dick and my competitor doesn't pay well. But of course I'll take your feedback on whether they'd be useful.

I can't imagine they would. It'll be quite the party. Ah! Here it is.

He drops a thick white card on the table. Its corners are gilded and you can tell the caligraphy was done by hand.

My kid sister's getting married next Saturday. I plan on making the most of Father's open bar, but I can't leave her completely unguarded. She's quite the looker. Got the best of the Gennison genes. And her ex's fraternity is not thrilled that she's tying the knot with a rival.

Gennison smirks.

She's marrying Bonfire. Maybe a.....hm, say C level hero? Could've made the big leagues but he had too much moral gray and not enough edgelord to sell comics. He was known for making sure dumb kids got home from parties safe. Beat up his fair share of horn-dogs who couldn't take the hint. But he was also the one who provided locations and booze. Like I said. It'll be quite the party.

Apparently deciding the "phoenix" cocktails weren't strong enough, he switches back to straight scotch, pouring himself a triple as if it's meant to last him all night. You know it won't.

Agnes has always had a soft spot for supers. But Billy's looking to live a quiet life with his bride, his trust fund, and his microbrewery. So if a bunch of pissed off pledges show up, they could out him. Especially since Jack Martin, Aggie's ex? has crossed paths with Bonfire before.

Not sure. So, Billy - ah, William, is part of Beta Epsilon Tau. Jack's from Delta Tau Chi. Just in case you see folks flashing Greek.

He scribbles "BET" and then a triangle followed by "TX"

Gennison cracks an awkward smile.

Heh. Well.....Jack's my fraternity brother. And I did date his sister for a while. He looks at the rest of you. Oh! You mean things about supers and the party. Yeah, so, I can't confirm it, but there's a chance he's gonna call in a favor from the Ox.

Most of it. The bar's inside.

Gennison chuckles at your observations.

Sounds like you've got this under control!

---

You knew a wedding for a yacht tycoon's only daughter would be a big deal, but....wow. There are small countries with GDPs lower than what this must have cost. The flowers are exquisite, the hors d'oeuvres are tiny but plentiful, and the bottom shelf in the bar is mostly brands you don't recognize. The wedding itself was largely uneventful. The string orchestra even managed to make "Pachebell's Canon in D" tolerable. But Gennison (who is pleasantly buzzed on his eighth mixed drink) did warn you that the reception would be a bigger target.

So you get to stand aroundin black-tie variations of your costumes, snacking on finger food that costs more than a gallon of gas a bite, watching for trouble as a trust fund baby twirls around the dance floor in an (admittedly stunning) bejeweled mermaid-cut gown.

Babe, doesn't she look like Dan's patient?

You look to the source of the voice, a man with a lady in turquoise draped on his arm. His tux is understated, but you can tell it's expensive. The woman scoffs.

Gerald, you can't assume every thin girl in a mech suit is someone my ex knew. She looks at you and smirks. Wouldn't it be hysterical, though?

He smiles and walks over, extending a hand to shake. Gerald Aberdeen. Aberdeen Motors. Nice rig you've got there. What kind of hydraulics do you use?