Supplying Supers - Ch. 4 - Tetro's Plight - Beta (Patreon)

Wednesday June 7th, 2025 Mazuma City, Mazuma Amerika

Gunner Web

OSDB Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

Gunner and Flux rested on the balcony stairs railing. They each held an empty glass, watching the ships pass through the harbor. The sea breeze blew through their hair, providing a reprieve from the warm summer air. It was moments like this that Gunner appreciated most about Mazuma City. While the city was in a constant torrent of problems, there were brief moments of calmness that seemed almost impossible.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Gunner asked.

“What?” Flux asked, jerking up, holding her hand over her mouth.

Gunner stood and laughed as he looked down at his protector. “Why are you so jumpy?”

“No, what did you say?”

“The city,” he said, pointing across the water. “Doesn’t it look beautiful?”

Flux deflated and lowered her head. “Oh…” She looked at the lights and smiled as they sparkled in her purple eyes. “Yes, it is.”

“Are you okay?” Gunner asked, taking a step toward her. He raised his hands and pressed them on the top of her forehead before cupping her cheeks. “You don’t feel any different. But that might be expected from an aperati, isn’t it?”

Flux pulled her hands to her chest as she looked up at him. Her mouth opened slightly as little bits of slime fell from the strands of her hair. When Gunner pulled his hand away, he felt the silkiness of her slime pull away with him, pulling apart the facade that was her face in this form.

“Oh!” Gunner shouted, trying not to move his hands. “I’m sorry. Did that hurt?”

Flux’s eyes jolted open at Gunner’s sudden declaration. Her slime snapped from his hand back to her face and shuffled around before settling on the natural curves of her cheekbones.

“No! I-I’m sorry. I was just relaxed.”

Gunner let out a laugh as he grabbed the glass from Flux. “Maybe that’s enough whiskey for you tonight, then. Our guest should be here any minute.”

Flux pointed down at the water. “I think he’s here.”

Gunner turned around to look at the sea. A wake split from something speeding underwater. It approached the edge of the dock before a man shot out like a geyser and landed on the asphalt.

Tetro was one of the more unique looking supers. His abilities did not come from his connection to the Gale like many other supers. His powers came from a hybrid mutation that resulted because of the failed black ops program, Project Goliath, that sought to mix human DNA with animals. It was during those trials that Tetro’s physiology was forever changed.

The experimentation with octopus DNA gave him a similar appearance. A bulbous round head that inflated at the top, two rectangular pupils, and a slimy yellow-ish skin. Two small tentacles curled above his upper lip, giving him a mobile mustache.

His skin gave him the ability to perfectly camouflage himself in any environment. But it was the hundreds of barbs that casually hid, retracted underneath his skin that gave him his name. The ones near his wrists made for excellent throwing weapons. As a bonus, the poison they held inside could kill a man in just a few seconds.

His malleableness of his body allowed him to squeeze in the tightest of spaces, making him a great infiltrator. But this did not hinder his strength. While he wasn’t possessing Justice’s durability or super-strength, his body afforded him strength above a human’s natural limit.

The palms of his hands grew suction cups, which is why he carried a pair of black gloves with him whenever he interacted with the public. His webbed feet and hands made him the fastest swimmer alive, even challenging Justice’s top flight speed. It was these physical attributes and his abilities to speak with any animal that cemented his role in the Paragon Alliance.

Gunner was pleased to see he was not nude, given the requirement for his camouflage. Instead, he sported a black diver’s suit and a harness with plastic pouches that curved with the shape of his body. The fixer waited for the super to gaze around before he was certain he saw him and Flux. He waved him up, and Tetro surveyed the surroundings before he jogged over to the metal stairs.

“Here, take these inside, and get us a few fresh glasses, please,” Gunner said after turning toward Flux.

“Yes, Sir,”

After Flux entered the office, Gunner straightened his tie as he waited for Tetro to approach. The potential client was slow to climb the stairs. He glanced constantly over his shoulder and around the docks. Gunner wondered what was going through this head.

Maybe he thinks this is some kind of setup? he wondered. It’s best that I try to ease his concerns.

Gunner held his hands behind his back to exude confidence and convey that he wasn’t a threat. When Tetro reached the top of the stairs, he stopped near the edge, creating a sort of standoff between the men.

“Are you Mr. Webb?” Tetro asked.

“I am,” Gunner said with a smile. “And you are obviously Tetro.”

“Who’s the woman inside?”

“That’s my assistant, Flux.”

“Can she be trusted?”

“Yes. She’s an important part of my operations, so it’s important she stays. Especially for meeting with a potential client who I’ve never met before.” After Tetro nodded, Gunner stepped to the side and opened the door, directing his arms inside. “Shall we?”

Tetro shuffled inside. He paused when Gunner shut the door behind them, but only long enough for the fixer to pass him and walk him to the desk. By the time they reached it, Flux had wiped the desk down and set two fresh glasses on the table with a crystal decanter in between them. She stood next to Gunner’s chair once he readied to sit.

“Please have a seat,” Gunner said, extending his hand to a chair across the desk.

“I’d prefer to stand.”

“Whatever makes you comfortable. Would you like a drink? It’s Yamazaki 55.”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

Gunner leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. “Okay, then why don’t you tell me what you need? Based on our call, it sounded important.”

Tetro’s eyes darted from side-to-side as he brought his hand to his chin. “I’m not sure where to even start.”

“The easiest is to speak frankly. That way, there are no assumptions. You can think of me as your attorney, doctor, or priest… What you share with me will not leave this room.”

Tetro took a deep breath that made his skull enlarge before he spoke. “In southern Florida, there is an old theme park centered around aquatic shows.”

“Ocean World. I’m familiar with it.”

“Then you’re familiar it was forced to close due to work by animal welfare organizations.”

“A few years ago, if I remember correctly.”

“Yes. All the animals were taken to shelters to care for them. All except one. An orca named Millie. She’s lived in a small tank for over fifty years, after she was kidnapped when she was thirteen.”

Tetro’s anger built in his voice as he paced behind the chairs. “When the owner of the park, Ronald Bismuth, shut it down, he refused to give up Millie. I and others have made him offers worth millions, yet he refuses to give her up. He treats her just enough to where he can’t be arrested for animal neglect. But she’s a social animal and given no one to interact with. She swims around in her small tank, calling for anyone…”

Tetro stopped, his fists tightening. “It makes me sick. The bastard. I swear he enjoys hearing her cries.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Gunner said softly. “How can I help?”

“There are two parts. I need help with the logistics of her rescue. Millie is old for an orca. She’s also spent too long in captivity. The move could kill her. We need to get her out of the tank and transport her to an orca foster facility I have off the coast of Alaska. It’s five miles of a netted ocean with other rescues where she could live out the rest of her days.”

“And the second?”

“I need trigger-detonated explosives. I’m going to blow that place sky high.”

Gunner gave a toothy grin. “The second part is interesting. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Oh, I’m damn sure. I want there to be nothing left of that facility. He doesn’t have enough funds to rebuild it. That way, no other sea animals get hurt because of his negligence.”

Gunner stood and paced behind his chair, tapping on his chin. “If I may ask the obvious… Why?”

“What do you mean, why?” Tetro asked with a furrowed brow. “Didn’t you hear what I said?”

“I did. But I just want to make sure this is what you want. You said it yourself. She might not make the journey, and this isn’t a small job. We’re talking about moving a several ton creature across the United States. The cost alone is going to be easily over seven figures.”

“Because she doesn’t deserve this!” Tetro shouted, slamming his hands on the table.

Flux jumped in front of her boss and raised her hands, ready to fight.

Gunner slid his hand along her side and lightly pushed on her hip. “It’s all right, Flux. Tetro is just passionate.”

“He should calm down,” Flux said with dagger eyes and a scowling lip that didn’t fade as she stepped to the fixer’s side.

Tetro leaned up and gave a slight smile. “She’s not just your assistant, is she?”

“No,” Gunner said directly. “Flux has many other duties that I require of her. One that includes my protection.”

“She didn’t hesitate at all, jumping in front of you.” Tetro’s eyes centered on Flux. “Do you know who I am?”

“I know who you are,” Flux said, bluntly. “But it doesn’t matter.”

“If you did… then you know what I can do.” Two bony daggers protruded from Tetro’s wrist. “One tap with one of these will kill a man.”

“You’d have to hit me first,” Flux said with a sly smile. “Otherwise, you’d end up sashimi.”

“Cute,” Tetro said with a smirk.

Gunner stepped in between the both of them. “Can we please get back to the discussion?”

Tetro retracted his inner spines before looking over at Gunner. “You have my request. Can it be done?”

“Of course it can be done,” Gunner said without hesitation. “But it will require a lot of resources. Off the top of my head, we’ll need marine biologists who can care for the animal in transit. We’ll need a transportation cage. We’ll need a semi to transport her to the airport, and we’ll need a plane large enough to fly her from Florida to your station off of Alaska.”

“And the explosives.”

“And those too. However, if I may offer a suggestion. Given your previous history with Bismuth, I’d advise you to separate your involvement in all this.”

“What?” Tetro said, leaning back. “You don’t want me involved? But this is my job.”

Gunner shook his head. “No Tetro. Your job is being a member of the Paragon Alliance, helping to save the innocent from the unruly. Ideally, you’re some place far away when my team does the job. Not only will this give you a layer of plausible deniability, but it allows me to construct the plan without unnecessary participants.”

Tetro puffed up his chest and crossed his arms. “Fine. But I need to know how much this is going to cost me.”

Gunner walked around the table and stood in front of his new client. “The cost is substantial. However, it is not money I am interested in from you.”

Tetro clenched his jaw. “What do you want?”

“A favor. I may call on you, sometime in the future, with a request. You will not question the reason for the request, you will just perform it to the best of your abilities.”

“I will not sacrifice my morals for you, Mr. Webb.”

“Aren’t you already?” Gunner said with a smirk. “You were just talking about blowing up a facility, and who knows how many innocents work there?”

“That’s not—”

“Semantics, Tetro. At the end of the day, this is what you desire, and this is the cost.” Gunner smiled and extended his hand. “Now, do we have a deal?”

Tetro’s eyes darted between Gunner’s smile and his hand before he reluctantly shook it. The octopus-like man’s hands suctioned onto Gunner’s. A lone barb pressed against the outside of his knuckle. Gunner respected his attempt at intimidation.

“I agree,” Tetro said, leaning into a whisper. “But if you make me regret this decision, it won’t up good well for you, Mr. Webb.”

“No need to worry,” Gunner said with a smile. “I did not make my fortunes by upsetting my customers.”

A sequence of pops that sounded like a foot stepping on bubble wrap echoed throughout the room when Tetro pulled his hand away. “Good. How soon until you can get it done?”

“How soon do you need it done?”

“As soon as possible. Millie’s health wanes by the day.”

“Then I shall make this a priority and get started tonight. If I can get everything coordinated, I’d say at the earliest, four to seven days. At the latest, maybe ten. But no promises.”

“You’re joking?” Tetro said with a half grin. “I was thinking months.”

“It shouldn’t take that long.”

“I don’t know. That sounds… impossible.”

“I assure you it’s not. There’s a reason people come to me, Tetro. It’s all about getting the right people involved with the right resources. I have the resources. We just need the people. But don’t worry, we’ll get it done. I’ll reach out to you to coordinate the arrival of Millie. We’ll get her to your facility and make sure the rest of her life is pleasant.”

“All right then,” Tetro said with a full smile. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

The Paragon Alliance member passed Gunner’s side. He took one glance at Flux and nodded before walking the remaining distance to the far door. The sound of wet slippers hitting the surface of the wood reverberated throughout the room until the door closed behind the octopus-like man.

Flux huffed once Tetro was no longer visible. “I don’t like him.”

“That seems to be a common theme between you and the Paragon Alliance,” Gunner said with a short laugh.

“He shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

“He didn’t yell at me. He yelled at Millie’s situation.”

“Then he should watch how he speaks to you. The same with Detective Lyons. They should know their place.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes it’s important to ignore certain aspects of people’s behavior to get the job done. If I had you take care of everyone who wasn’t completely respectful, half the city would be gone by now.”

“Maybe you should let me,” Flux muttered.

Gunner glared at Flux. “That is not something to joke about.”

Flux lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

Gunner walked over and rubbed Flux’s shoulder. “What’s gotten into you lately? You’ve been acting off lately. Usually, you’re always so quiet and execute orders. But lately you’ve acted like you’ve been upset and extra aggressive. Are you upset with me?”

“No!” Flux shouted wide-eyed. She retracted into herself before she continued. “I’ve just been feeling… things.”

“What kinds of things?”

“I don’t know.”

Gunner sat on the edge of the table and reached for Flux’s hand. “Talk to me.”

“I feel anger, sadness, and… something I can’t quite describe.”

“So… emotions?” Gunner asked, chuckling. “Those are natural.”

“Maybe for you. I don’t like it. I feel… off.”

“You’re probably just adapting to your surroundings. It’s been a long time since we’ve been to the Gale. Although… I guess we never considered what would happen with you being here for so long. Maybe we need to go back?”

Flux leaned back, her lip trembling. “You want to send me back?”

Gunner tried not to laugh and reached out and pulled her into his chest. “Oh, you poor vibrant flower. Not like that. I just meant like a day trip, if it would make you feel better.”

Flux wrapped her arms around Gunner and dug her face into his chest, muffing her words. “I don’t want to go. I want to stay right here.”

Her human form faded into her semi-transparent, purple, and slimy self. The same way he saw her the first time they’d met those many years ago. She squeezed him tight. Almost too tight. But Gunner said nothing.

He could tell something was going through something. But wasn’t sure what it was. He would monitor for now. If things got worse, then he’d need to research it further. She was too dangerous to have her lash out. They’d spent so much time training for her to revert to her former primal self.

“Okay, we don’t have to go. But tell me if you’re feeling any other changes, okay?”

Flux let go of him and looked up, the outlines of her facial features visible in her otherwise fluid form. “Oh, speaking of changes. Let me show you something.”

After a few seconds, she pulled herself together, absorbing the slime that had spilled on the floor into the humanoid shape. As her nude form came into view, he twisted his head to avoid staring. However, once her transformation finished, rather than wearing her expected business dress suit, she was wearing a skin-tight purple-and-black super suit. It had hexagonal patterns down the purple sections and a faux stretchable material underneath the arms. The slime composed fabric covered her entire body except her shoulders and the top of her breasts as it tapered down to the top of her sternum.

“Whoa, what’s this?” Gunner asked, examining her body.

“Do you like it?” Flux asked, twisting side-to-side.

“It looks great, but why the sudden change? I’ve never seen you in this before.”

“I wanted to try something new. All the supers I’ve seen wear a uniform. Like… Justice.”

“So you want to look like Justice?”

“No!” Flux yelled, crossing her arms.

“All right,” Gunner said with a short laugh, holding up his hands. “No need to be upset.”

“No… I’m sorry for yelling.”

“I do like it. You look great.”

Flux smiled before mushing to the floor into a puddle of slime and popping up in front of him. Her eyes stared into his soul as her wide smile stood inches from his face. It took him years to get accustomed to the unnerving realization that she never blinked. A lesson he always reminded her of when they walked in public.

“I’m really glad you like it, Sir,” Flux whispered, pushing herself onto Gunner. “If you like it so much, I can wear this form all the time.”

“I only want you to wear what you want to wear, Flux. Do what makes you happy.”

“Your happiness makes me happy.”

“Well, I appreciate that,” Gunner said, rubbing the back of his head. “How about around the office and out in public you wear the office uniform, then when you’re out on missions, you wear this? Most supers have alternate identities like that.”

“Okay! Should I prepare for Tetro’s mission?”

“Yes, but you’re going to need help.”

“I don’t need help,” Flux huffed.

“Do you know how to arm and detonate C4?

“Well… no…”

“Exactly. You heard Tetro. He wants the place blown sky high.”

Flux transformed her fist into a comically large sledgehammer. “I could just smash the place.”

“That would take too long and would leave you vulnerable. The destruction needs to be instantaneous after you all are gone. This is going to be a large operation, one that needs every piece to be precise. We’re going to need multiple specialists. We’ll need an entire team of marine biologists, semi-drivers, pilots. Not to mention all the proper paperwork.”

“What about the explosives?”

“Right. We need a contractor. Someone who is covert, proficient, and an explosives expert.” Gunner walked to the nearby window and thought of his most trusted experts. He smiled when the perfect candidate came to mind. “I think I’ve got someone.”

“Who?” Flux asked.

“Velocity.”