The Merchants are a formidable economic power, but money can't stop bullets. We are stronger than them by a country mile. Mr. Kim looks terrified of me, so my plan clearly worked. That means the rest of them did as I asked. It's a testament to how complex Neuvohuman powers can make dealings that I have to maintain an image that an alternate me created. I won't ever know exactly how your power works or how our interactions went, but I made quite an impression.

I confess that I am at a disadvantage that The Merchants are not. They have seen what we are capable of and know our powers as a group. I have no way to find out what they know either., While all I have is an educated guess of what Mr. Kim and Prophet of Profit can do. The three of them all have pretty esoteric powers. Alchemist's name could be a clue to her power, but it could also be a red herring. The choice of picking the name of Alchemist leads me to believe she's a Tinkerer. Prophet of Profit is an admittedly clever name, especially since they're a Mentalist with a power involving financial precognition. They seem to be the ones that Rorschach will have to contend with. She's excited about the windfall that these three can provide. Their guards are another story, six people, and I have no idea about which have powers, or if any of them do. Most of them have unique enough looks that I can assume they are Neuvohumans, especially the man with a blue mohawk and the multicolored eyes. If he isn't a Neuvohuman, I'll be very surprised.

The Board members haven't said a word since my warning. And it is a warning, not a threat. I would like to be able to come to terms that both parties find amenable, but if we can't, then they can all die. Their personal guards look like they might be Neuvohumans, so I can at least profit in terms of abilities and personality pieces. Besides the six other members of Momentus Inc., the only person who knows about what I can do is Technologica, and I'm not ready to take her out yet. The thought of her, ready to strike me down from space, is a guillotine ready to fall at any moment. She'll get hers eventually.

"Are you attempting to strong-arm us into a worse deal? Let me just correct your preconceived notion about our group. I would die before I took a bad deal," Alchemist said aggressively.

"We aren't trying to take you over the coals. We truly want to find an agreement that both parties can walk away from happy with. Since you cannot speak for the rest of your organization, we can make individual deals with all of you as a group or separately. The vast differences between Neuvohuman abilities would make a flat rate impossible to decide on. So we can do it on a per-case basis. We can create a catalogue for you to peruse, and then it's between our two parties to decide on a fair price," Rorschach responded.

She's a completely different person when it comes to finances. The crass diva is nowhere to be seen. In her place is a business professional, a bloodhound with a nose for riches. This is her battlefield, and she will extract blood from diamonds. What will you think of her proposal? Rorschach's greed will swallow all of you. I don't believe there is an amount of money that would make her stop chasing more.

"In the scenario that we acquire the power ourselves and merely need to have it moved to a different person, could that be arranged for a reduced price? When it comes to the transactions, are you only looking for money, or could a trade be accepted?" Alchemist asked.

"Certainly. There will be a minimum fee for any power shifting, but it would not be egregious. We aren't interested in bleeding you dry," Rorschach said, lying blatantly. "We would not be opposed to trades, but only for things we actually have a need for. Certain items that your other customers would go into debt for are of no interest to us."

"And what items would you trade for? I assume you have an example in mind," Alchemist responded.

She's doing excellently. Bravo, my Chief Financial Officer. Using their suggestions to steer our conversation toward our actual goal. Creating a lasting partnership with these three or their organization isn't what we're here for. My true aim is for something specific, an item that they hold a monopoly on.

"Hyperweave. Specifically, we'd like to commission seven suits from you. Our research couldn't pin down exactly what the price you all charge for a suit is," Rorschach said carefully.

This might not be something they are willing to trade for.

"It depends. What powers are available for purchase right now?" Prophet of Profit said, speaking for the first time since Alchemist and Rorschach began.

"I have a Manipulator that allows the user to change where their center of gravity originates from. It can be used to make large leaps and walk upside down on ceilings. I also have a Mentalist/Alter that shows the trajectory of moving objects, as well as being able to make themselves and other things bouncy in a way that defies physics. It does not work on other people. I have a Traveller ability that pulls the user toward objects, pulls objects toward them, and swaps places between them and said objects. It works by creating invisible tunnels in reality. Finally, I have two Caster abilities: one that can create short-range kinetic beams originating from the extremities and another that spawns portals that accelerate anything that goes through them. It does not work on living creatures. Those five are available for purchasing," I answered.

I can tell that Prophet of Profit and Alchemist are both clearly thinking it over, even if their faces betray nothing. What are your entrepreneurial senses telling you both? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. They'd be stupidly shortsighted not to take me up on this. We have shown them our restraint and shown Mr. Kim what it looks like when we do not restrain ourselves. If they don't agree, I'll have to find a different higher-up from The Merchants.

"Are any of you interested in any of the powers Nobody listed? Mr. Kim, you've been quite quiet since this started." Rorschach stated.

"Your question is a rhetorical one. Nobody can give regular people abilities, turning them into Neuvohumans. It isn't a matter of interest; it's a matter of what we'll be able to charge. Opportunities don't wait; time won't come again," Mr. Kim said.

Ironic saying for him, of all people, to pull out.

"I agree with your sentiment. It's a complicated set of calculations to narrow down what exactly a power is worth. The rich and powerful would pay any amount to be actually powerful. High millions, possibly in the billions," Alchemist remarked nonchalantly.

Billions. The kind of wealth that only a percent of a percent ever come close to.

"You are mistaken about one thing; I can give powers to anyone, not just the unpowered. I could give all of you another ability," I corrected.

Prophet of Profit's eyes nearly pop out of his head. He quickly recovers, but Alchemist does a spit-take at my correction. Mr. Kim also fails to control his expression. Is it an act? They are supposedly excellent traders, but how would they have made it this far without a poker face? What would be the point of the performance? Are they just stroking my pride, appealing to my ego? No, there's another game afoot. Something that I can't see.

Rorschach's eyes narrow as she looks at me out of the corner of her eye. It's a quick look that The Merchants are too surprised to notice. What mistake did I make? Next semester, I should look into taking a business class; it'll help me avoid situations like this, where I'm barely a participant in the talks.

"There has to be a catch to giving a Neuvohuman an additional power. What are the side effects?" Alchemist asked me.

Rorschach looks at me, and I give a slight nod. She would never reveal something about my power without my permission; she's too professional for that. I need to work on trusting them more. Despite giving a speech about trust, I find it very difficult to relinquish control. Vivienne is probably the only one I can rely on completely. She has never failed me or acted in a way that contradicted my plans. That could be an effect of our friendship, making us closer than the others. She was my friend, now not only am I missing the piece that enabled our friendship, but there is a growing chasm between us. Suddenly, I feel a dull ache in my chest. It feels like someone is squeezing my organs. Are they attacking us? It could be one of the guards, using some kind of telekinesis to attack me internally. But as I look at the rest of my group, I realize I'm the only one feeling it. Is there something wrong with me? Am I sick?

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"There aren't any negative effects for taking a second power, but a universal aspect of it seems to be that the powers will interact in a new, unique way. It always results in what we've been internally referring to as combination abilities. There have been combinations that result in multiple new abilities, but there is always at least one," Rorschach answered casually, as if she hadn't just dropped another bomb on The Merchants.

"You're saying that if, hypothetically, I chose to take one of these powers, I would get a second ability as well as a third?" Mr. Kim asked incredulously.

"Yes. I do want to temper your expectations, though, the combination abilities can run the gamut in terms of usefulness. There are cases where the combination is just a slightly synergized effect between the powers as opposed to a completely new one," Rorschach added.

"Still, that changes everything," Alchemist responded, running her hand through her hair. "I obviously can't speak for these two, but I am interested in the trade. In exchange for the exclusive rights to the Traveller ability, I will get you your suits. Do you have designs ready, or do you need time? If you have any special requests in regards to equipment beyond the standard, then I might need to request additional payment. Do we have a deal?"

This is far better than we expected. I was ready to lose an additional power. Now it's time for Rorschach to show what she's got.

"It will take some time to get the designs and specifications. I have a question for you: do you want the power, or is this power going to be sold?" She asked.

Alchemist's thin lips form a smile. No teeth, and her eyes are similar to a cornered predator's. She's cold, detached in a way that only the truly wealthy or blatant sociopaths are. She probably isn't even aware of it, and if I didn't spend so much time watching facial expressions, I might've mistaken the smile as genuine.

"You caught me, I plan to put out some feelers and see if people are interested," Alchemist answered.

"I didn't bring it up because we have a problem with it, but to know whether you were planning on taking it with you. You are free to do as you planned, and we will keep the power until you've found a buyer. Once you have found one, we will need a few things from you. First, a secluded location that isn't being used. Second, a sterile operating room, with room for aftercare, and plenty of general anesthesia. Third, complete secrecy, the client cannot be told anything about the procedure: no cameras, phones, or any kind of recording technology. The whole operation should be mobile, because we'll have to use a different location every time. We will handle the security, but you are free to elect a representative to be there to meet with the client," Rorschach said.

Our demands aren't too overbearing; we're just doing the bare minimum to keep my secrets. What will you say? We're taking a lot of the risk on our end; it's only fair that they shoulder some of the burden. To Alchemist's credit, she decides quickly.

"Acceptable terms. You've got yourself a deal, Rorschach. You've found some very competent subordinates, Nobody," Alchemist said.

"You have no idea. Rorschach will be your contact going forward," I said.

"Not you?" Alchemist questioned.

"No. You two can exchange contact information. We will update you if any other powers are available for sale. Let her know when you've sold the ability, and we can schedule the rest," I said.

"Slow down. You haven't shown you can do what you say you can. There's no way you're leaving without a demonstration of what I purchased. Cole, come forward," Alchemist said.

None of the bodyguards moves. Alchemist looks at the man with the rainbow eyes, waving her hand at him. He looks confused, and Alchemist's expression quickly matches his. I'm unsure of exactly what Tuesday did, but I know for a fact that none of the guards have heard a single real word from our conversations.

"Tuesday, let him hear," I said.

"What did you do to them?" Alchemist asked.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours first," Tuesday said suggestively.

Her voice is rich and sultry, clearly attempting to sound sexy. Alchemist's eyes lock onto Tuesday, and then she repeats herself to Cole. He comes over immediately. Cole stands at attention at the table, his arms at his sides, his weapon sheathed, and his eyes are up, purposely not looking at us. Professional.

"I'll have to pass on your offer. Cole, this man is going to do something to you. It won't hurt, right?" Alchemist asked Rorschach.

"Correct."

"If you hurt him, our deal is null and void. Cole, I just need you to allow it to happen and then show me whether it works," Alchemist continued.

"Understood," Cole said.

He walks over to me, and I slip my left glove off. I leave my open palm out and wait for him to put his hand in mine. As soon as our skin touches, I start the transfer of Callback's ability to him. I feel The Merchants' eyes on us, as if they expect some type of trickery. It would be incredibly stupid to ruin this relationship so soon after it started. As the fifth minute comes to an end, Cole's rainbow eyes go wide. He pulls a coin out of his pocket and flicks it over to the other side of the room. Right as it is about to hit the wall, Cole swaps places with it—the coin clattering to the ground next to the table.

"Is that enough proof for you?" Rorschach asked.

"Certainly. Cole, come back over here," Alchemist ordered.

Cole teleports back to the table and immediately presents his hand to me. Well trained. I retrieve the power and get up from the table. Vivienne follows suit as Rorschach hands them a card with her number on it. The three of us join the others, and we head for the door. Tuesday snaps her fingers and gets rid of the effect she forced on the guards' hearing.

"Your requests make a lot more sense now, after seeing the method of your ability," Alchemist said as we left.

Curiosity killed the cat. The seven of us leave The Merchants behind, moving through the floor toward the elevator. We got the suits I wanted to get. We've made contact with a potential distributor for some of the abilities that I have no use for, or the personality piece is too problematic. I'm happy; we got out without any injuries, and we didn't have to kill anyone. All in all, this was a success. It didn't go exactly the way I envisioned, but no plan survives contact with the enemy.

"That went well. We've secured our way forward with getting all of us suits. All of you played your parts perfectly, and a few of you were exceptional. Rorschach, you were an incredible negotiator. V, you were the mission lead, and it is thanks to your guidance that things went so well. In regard to everyone's suits, you are all free to decide your design however you'd like. If you require modifications or specific features and it is within reason, don't worry about the cost. Since we will start making moves against the established forces of Quinstin once we have the suits, it's time for everyone to decide their Cowl names. And for Miles, your Cape name. Besides myself and Rorschach, none of you have one, and that needs to change. Rorschach, that means going forward we'll need to start using your real name," I said as the doors close.

"I figured that would be the case as soon as we started down this path. I'm with you guys for the long haul," Rorschach said.

"I don't need a Cowl name; I'm Tuesday," Tuesday said.

"Tuesday is your name, but you'll need a Cowl name for the new costume. This isn't a discussion. Pick a name and design your costume, I don't care what you make it as long as it works as a separate identity," I said, stopping her protests.

"Long live the CCP," Tuesday mumbled sadly.

I glance at the floor number and see we're halfway there. I can't pick their names or costumes for them. I have no desire to do so and it would make me seem like a controlling dick. I just have to trust they won't do anything stupid.

"We've got a problem. One of the kitchen workers is awake and is currently calling the Heroes' Union hotline. She's saying that a Cowl attacked them," Rorschach said.

Fuck. The elevator suddenly feels too slow. The ride is completely silent; the previous high from such a successful mission is gone. The mood has been destroyed. Fuck. FUCK. I swing my gloved hand into the wall. It's too early for us to be discovered. If they send a full squad, there is no chance of us escaping undetected. FUCK. It's a coin flip whether we get a single Cape or a full squad. No one says anything about my outburst.

"Awkward," Tuesday sang.

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