House Call

“How the hell did you get a Pizza?”

“I ordered one.”

“We’re on a desert island!”

“Meh, I know a guy.”

Common joke meant to remind people to be nice to their Courier.

She walked into the shop and handed the salesman her card, pulling out a beautiful fountain pen. “Do you know a good out of the way dining spot? Somewhere teen friendly?”

"Of course, there's all sorts of places. I'll write you a list while you sign." he said, pushing the paperwork over. "We usually do a full service and detail before the customer takes the car. You know, final wash, wax and vacuum, oil change... make sure you have the car in pristine condition. We also tend to keep them with limited fuel for a laundry list of reasons."

"So, we fill them up. Would you like to pick it up tomorrow, or have us trailer it to your home?"

“Just fill her up, I have a shop I’m going to take her to for some custom work.” She said signing the papers.

"Fair enough." He nodded. Lots of people did similar things, though usually after they detailed the car. He filled things out, calling and asking a tech to fill the car with gas for her. Then he handed her the paperwork to hand over to the state for licensing and sent another tech out to put the temp tags on.

"Now, another thing, here's my card. My boss and myself would both kill me if I didn't ask, are you watching for anything of interest? You have the reactions of a hard-core collector, and I don't want to miss the chance to find what you want, and yes because I want that sweet bonus money." he said with a grin.

Nothing off the top of my head. I need to see what’s in the collection currently, but I’ll pass the information on to my mechanics for if they are looking for something special

"I appreciate it . Enjoy that old Austin, it's a fun little drive."

“I plan on it.” She said, texting quickly. “Dear Penny has the pillock left yet? I am going to see if Z would be willing to talk to me and I don’t need that arse trying to tail me. More than miffed, Solaris.”

"Pillock? Yeah, he's gone. And Marcus messaged that Z has come back to the house, and Thud is sitting on her. I suspect not literally." Penny’s return text came quickly.

“Dear Penny, please see if the Tailor can get Z and the fledglings in with a rush job I will pay for expedited work. Also let him know I will be dropping off a car for the toymakers to update. Much thanks, Solaris.” she sent her reply text, then messaged Marcus.

“Dear Marcus, please ask your friend Zoya to meet with me, I wish to listen to her side of things and help her properly get on her feet. I am not feeling overly charitable towards her father, who I found to be an ass. Sincerely Solaris.”

Marcus’s reply was “God I love how you text, boss.

"Might as well just drive back to the house, I'll follow in the truck." Penny said as Solaris stepped out back out with her new keys. "Then we can talk to everyone there."

“Do you think Zoya will be more comfortable talking at the house or somewhere more neutral?”

"At this moment? Probably the house. You're an unknown factor but "younger" than her parents. The kids have been peers and mostly non-judgmental, which she desperately needed. I think there was some argument with Anzy at some point, the classic tough girl challenging the 'sweet ditz' but Anzy handled it by being, and I quote Nahoa, very Ukrainian. They apparently get along now."

"Based on my memories from the war, that could mean a lot of things, but I understand that everyone’s familiar with how Ukrainians deal with aggression these days. Alright. We will do this at home then, I'll meet you there. " she got into the sporty little Asten and took off down the road. "Siri Call the Tailor.”

A few rings later she smiled. "Hello dear. I hate to impose but can I get an expedited session in for my staff?”

"Ironic. You're the second person to call me about the same thing. Young Mr. M called me and asked the same. I happen to be driving to your home now, since I owed the young gent a favor after the debacle, I sent him and young Mr. N on."

“Well, that is fortuitous. I'll have to complement his forethought. "I'll meet you there. Also, on an unrelated note I have a car I want your Toymakers to work up.”

"I will arrange transport for it. I'm assuming you want the full James Bond treatment. I assume you know who that is, as I believe you knew the writer?"

"A misogynist, but clever man." Solaris answered. "See you soon." She hung up and let herself enjoy the car, the wind whipping her hair. She took long breaths, letting her anger go into the wind. She was much calmer by the time she got back to the house. Siri send a message. "Nahoa. can you please come open the gate for me."

"Opening now." The gate started to swing open, on a remote, the boy having checked the camera to confirm who was there. "New car boss?" he asked as it was swinging open.

"Yes, I fell in love with it when I saw her, and I felt I should buy something if i was confronting another hero on their lot. I'm going to have it custom painted and let the Toymakers look at it." she pulled up to the garage and parked fluffing her blonde hair as she got out of the car.

Granny Ruan met her at the door, nodding at a Porsche parked near the front door. "The Tailor is here but thought to wait for you since you're the 'patron', as he put it. Did you punch the idiot in the face? I am embarrassed it took me so long to realize who Marcus wasn't mentioning."

"Not yet, though it may still happen. I didn't want to damage any of the cars. I was really hoping men, no, that people had evolved more than that in the last 70 years. Is everyone down in the Media room or the sunroom?

"Some put off such things more than others. You just have had a rash of bad luck lately." She observed. "They are in the sunroom. He liked the Loft to set his measurement gear on."

The older woman led the way, to find the kids lounging in the aggressively casual way of young people under stress. The Tailor was speaking quietly with Erica while Anzy was all over the room giving out drinks and some snacks.

"Thank you for coming out so quickly. The fit on my suit is lovely. Solaris said as she walked into the room. "Weld, how are your face and ribs doing?"

"Meh. Hurt less, angry more." He grunted. He had gotten rid of the frozen peas, and was already in the dark bruised stage of black eyes.”

“Has the Tailor gone over the rules and properties of dealing with a member of his craft?” she asked.

"He did give us a quick explanation; he apparently has a power point.” she said wryly. “We are a bit familiar with the idea, as a few of our classmates work for Tailors. They're close mouthed but some details still get out." Elenore said. "He's already talked to and scanned Weld and talked to Nahoa about a Mask... something about 'going with his jacket' whatever that means. He's talking to one of Anzy right now."

"Good if you have any questions ask me, I worked with the original Tailor, Phantastique, so I know how things work.”

“I was going to get you all fitted anyway because it is just a good idea, but with what happened today. I am moving forward with that a bit earlier than I had planned. Z I am getting you fitted as well. And Mystic, Code names or First Letter only, no names when with a Tailor."

"Honey, you helped set how things worked." The Tailor called down from the loft as Anzy bounced down the stairs. "I'm assuming you want the civilized day wear as well as the Union required outerwear." he joked. Z, who was sitting next to Marcus looking pissed, blinked.

"Me too?"

"Yes dear, you are one of my fledglings now. And I take care of my teams. I would like to talk to you after your fitting, or before, whatever you are more comfortable with.”

"Um maybe later, I'm a bit ‘punch dad in the face’ to talk about things sensibly right now." She had no idea what fitting the other woman was talking about, but didn’t ask.

"Dear, I rather want to punch your dad in the face as well." Solaris said, sitting down. "Sometimes being better isn't easy.”

“Thank you Focus." she said to Erica who handed her a glass oflemonade. "If you want there is a lovely little Aston sitting outside I'm planning on having the works done to, by the Tailors people. Something for you all to see as an example, for your own future projects." She turned back to Z.

"I am going to meet with him at the shop tomorrow. I want to talk to you to see what you want and give you someone to vent to who will listen. If you want to do tomorrow that is fine, we can have Tea in my sitting room."

"I'm open to that, but I wasn't kidding about this morning. I am fighting ghosting my way out of here, taking that Maserati, and driving its wheels off in some random direction. I'm tired of this crap."

"I understand. Like I said, we can have tea. I bet you've never had a proper Tea before and I know Anzy will get a charge out of preparing one.”

"Okay... let's go with young... " the Tailor was looking at a list. "Focus and come along with her Solaris. I'm sure you have some input to give here or there."

"I won't lie, I've had one planned for weeks." Anzy said with a smile.

"Well then this is a good opportunity." Solaris said with a smile. She stood and walked up to the loft with Focus. "Remember what is told to a Tailor never leaves their lips, you can be honest with him about your powers." she said taking a seat so she wouldn't get in the way.

"Not much to tell. I'm a Class D Physical enhancement oriented towards Agility and reflex. I have high human physical abilities in general. I've tested at genius level intelligence with higher-than-average EQ. My power is I see in a wide spectrum of light, energy and energetic particles, including x-rays, gamma, and even Tachyon related energies."

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

"Tachyon? Precognition?"

"Most need more prompting. Not precognition in the traditional sense. I have maybe, max, a second lead time on events, in combat it's more like a half second warning on what an opponent is going to do but with my reaction time that half second can be an eternity. I'm also good at shooting, and throwing things, catching too, but I lack some of my classmate’s skill level in hand to hand. I'm smaller than just about everyone so not really my forte."

Small and quick can regularly take out bigger opponents. Solaris said. "As a fellow Short Woman I understand.

"Boss, when the words "USS Miami" come out in reference to the two of us, I'm fixing her engines, you're carrying her to the dry dock. We ain't the same." She chuckled.

Solaris Laughed. "Yes, well, my enhancements are a bit of a cheat. I can fly up to the top cabinet shelf."

"Stupid architects and their use of space." She muttered.

"Any preference in a color palette?" The Tailor asked absently.

"No. I also don't care about a Mask. If I suit up, I'm already pissed so pretending it isn't personal is probably pointless.”

"There are advantages to being Public. There is a lot less to juggle." Solaris admitted. “What do you think of Blue. Perhaps blue and gold?”

"A little military school for me." She admitted. "And I'm not really fond of blue. I don't toss fire around and am not a speedster so not sure Red is a good color. Plus, it washes me out." The pale blonde murmured.

"She's not wrong. Of all your fledglings, she's the closest in general look to you. Don't be surprised if people assume you're related, to be honest."

“From what Dreadful has told me I would cry if I knew how many people were mistaken for me. Perhaps, how about a nice gray?”

"Gray is doable, or an off white if it needs more color. Something that allows freedom of movement is a must. She's going to rely on dodging over tanking damage." he mused. "A gun of some form is going to be needed. Since we're in a time crunch, I'll dig around in my Land of Misfit Toys, things my toymakers have crafted without a bespoke target."

See what kind of multi tools you have as well, she is also our computer person.

"Can do."

"Go ahead and head back down. can you send, say Mystic up." he suggested. He considered Solaris as the girl headed down the stairs. "So, hero on hero violence. Always annoying but it is a bit traditional at this point. You got to miss that starting until now, though."

"I am really hoping some of our men have evolved, or my dating pool is going to be shallower than a Hapsburg gene pool.

"I know Qilin, he's a bit old school Asian, so you're dealing with some of that." he admitted. "And men have evolved. You'll notice none of these boys are making the "girls shouldn't fight" noises right now. In your time, I know you would have had to deal with that argument."

"That is true,” she chuckled. "Is it bad hearing 'old school Asian makes me want to introduce him to Kitsune, there was a woman who took no grief." She smiled, “Welcome up Mystic. Solaris said warmly.”

"Hello there." She said with a smile and nod. "Here's my record from the school. Easier than really explaining "I summon monsters but try to make them cute" and making it make real sense."

"Not the strangest way to phrase such things." The Tailor admitted. "But it is esoteric. Any definite no no's on your costume?"

"I want a skirt. I do not need people staring at my ass when I stand somewhere all the time." She mused. "I don't mind peeking, but staring is just a bit much, and I'm not much for spandex."

She will also need weapons, she's a dab hand with a firearm. and from what I’ve seen she's her team’s field command. So, any coms upgrades are also good.

Communications are easy enough." He made some notes, while his machine scanned her. "Alright, I think I have some good notes. The Badger lad said he's a guy in a chair type and asked me for some gear he has had trouble finding so he's happy. Said something about having his own thing anyway." The Tailor shrugged. "He seems a bit of an Individual if you know what I mean. Send up our plant girl when you go down."

Solaris chuckled, "how much of your speedy answer was you found out I had a little toymaker under the roof."

He chuckled. "Some. I may have asked him about a task I had pending and let him wander off pondering it." He admitted. "But no, a lot of it was I owed the boys. I sent them on a delivery, which they handled with aplomb, but it did lead to an ambush, and I regretted that. If I had known, I wouldn't have sent them. I figured at worst they'd show up and get caught having to run from a Hero vs. Villain smackdown."

"Ahh. Courier work. It’s a good way for young enhanced to learn the ropes. Did that white snakeskin make it up okay?” she asked as Mercades came up. "This is Dryad."

"Hello. I turn into an Ent when I smack people, so not sure what a costume is other than kind of a statement of intent when I'm not all 'grrr' and stuff." she admitted.

“She is an artist at heart and my least aggressive fledgling.”

"She's not wrong." Dryad said with a shrug

"Nothing wrong with lack of aggression, though obviously sometimes an idiot doesn't give a choice. And the Union Suit is important as a statement of intent. It means people know what you are and what's going on."

Solaris nodded. I think maybe a stretchy undersuit with a long drapey overdress? Greens and browns? rather like a renaissance dress.

Hmmm, that could be done." He nodded. "Something Grecian with the name. Step on the scanner. Any specific gear? And I take it the suit should be able to get out of the way of the "Tree parts."

"I kind of grow bigger too."

"Noted."

I think defense gear, Maybe some sort of shield, to reflect a more pacifistic nature.

"Hmm, something to consider, though if she grows that could be tricky." he admitted. "However, if she's more passive, larger first aid kit element might be wise."

"Dryad, outside of your alternate form do you have any enhancement? Solaris asked.

"I heal fast, not quite combat regeneration but I've never been scared so there's a theory I could heal more significant damage. I can communicate with plants, animate them." She thought. "I seem to have some limited resistance to plant based toxins and allergens."

Because she is the least combative personality, could you please put together a tracker for her. something she can wear when she's out that is...inconspicuous. "Sorry Dryad. Your combination of gifts is exactly what power hunters look for and if you go missing I want to be able to find you as quickly as possible. It will be your choice when to wear it but I want you to have one."

"A civilian one? Sure. I usually include such things in super costumes by default." He admitted.

"I am aware I am appealing. The cartels have already tried to grab me a couple of times. It's why I have bothered to learn to fight, when I don't really want to." she admitted.

"It's good to be aware and careful." Solaris said her tone was comforting. "I think you are going to look stunning in your new union suit.

"Thank you." She said, awkwardly curtseying then jogging off.

"She's cute. Now..." He turned to her. "I'll sketch up some ideas and send you a few to choose from for each. I can put a rush on the first suit, the rest will take a few days. I'm getting a expedite feel here. Do you need anything else for the troop? I heard Marcus mention something about car thieves."

"Yes, apparently Qilin mistook my kids for car thieves. I’m going to have a conversation about it with him tomorrow. Can you also do a suit for Z. the young Asian lady.”

"Yes, Call her up for me, if you would. I was more meaning other kit than suits and U-belts"

“Mm. I am not sure. I am still learning about them. I will send you a message if I think of anything.

"Z please come up it's your turn to be fitted.”

"Um, Okay?" The girl crept up carefully, as if expecting an ambush. "Um, hello."

“Hello Z. This is the Tailor; He is going to fit you for a suit. You are part of our team now. and we take care of our own. What you tell a tailor is as sacrosanct as confession.”

“Oh, more so. Priests don’t know bra sizes.”

"Yeah, okay. What do you need?"

"An outline of your enhanced abilities." He said. "And preferences for equipment or look, if you have them."

"Well... I kind of manipulate and control shadows. I can even 'shadow' people’s minds, kind of confuse them or make them not see me even in daylight." She said, thinking. "Oh, I'm kind of low level enhanced across the board, physically. I get... I mean I can lift way more than I should, but I'm not in the ton range. I never struggled in gymnastics classes or gym, and I ran a marathon on a bet, without being wiped out later. I think I'd be a low-class D in most categories?"

Solaris gave the Tailor a wry look. "Well one of them was bound to have mental gifts."

"I think rich colors for this one. What do you think of a deep purple, just short of black. A bit of a ninja look, but you’re willowy enough to carry it well.

"That sounds cool." Zoya said perking up realizing that she was getting fitted for a union suit. "Oh, I would like a place for small tools and to put things."

"Utility belts are a standard." Solaris said. "Do you have any weapons training?" She wasn't sure if the girl’s father would go beyond basic self-defense.

"Pfft, no. That would require trust." She grumbled. "But I'm pretty good at hand to hand. Honestly, the only kid down there who might be able to take me on fair is Anzy. Course she can all cheat... but then..." Shadow seemed to swirl on the wall, and she stepped through it, appearing next to Solaris. "So do I."

"Otherwise, I'd never get away from stupid Marcus."

"Remember Z. we do not use names with the tailor, initials or Code names only. Alright, we add you to the Trainer's list. You’re as tempting to Power hunters as Dryad is, and you’re confirmed generational. I think Tonfa’s like M. It will give him someone to practice with.”

"I didn't hear anything but an A, my dear, don't worry. I work with newbies all the time." he assured her. "I don't think the shield will work without his reinforcement, so perhaps with some sneaky close-range options. Perhaps CS Spray and, oh, taser? She won't need a Grapple with that teleportation ability."

"No, I was thinking traditional tonfas not like the modified ones M has, also is there such a thing as a thrown stun baton?"

"Stun batons, disks, taser balls. On two occasions rubber chickens, the sky’s the limit in hurled devastation."

“What do you think Z would you prefer disks or batons for a ranged attack?”

"Disks. Someone I know uses batons." she said awkwardly.

“Okay, Stun disks and tonfa. Any other requests?"

"Not really... I wasn't really expecting anything so... yeah."

"The greys are always so adorable when they are confused." The Tailor chuckled. "Alright, off you go. I have a few questions for your Patron here." The girl looked argumentative, confused, and appreciative all at once, and wandered off.

“Throw in a collapsible bo stick as well, It's almost traditional for teleporters.”

"Good point, pretty standard so I should have some lying about. the Tailor said making a note "So, while you muse other requests, I need to bring a work crew in here. I believe you are aware I have a delivery."

"Sorry it's been a bit of an odd day. What was I having delivered?

"A certain springtime fellow asked that I drop some things off, for you and for Dreadful. Dreadful's is a bit bulky, though yours is a bit more personal, and I thought you might appreciate the storage for it. That one small shed out there is simply insufficient."

"Ahh. My shadow decided to send presents. I am eager to see what he brought.” she said, running her hand over the skirt of her new uniform and following the Tailor back downstairs.

"Oh, this and that." He said. "If you need anything added to the order, message me. I'll get to work immediately and get the designs for you to choose. You might want to find a playhouse at some point, if you get my meaning." He chuckled.

"Right, I'll start looking for one, do you know a Trainer that needs a Dojo?

"Three or four, to be honest. Especially depending on what type of trainer you're wanting. I'm assuming combat, hand to hand and other?"

“Yes, preferably with weapons experience. With over a dozen people in need of training I might as well make the accountant happy and take out a business loan to set up a gym and dojo. Maybe just build to spec and get a good range in there as well?”

"I could arrange a construction team to add a subterranean range to any freestanding building you should find to occupy," he said. "I'll send you resumes, if you will, within the next couple of days."

“I appreciate it. Solaris walked outside. I’ll let Louise know and reach out to our real estate person. “Oh, he got me a new tank! She said with a delighted clap.”

"Yes, I thought I'd bring that right over. Its engine needs work, but otherwise it's in very good condition. I think someone restored everything but the motor." The tailor said. "A Type 95 Ha-Gō, a light tank but that just makes it more drivable."

"The rest we'll deliver tomorrow, after my team puts in the storage for it."

I love it’s adorable! I’ll put a bright red bow on it and park it next to the outdoor Christmas tree!

"Oh, I know where I'm installing defensive gear." Penny purred. Badger nodded next to her. They'd been chatting.”

"Can you LS swap a tank?" Erica mused.

"We're gonna."

“Yes! Make it fast! Solaris said laughing in delight.”

“Is it always so weird around here?” Zoya asked in a subdued voice.

"You mean the LS Swapping a tank, the Tailor, or the fact that none of it seems all that weird to me?" Marcus said with a grin

“All of the above, she’s also getting me a suit. Dad will flip his lid.”

"Yeah, this is normal. She was always going to take the others, so you just kind of got to join in to some degree. That, and I think your dad pissed her off." He looked down at his phone and frowned. "And your dad is still in the general area, though not anywhere close. Looks like he's still hunting the car thieves, but I think he's following a bum trail now."

“You bugged my dad? That is awesome. Think I’m still safe from him looking here for me? She asked, thinking it was strange to see someone like Solaris looking like a little kid at Christmas

"I didn't bug him... I put an alert on social media that tells me when someone notices him and records it. he's a bit bad at stealth with the whole white and gold suit and car."

"And I think he'll end up in orbit if he comes to her house uninvited... and that's if Thud catches him. She'd send him to Jupiter."

Z nodded rubbing her arms, she looked over at Levi. “Sorry about getting everyone in trouble with my dad.”

He shrugged. “We all have family who sucks. Don’t blame yourself, I don’t.”