Supplying Supers - Ch. 8 - Rescue Plans - Beta (Patreon)

Saturday June 10th, 2025 Mazuma City, Mazuma, Amerika

Gunner Webb

OSDB Hero Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

Gunner and Flux walked out of their private elevator. The twentieth floor was completely furnished for a corporate office. The decorative bronze ceiling tiles and warm LED light accented the golden floral wallpaper that defined the art déco aesthetic of the rest of the building.

All the interior walls were composed of damage resistant glass, allowing the viewer to see from one side of the floor to the other. The center was filled with rows of mobile office desks with an exorbitant number of electrical outlets in the floor, allowing the user to move it anywhere else on the floor. Offices and conference rooms with large wood desks and plenty of seating filled the rest of the space.

Gunner’s past experience identified the need for a command center of sorts for any large operations, which is why he left this space available. It was critical when needed, otherwise sat empty. While he much preferred to hold meetings at the docks, it provided privacy and a secondary option when his guests stayed at the hotel.

He walked down the hall and into one of the side conference rooms. The central table was long enough to seat a dozen guests. It held a state-of-the art, 3d-projection unit in the recessed center that was tied to a laptop that sat on the end. It was perfect for meetings that required visual planning.

While Flux took a seat in one of the many dark brown leather chairs, Gunner walked to the side wall and lowered the electronic blinds. Once they reached the floor, he flipped a secondary switch. The glass walls shifted from completely transparent to a decorative black and gold. He then walked over to the conference phone and dialed Velocity’s room number. It rang a few times before the assassin answered the phone.

“Yes?” she asked.

“Flux and I are on level twenty in one of the conference rooms,” Gunner said. “Your room key should give you access to the floor. Just scan it before hitting the button.”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

When the phone disconnected, Gunner shifted to the head of the table and prepared the laptop. He slid a USB drive into its port and opened the files he had selected. Dossier images of the team floated in the middle of the table along with several maps and a detailed list of the plan.

Gunner cycled through the files to ensure he had everything prepared. While he was focusing on his task, he heard the public elevators open and footsteps approaching. He looked up when the door open and saw Velocity enter the room.

She wore a dark forest green flannel with the several top buttons unclasped, revealing the top of her chest and collarbone. It was paired with light tan cargo pants and hiking boots. The shirt hung loosely over her hips, hiding what Gunner assumed was a concealed weapon.

Her long braided blonde hair hung out the back of a black Mazuma City Magician’s baseball cap. The heavy black eyeshadow she wore made her blue eyes pop. It was a working woman’s look that Gunner found attractive.

“Vel, it’s good to see you,” Gunner said, rounding the table and extending his arm.

Velocity gave a slight smile as she grabbed his hand and shook it. “Good to see you too, Mr. Webb.” When they let go, she turned and nodded at the other in the room. “Flux.”

“Velocity,” Flux said, nodding back.

The assassin glanced around the room before looking up at Gunner. “Are we waiting for more?”

“No, it’s just us today. I have a few others that need to be briefed, but their roles are minor compared to yours.”

“So, am I coming in late?”

“No, not at all. The timetable has just required some… finesse in sourcing talent. I just returned from a trip to Miami to recruit the civilians you’ll be working with.”

“Are they reliable? Civilians always seem to complicate things.”

“As much as they can be. Unfortunately, given the nature of the cargo, it’s required.”

“I remember you saying it was special… should we begin?”

“Always straight to business… I love it.”

The two shared a brief smile before Gunner resumed his spot at the head of the table. He tapped on his laptop before picking up a clicker. He cycled through the mission’s briefing as he spoke.

“We’re calling this Operation Exocoetus. The mission has two priority objectives: the rescue of the orca Millie, and the destruction of Ocean World.”

“Oh… this was not at all what I was expecting. When you said special cargo and civilian contractors, I was thinking this was a smuggling and protection job.”

“No, sorry,” Gunner said with a slight chuckle. “Given the sensitivity around the matter, I wanted to keep the parameters vague until we had a chance to discuss this in person.”

“No problem. Apologies for the interruption.”

“No problem at all. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Gunner clicked to the next screen, which outlined the plan in a bulleted list. “As I was saying, there are two priority objectives: the rescue of the orca Millie and the destruction of Ocean World. Those are priorities one and two respectfully. Velocity, your focus will be the second objective. I want you to go in ahead of time to minimize the security threat and set up explosives to be readied for detonation. You will arrive at 10pm, which will be an hour after the shift change. That will give you two hours to finish your tasks. Flux and the team of civilians will arrive at midnight.”

“What kind of security are we looking at?”

“Since the park shutdown, they’ve downsized everything. Each shift contains nine officers that roam the facility. There is one shift leader who stays in a command office watching the hundred and fifty security cameras that are placed throughout the complex. You’ll have to start there to disable all the cameras and alarms.”

“Are the guards carrying weapons?”

“Yes. They are issued a utility belt comprising a barb-projectile stun gun with two replacement cartridges, nine-millimeter Glocks with two additional magazines, a twenty-four inch collapsible baton, a twelve inch flashlight, and two pairs of stainless steel handcuffs.”

“That’s… unexpectedly thorough.”

“I sell the same load out to several clients,” Gunner said with a wide smile.

“Engagement protocols?”

“Non-lethal is preferred given that they are civilians. However, if it’s you or them… don’t hesitate.”

“I never do.”

Gunner changed the images, bringing up an outline of the facility with several red X’s plastered on the areas of interest. “These X’s represent your explosive targets. The facility has ten aquariums and five large containment tanks used for their larger creatures and their shows. All the tanks should be empty except for Millie’s.”

“How large are they, and how much damage am I doing?”

“The larger tanks are in the millions of gallons of water. The aquariums are smaller with hundreds of thousands.”

“I’m not familiar with the scale in terms of gallons. I just need to know how many explosives I’ll need to get the job done.”

“My apologies. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a crate along with two remote detonators. Two sticks per aquarium and six per show tank should be sufficient. We’re not trying to bring the whole place down. We’re just trying to remove any doubt of them being able to rebuild.”

“So enough damage to disable the place. Got it.”

“Precisely.”

Velocity stared at the projected map as she counted on her fingers. She shook her head from side-to-side before looking back over at Gunner. “Two hours is going to be cutting it close. The place is enormous. The cameras will help locate the sentries, but getting to them, finding them, and then disabling them is going to be a lengthy task. I could use another person.”

“Do you have someone in mind?”

“When are we looking to execute?”

“Monday.”

Velocity shook her head. “Not within that time frame.”

Gunner brought his fist to his chin as he thought about his options. Pulling someone in at this point would risk the entire thing. Velocity was a straightforward choice, given our history together. But I lucked out with her because she’d just come off a job. There’s no one who is available that I trust enough to get the job done.

As Gunner deliberated his options, Flux raised her hand. “I can do it.”

“You’ll be with the logistics team,” Gunner said.

“Jimmy and Franco can watch a few civilians. I’d be much more effective with Velocity.”

Gunner looked over at Velocity and shrugged. “Does that suffice?”

“No offense,” Velocity said, holding up her hand. “But working with an amateur is just going to slow me down.”

“I’m not an amateur,” Flux growled.

“I can assure you, she’s more than capable,” Gunner added.

Velocity let out a short laugh as she pointed toward Flux. “I’m sorry… Is there more to her than I realized? I thought she was just your assistant.”

“I’m also his protector,” Flux said, glaring at Velocity.

“Protector? Like a bodyguard?”

“Yes.”

Velocity leaned over the table and stared at Flux. “You can always tell what kind of person someone is by looking into their eyes.”

“Then what do you see?”

“That you’re telling the truth. And you’ve got the eyes of a killer. I bet if he told you to kill me right now, you wouldn’t hesitate.”

“I wouldn’t,” Flux said coldly.

As the two looked like they were going to lunge for each other’s throats. Gunner tried to redirect. “What does mine say about me?”

Velocity stiffened, stammering as she addressed the question. “Oh… um…” But as she looked into Gunner’s eyes, her lips pressed tightly. “I’m… not sure…”

“Well, that can’t be good,” Gunner said, chuckling.

“They look harmless like you wouldn’t hurt a fly—”

“I always try to be a lover, not a fighter.”

She took a step forward, tapping her lip. “But there’s something behind them… That I can’t quite put my finger on.”

“Well, if you figure it out, let me know.” After the two shared a smile, Gunner pointed between the two women. “But back to the original topic. Are you good with the two of you working together?”

Velocity let out a sigh and shrugged. “If you vouch for her, then I’m fine with it.”

“Only if you two are confident that you’ll both get along,” Gunner said, glancing at the pair. “The last thing I need is more complications.”

“I have no problem working with her if she can do the job,” Velocity said, shrugging.

“I can do it,” Flux said. “I won’t be a problem.”

“Then that’s settled. Let’s move on to the rest of the plan.”

Gunner changed to the next screen, which projected images of the professor and her team. “Once the site is secured. James and Franco, who Flux mentioned earlier, will bring in a semi-truck with a custom trailer on the back. Inside will be Professor Callahan and her team of marine biologists. Their role is to oversee Millie’s health during the transportation. The orca is old and might not survive the journey, but they are there to improve her odds. They, along with Flux, will load Millie into the custom transport. Once she is secured, they will transport her to Miami International Airport, where she’ll be loaded onto an AN-124-100. From there, they will fly from Miami to Anchorage and meet up with the non-profit, who will take over ownership and transportation. They’ll load her on a cargo ship to finish the journey to their facility where she’ll live the rest of her days.”

“Seems straightforward, but there are a lot of transition parts where things could go wrong.”

“True,” Gunner said, waving his finger. “But I’ve ensured that from a paperwork standpoint, we’re all legitimate. The areas of concern are the security at Ocean World or during transportation from the facility to the airport.”

“So, is my role finished once everyone leaves? I’m guessing I’ll detonate everything then?”

“Yes. The client wanted the facility destroyed and thus we required your services. You are free to depart as soon as your portion is finished. Once Flux gives confirmation that the facility has been destroyed, if I’ve not already heard, I’ll issue you your fee.”

Velocity twisted her lips and slowly nodded as she stared at the map. Gunner assumed she was on board and began setting up the pending transfer.

However, he paused when she glanced at Flux and pointed up at the image. “Are you flying with them?”

Flux glanced over at Gunner before looking up at Velocity and nodding. “Yes. I’m the boss’s eyes and ears on the ground from start to finish.”

Velocity nodded. “Is there room for one more?”

When Flux turned to Gunner, he leaned back and crossed his arms. “You want to go to Alaska?”

“I’m… empathetic to the mission. I know a thing or two about feeling like you’re trapped.”

“You’re referring to your time spent as a Marionette?” Gunner asked.

Velocity nodded and looked at him with determination in her eyes. “It’s rare that I get a job to do some good in the world. I could use the change of pace.”

Gunner smiled before looking down at Flux. “Are you okay with that?”

“I’ll do whatever you tell me to do, Sir,” his purple-eyed assistant said.

The sharp-dressed-man waved his hand in the air. “That’s not what I meant. Just as I asked Velocity if she was okay with you joining along, I want to make sure you’re okay with her tagging along for the rest of the mission.”

Flux stood and leaned over the table. Velocity matched her and the two women squinted as they eyed each other. Just when Gunner thought he was going to have to break up a brawl, they both pulled back and nodded at each other.

“I have no idea what that was, but are we good?” Gunner asked again.

“I wouldn’t mind having her join me on the trip. The back of the semi’s cabin might be a bit cramped with the both of us, though. It might be better to bring Daniel along so we can coordinate multiple vehicles.”

“I don’t mind tight quarters,” Velocity said. “What are the travel arrangements?”

“You’ll have to travel by car since you’ll be transporting hardware. I’d planned to have my driver, Daniel, travel with you while Flux rode with Franco and James. However, if both of you are planning on working together, then Flux can ride with you. We can then have him transport you both to the airport to make it easier.”

Velocity looked over at Flux and shrugged. “That’s fine with me.”

“I’m okay with that,” Flux said.

“But if we’re driving, we’re going to be cutting it close, won’t we?” Velocity asked. “It’s like a twenty-hour drive down to Miami.”

“Give or take an hour depending on traffic,” Gunner said.

“This whole thing feels like we’re flying close to the sun. Your jobs aren’t normally like this, Mr. Webb. If you don’t mind me asking… what’s the deal? This job doesn’t scream urgency.”

“It’s a new client and I’m looking to impress by showing them what we’re capable of.”

“Must be some client.”

“They are.”

“Can I know who it is?”

Gunner crossed his arms and looked Velocity up and down as he thought about it. “It’s not like you to ask. May I ask why you want to know?”

“Professional curiosity?” Velocity said, shrugging. “I hope the years of me working for you have shown that I’m trustworthy and reliable.”

“True… you’ve been a rock in a sea of uncertainty. You’ve always done your jobs on time and to completion… Okay… I don’t mind telling you. Just note that only the people in this room know who the client is. So if it should leak, I’ll know where it came from.”

“You don’t have to worry, Mr. Webb. I know how to keep my mouth shut.”

“It’s Tetro.”

Velocity’s jaw dropped. “Tetro? Like the member of Paragon Alliance, Tetro?”

“The very same,” Gunner said, nodding.

“And he wanted the facility destroyed as well?”

“It was part of his requirements.”

“Huh… I guess even the people you think are incorruptible have a dark side to them.”

“For Tetro, personally, I think he sees the destruction as justice being served for the way Water World’s owner, Ronald Bismuth, has treated Millie.”

“If he hates the guy, why not just put out a contract with him or deal with him himself?”

“Everyone has lines they won’t cross.”

“Fair enough. But if it was me, I’d do the same to him. Lock him up in a cage and throw away the key. See how much he enjoys it.”

Gunner cocked his brow. “I’m honestly surprised to hear you say that.”

“Why?”

“Because of your sister.”

The mood in the room shifted. Everything got silent as Velocity stared at Gunner with dagger-like eyes. He knew Flux could sense it, which is why she moved to his side. But Velocity soon lowered her head and let out a sigh. “Yeah… well… sometimes we make mistakes.”

“Is that how you feel about what happened between you two?”

“I’d rather not talk about this.”

“My apologies, Vel. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“N-no it’s fine. You’re right. It was hypocritical of me to say that.”

“If it’s any reconciliation, I don’t think you were wrong, though,” Gunner said with a smile. “There’s a reason people like us exist. There are people in this world who deem themselves untouchable. All it takes is one phone call for us to prove that’s not the case.”

“And the price has to be right.”

“That’s not always the case. Like this job, for instance.”

Velocity tilted her head. “You’re not getting paid for this? So where’s the money coming from? Your own pocket?”

“Yes. But Tetro is paying me. Just not monetarily.”

“So, he’s going to owe you one or something?”

“Something like that. Being able to call on a member of the Paragon Alliance for anything I need is a powerful trump card to have.”

“You make a good point.”

Flux pushed her chair in before clearing her throat. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but we should get going. We have a long drive ahead of us, and we still need to stop and pick up the hardware.”

“You’re right,” Gunner said. “My apologies for gabbing.”

Velocity peered at Flux before looking back at Gunner. “I didn’t mind. It was interesting to hear your thoughts. In fact, once the job is over, I have a few things I’d like to discuss with you. If you have the time.”

“He doesn’t,” Flux interjected. “He’s a busy man.”

“Hold on,” Gunner said, holding up his hand toward Flux while gazing at Velocity. “I’m happy to make time once the operation is concluded. What did you have in mind?”

Velocity cracked a smile and said, “It doesn’t have to be anything formal. I just have an important matter to discuss, privately.”

“I’m always open for dinner and drinks. It gives me a reason to look forward to seeing you both as you return.”

Velocity nodded and pointed over her shoulder. “I need to stop by my room and grab my gear before we go.”

“I’ll walk with you then,” Flux said with a clenched jaw.

Gunner watched as the pair left the room. He wasn’t sure if Velocity was aware of the death glare that Flux was giving her, or if she was just choosing to ignore it. He found it amusing, but hoped it wouldn’t interfere with the mission.

I trust them both to be professional, but Flux can be… unpredictable, Gunner thought. Flux is my responsibility. I’m going out on a limb by letting her go on her own. But she has matured over the years. This will be an excellent test for her. Besides, I’m sure Velocity can handle her. She has to. Because if this mission doesn’t succeed, having Tetro as my enemy will be detrimental to my business.