Tabitha McGuire's Story

With all ths chaos currently going on in Wing City practically 'World War 3' the tower was under lock down and heavily secure. Of course no one had seen the actual CEO in forever. Thus the efforts of Sol Enterprise were merely symbolic rather than active. Nonetheless they did employ millions for various departmental jobs and had a team of extensive scientists in myriad of unique field and innovative fields. Officially if anyone had any requests they spoke to Sonia Hughes but even she did not know the end game of all of this.

Tabitha of course was not nearly as highly ranked as any in the upper floors, but she liked her job. With a bubbly and disarming personality most people whatever their business found her appealling and welcoming sight. It did of course help she was beautiful well and truly nonetheless the ground floor was dead, with powerful metal shutters sealed over all entrances, while she sat typing in relative gloom, hearing the sounds outside. Sol Tower had stood any attempts to destroy it in the past, but even Tabitha was growing uneasy. As she was beginning to worry she got a phonecall, picking it up, she twirled the cord between her fingertips, "Hello, Sol Enterprises: Solutions for an Everchanging Multiverse, how may we help you?" she waited as a response came through and immediately she began to beam grinning with such felicity while curbing her excitement, "That's superb, Invictius are back, patch me through to Sonia Hughes!" the person did so as she immediately rang up Sonia Hughes, "Ms Hughes this is Tabitha McGuire the Receptionist, I just heard from Carlisle up in the Applied Super-Psychics, Invictius have been spotted they are back!"

"Chekhov, answer." Sonia said as she watched the scene outside from her office window, Tabitha's voice blared in her head. She was happy, excited, and for good reason. As she said, the Invictus were back.

"It took them long enough, Tabitha." The Englishwoman said, letting the shadow of a smile creep on her face. "Chekhov, make sure you get word to Fatin Alfarsi that I expect her to visit. And to make sure this tower doesn't collapse on me. We have people that need to be evacuated."

"That means you too, Tabitha. No need to go down with the ship."

As she listened to noise outside, she of course did worry about things get intense, "Begging your pardon Ms Hughes, but the place on complete lockdown. I don't have codes to end the lockdown and I am scared too even try end them, since those panels are only thing protecting tower... So Ms Hughes I would love to go home, but right now it's impossible without security code..." pausing she exhaled nervously, as she was effectively telling her superior what they did not wish to hear, "I do believe Francis is closer to your floor and if he's still in he will have the code to end the lock down or at least temporarily open the tower." she took a breath listening to the utter chaos outside, she was beginning to suspect Ms Hughes was right, tower may have survived in the past, but best not push their luck, "I could maybe try from down here to get doors open, but no promises. Remember I am just the Receptionist and though I have pretty damn security clearance... I don't feel it is enough to bypass the lock down." she shrugged to herself, "If you have any other suggestions Ms Hughes as acting CEO you can make the final decision."

"I'll take care of it, Tabitha." The Englishwoman said, "Chekhov, patch me in to Francis. And then tell security that I'd like them to help safely evacuate our staff." Sonia said to her AI assistant, "Connected, Dr. Hughes." The AI told her, "Francis, we need you to end the lockdown, at least for the next half hour to an hour." Sonia told the man.

As she spoke, Chekhov projected a holographic screen in front of the woman. It was security footage showing a group of soldiers in black jumpsuits and armor hanging near one of the back entrances into the building.

One of them noticed the camera, turning to look up at it. It was a young woman, she pointed to her face and the camera zoomed in. "Identified as Nina Sekova. Invictus." Chekhov announced.

"Finally, some good news." Sonia said, "Tabitha, back southwest exit. There's Invictus there. Make sure you, and as many of our people as possible get to them quickly. They can help you. I'll be down as soon as I can." Sonia said.

At the back entrance the Invictus team led by Nina were huddled close, barely breathing. The city was at war, they didn't know who could be around the next corner.

"Got word from Veritas, The Ripper is on her way." A soldier said to the others, "Good, we could use a heavy." Nina said, "Now for Sonia to open this place up for us, we came to extract her, after all."

Tabitha hung up the phone after replying, "If you are sure Ms Hughes I shall head there prompt." she replied before hanging up the landline and standing up grabbing her handbag from the floor next to her and carefully placing it upon her shoulders. Checking nothing had fallen out, she noted the noises were fading, still she had command. Best act. Tapping some immediate information into the computer an alarm sounded as a mechanical voice, "All Non-Essential Staff of Sol Corp must Leave the Premise Immediately. This is not a drill. Please make your way to the North East Exit and await further instructions." Now with the official alert set she vacated her desk and started sprinting to the direction having done her job.

As was expected, doors were opening and closing as people began to exit their stations and head for the exit. It was chaos, but nonetheless it was ordered despite the myriad of people. Fortunately with this order, it meant no one was getting hurt. Still there was a disquiet within the group as they mowed towards the destination. Lifts of course had been shut down meaning that all staircases were being used. Tabitha herself was keeping close eye on her bag, as well her own footfalls. Heels were not the best for moving in rather fast fashion. Still it was her own fault, she hated heels only wore them because she had not been able to find her trainers earlier.

When the doors opened, Nina and her team quickly ran into the building. Security was waiting, doing their best to usher people towards exits away from where the fighting outside was concentrated.

"Veritas got reports from our people." A soldier told Nina, "The fighting stopped. One side started disappearing or silently exploding, don't actually know." He continued, "What about the others?" She asked, "Still here, and we don't know who they are. Veritas is looking into them."

Sonia reached into her drawer, grabbing a folder from it. It was unlike the others in her office. It was unmarked. It wasn't for anyone's eyes except for her own.

"Ready to go." She said, heading out of her office and towards an elevator. "Time for a reunion." The Englishwoman said as she stepped into the elevator.

As they were all herded into the area, Tabitha feet were sore from all the quick walking, so in frustration she removed both high heels and flung them down angerily, "The one time I fucking wear heels and Terra decides to get attacked." she was merely frustrated. Of course she knew this was hardly an uncommon occurence, nonetheless it still felt like Karma was intentionally screwing with her. Still being here was heartbreaking, she could see as people milled about. Terra or Wing City was unfortunately a hot-spot for activity and this meant often many people lost their homes or worse.

It was essentially the sad dreary truth of Wing City, peopling moaning in agony, with people on stretchers with bloodied bandages stumps, whimpering. Crying out. While Doctor's and Nurses ran all around, looks of worry and other concern flooding them. In truth it was hellish, but they kept on. Curtaining off the more serious injuries and euthanising those who wounds were too severe to survive.

Sol Corp had employed War Journalists and they had written about horrors like this, but witnessing them. If it was not for Invictius there would be no one to rally these people. The Government though benevolent could never handle the pressures of such a hotspot and though certain Corporations had acted in the people's interesting. Invictius were only ones who kept to this job through the worse.

Not far off siren from WCPD could be heard among the other terrible music coming from the injured. It was difficult for Tabitha to remain angry, here she was getting furious at something so mundane, but around her people were dying and suffering. Certainly put things in perspective and made one feel very guilty.

*******

It would come as no surprise that in all of this, Athena was livid. If the Vankoryth Detente still had teeth she would have fought with the others. But they had discarded that, leaving her without need to be attending to them. Thus she had resigned. At first she was merely stewing in fury, until she remembered a meeting long ago. It was something, but when she had discovered Invictius was gone, she was back to seething rage.

That is until they had come back in full force, once the carnage had ended, she head immediately following the refugees towards the buildind, when asked she immediately spoke to the guard, "Athena Ivanova, former Commander to the Vankoryth Detente and now seeking to provide my skills to a new employer, if possible?"

The Ripper watched everyone from an alley, her gasmask still covering her face to keep people from recognizing her. It didn't work with everyone, but it worked well enough. It covered up the look on her face. The pain, the dread. The Ripper was a strong woman physically, and that made her angry. She could survive things that the rest of these people couldn't.

They were cursed with mortality, she was cursed with knowing that no matter how powerful she was she couldn't help everyone.

"The Horne family pub is over there if anyone feels they need a drink or food." Nina told the Sol Tower survivors, pointing to the pub. "Some fast food, medical tents, cafes, there's a WCPD station, and so on." She continued, "There's pilots, mercenaries, and many more if you all want to charter flights off the planet or to other cities. We have a convoy taking anyone who wants to join to Van Leugen."

An Invictus security jogged over to Nina, whispering to her and then pointing to Athena. "Send her over." Nina said, nodding. The security agent beckoned to Athena, "Sonia, Fatin and Phinx made the move to VL. I'll make sure you have room on the convoy to join them." Nina told Sonia.

"Appreciated. But, if you'll excuse me, I need to check on my lab. I left Franco there." The Englishwoman said, "Make sure everyone is accounted for." She ordered the Sol Tower security that had come with the group, "You have my number if you need me, Tabitha."

Sonia gave Tabitha a smile before she began to walk off.

Hearing this, Tabitha seemed confused, "Are you moving Sol Corps interests to Van Leugen then? Have the shareholders agreed to such a drastic move?" it was impeteous perhaps, but well being she was being offered a place in this Van Leugen she deserved to know right. There were other logistical issues for one the Chief Founder had gone completely and his sister or daughter she could not remember which. And well though she did not follow the market strange things had occurred of late. Things that had no apparent explanation. Of course moving would be sane after all this, but Sol Corporation had been her life for damn near five years. Maybe she could have been more, but well she was happy with receptionist as a whole.

As she pondered this, a woman dressed in a green uniform approached over, "Athena Ivanova, I am not sure if we met before. I spoke with your founder Fantin I believe about business concerning my previous employers. The Vankoryth Detente. Alas they are now toothless and my skills are useless. Thus I must now find people deserving of my work. I can offer you my metaphorical blade and teeth, as well as strength. I am a vampire, I won't lie, but I promise I have self-control and harm only those I am asked too.." pausing she revealed her fangs carefully before continuing, "I am Former OSNAZ (Russian Special Forces) and highly skilled in most actions. You need not worry about my competence. My loyalty for Casren will never be an issue I promise." she finished before adding, "I have heard tales of this Van Leugen. It seems the sort of place that needs some aggressive tender loving care. Nothing too extreme, but as well as being exceptionally skilled. I am rather adept at Interrogation." since she had no resume, she merely had to remember details like this.

"Invictus interests, Tabitha. Don't worry. Just relax." Sonia said to the woman as she continued on her way, "Make yourself at temporary home!" She called our before disappearing into the crowds.

Nina meanwhile turned her attention to Athena, "I remember you." She told the vampire, "I'm Nina Sekova. When I'm not armored up like right now, I handle bringing in new recruits." Nina told Athena, "When you say interrogation, do you mean torture? We don't condone torture."

"What else can you do? Don't be afraid to be detailed."

Tabitha nodded somewhat in relief but also little shocked. Of course she did not have time to really reply. So instead opted to just relax and mingle, maybe see if she could help. Although it was largely doubtful she actually could. Nonetheless she had to attempt, correct?

****

Meanwhile Athena nodded staring at them both, "I understand. Torture is a definite no. I can, but I won't resort to such methods unless ever asked. As for what I can do. Most females in WW2 who were soldier's were usually taken on as snipers. I am what American's would call a crackshot I believe. Nonetheless I am skilled in multiply firearms and command an air of massive respect. I will never fail in any job put before me and being I am a vampire I also have the added benefit of my vamperic strength as well as speed. Before I joined Vankoryth Detente I was locked up in Siberia so I have also the benefit of survival. I can grow stronger with drinking blood, but because I subsisted so long without it. I can last months without proper feasting whether enemy blood or blood provided by hospitals." pausing she took a breath, her senses could pick up the blood all over this place, it was making it slightly agitated, but she had control, "I am also good at tracker specific people. If you hired me I would be best as a Commander or Covert Ops, of course that is your decision, merely providing suggestions."

Nina listened to the woman, removing the rifle slung over her shoulder and handing it off to a passing Invictus soldier. "It's not every day someone new comes in and starts taking charge. And it won't be today. But, you should leave your contact information with me." The Serbian woman told Athena.

"That way I can give you a contract and see how you handle yourself on a job. After I assess you we can see where you fit, if you fit."

You think she would be used to the chaos at this point. You'd think she learn to realise that despite something seemingly absolute in Terra the only absolute was there was no absolute. Not in jobs, mortality, leadership, governments, culture, religion, the list itself was neverending as the outcomes in this planet which attracted every fundamental problem and then tap danced while Rome burned.

In short, common sense told her she should not have been surprised by the phone call two weeks ago. Common sense dictates that this planet could no longer pull a fast one on her. Yet, she had been surprised to get a phone call from Sol Enterprises regarding her termination 'unofficially' apparently they wanted her back. Why, because she was reliable and getting a reliable person in Wing City was as unlikely as The Aschen Empire Mass Disarming and Founding a Hippy Commune.

Basically, she possessed this rare quality as it was.

So here she was now, in present once more in Sol Enterprises dressed in a dark green pantsuit, hair tied up, sat down at the computer and reading an email:

To all Staff of Sol Enterprises, you are asked to spruce the place up and rehire any lapsed help. We have just been informed via a communique that Arcus Sol, our Founder is returning in one week.

Of all her time working here, she had rarely seen or heard of Arcus Sol except when he left the building or she called to inform him a customer or guest has arrived. In fact when he had vanished, not much had changed, but Sol Enterprises seemed to quieten down at least temporarily, everything still worked. Just fewer outsiders entered into Sol Tower. Rather, like that book by Roald Dahl, except less whimsical and more just plain weird.

Being she was the Receptionist, she decided to phone one of the few upper staff members, dialling the extension.

She waited as the phone rang, before speaking, "Hello, Ms McGuire Receptionist, I am phoning regarding the mass e-mail sent. Is it true Arcus Sol is returning or is this some sort of joke?"

Makthus took the very first step into the lobby, a wide, confident grin across his features. One could immediately get the notion that there was something wrong with him, wrong as in the notion that a character like him definitely didn't fit, the raggedy clothes and the large sword, and secondly that he soundly ignored that every single one of the black clad enforcers around the lobby was already eyeing him, some moving closer to him. Makthus eyes darted across the room, far too fast for him to seemingly catch any details, yet he did. The threathening aura around him not having any effect on his pure smile.

There wasn't any laws against entering the building, but the quite intimidating figures outside weren't gonna let any very obvious criminals enter the building. I was even harder than Makthus had thought to get inside, he had to drop a few names, a couple of passive-aggresive statements all followed up by a short charismatic threat involving his very own reputation until the large man took a short step to the side. Now upon entering the thought hit Makthus that he was perhaps only getting more staff and a couple enforcers to arrest him. He gave a short shrug, shrugging off both that notion and the dangerous glares surrounding him.

Taking a few steps forwad, long strides until he reached the counter which a quite dazzling woman was seated behind. Leaning onto it with his one arm, he took a quick glance back, giving a cringe towards the very apparant mud he had dragged inside in a neat line. The woman was talking to the phone so he took a moment to lean back, watching the nedlessly large holographic interfaces going on and on about uninteresting things. He swung his left arm up, prompting the undercover guards around him to freeze, inbefore he opened his mouth and picked a bit of lunch out of his teeth, glaring at the tiny piece for a bit before flicking it in a fine arc and leaning back to the woman, giving her the same grin as he waited for her to finish her call.

Hearing the affirmative she responded, "I see, well what should I say to people who come here expecting to see him now?" raising her eyes she saw someone waiting, but refused to make eye contact quite yet, "Very well, I am to tell them they are to see Mr Piranesi as he has arrived earlier to account for all changes and update Arcus on this." with-holding a sigh, she finished, "Thank you, I shall be sure to do so. Goodbye." nodding she placed the headset down and immediately started typing new information before acknowledging the 'person' which would be generous by all accounts. Then again Terra drew forth oddest individuals in its mishmash of cultures, religions, races, species and other assortment of madness.

She regarded him with the patient but polite gaze, one hand is hidden, ready to push a silent buzzer if he caused trouble, "Greetings, Mr, um... welcome to Sol Enterprises - Solutions for an Ever-changing Multiverse. I am Ms McGuire, the receptionist, obviously." still cautious she went on, "We at Sol Enterprises pride ourselves on studying extensive fields both scientific, magical and metaphysical, because of this we are often seen as the jack of trades Corporation with Franchises throughout the entire Interstellar systems."

Taking a breath to elicit a sigh, she paused to start typing some more before continuing, "Please inform me, where you wish to go and who you wish to see. If you have an appointment it may net a quicker response. If not you may be required to wait a week perhaps two before we can see you."

Staring straight into his eyes she dropped the bombshell, "Sol Enterprises also requests if you have weapons to hand them over. Those who do not will find themselves being dealt with by automated security. Unlike myself, the security droids are not polite nor are they understanding. You have a weapons or weapons you will hand them over. If you try to bypass this you will find that Sol Enterprises prides itself heavily on handling such matters." smirking with relish she added with faux twee politeness, "Do I make myself clear?"

A giant, 10 ft wide tarantula in a suit wielding a briefcase struggled to make his way through the entrance.

"Oh, blast it." Midas muttered as one of his hind sleeves got caught in the door on the way in. It was his first time wearing the suit to an interview and as much as he would like to believe it wasn't true; he was nervous. But as soon as that first waft of mahogany hit... All anxieties were off the table. Midas breathed it all in, as he looked around the building. Just like the pictures. Not a thing out of place. There was something oddly nostalgiac about the scent, something Midas could of pondered for hours before someone behind him needed to get through.

"Oh, erm, sorry." He said, moving forward to ease up space. Most looked too busy to contemplate his form, but the infamous Money Spider did notice the restrained terror on more than a few faces. He even spotted someone staring, to which he waved back with his right front leg. They instantly looked away, as if they didn't think Midas was capable of looking back at them.

The reception desk. Yes. Midas quickly moved forward, before stopping behind the man already speaking to the lady behind the desk. He could sense something very passive aggressive about the interaction. To be fair, the man was in rather strange attire for the venue. To defuse the situation and perhaps out of impatience and foolishness, Midas thought it best to interlude. He took another look around the lobby before leaning his frightening face next to Makthus's.

"Say, is this real mahogany? Truly beautiful stuff, truly beautiful."

The thought was clear in his head.
You're a freak, Midas. Leave the city, don't come back. What were you even thinking?
He could only hope for the best.

It sure was amusing, the pure sass oozing off the wamn had Makthus catching, himself grinning like an absolute idiot, to the point were the ugly scar straight across his face started getting stretched. It looked rather painful but he was more or less completely unkowing of it. Always interesting to see how beings became once they had the privilege to say exactly whatever they want without any repercussions. It dawned first at that moment that the excruciatingly threatening guards inconspicuously moving towards him were mostly focused on the longsword attached to his hip. He took a gander at the security guards and quietly concluded to himself that the one outside were most definitely gathering the local law enforcement and would soon return. Guys like these wouldn't allow themself to be scared off by a mere rumour, this was quite evident as he was rather sure most of them recognized him. He did have a detail which made it rather easy to identify him.

"Quite the monolog you got there dear, but mustn't it get really, really boring to say the exact same thing to every single person taking a stroll into your wonderful building?" He struck his heel against the shamelessly polished floor, shaking off some of the dirt on his boots, observing the sullied sole before continuing. "Well, except for the last part, happy to have made your day atleast a little more... Interesting" Looking over himself, the many different pouches, pouting slightly while doing it, staring down onto his own sword, up at the receptionist, back down onto himself and finally up at her. "Really, I do know how mean those bots can get, did you know they've employed those in patrol and strike squads, they're practically everywhere when someone breaks a law! To me it proves they're running out of men" Finishing off the last part with a giggle he answered her with a raised, smug eyebrow. Placing both his elbows onto the counter and staring at her, bringing his scarred face just a little too close

"But really, the interesting thing here isn't the fact I'm a living armory or the machines designed specificall to spread terror with a wide assortment of lethal armaments, but rather, the streets have been quite stirred, more so than the usual cacophony of murder thanks to the one innocent lil' rumour, grand boss Arcus deems it time to pay a visit to his loyal subjects. Would this rumour be, correct?"

By now, he was growing rather unsure, of course, that was practically impossible to notice thanks to his talkative personality, but sure, he definitely wouldn't want to start dumping his weapons onto the counter. That'd be a huge annoyance. Hopefully, he'd be able to just keep chatting with the woman, just a little longer.

Strange did not even begin to describe what happened next, Tabitha was holding her own although this 'man' which would be a generous description had decided on trying to intimidate her and even laugh her off. Of course, composure was key, but just to show how little fucks she gave about the person, she simply turned to the arachnid, "Let me check Mr Midas, let me check my computer to see what we can find." nodding she admitted a spider wearing a business suit was cute if slightly weird, then again she had once in this job dealt with an extremely sassy hydra who spoke in a camp voice. She had been entirely respectful, being he was a prominent CEO in Wing City. Truly New York had nothing on this place. Nor for this matter did, her hometown in the Republic of Ireland.

Checking, the schedule for today she noted that Mr Midas did indeed have a job interview, "Oh yes Mr Midas, here it is July 29th, Mr Indigo of Human Resources for the job of Accounts Manager Floor 136. You can use the lift or the teleporter, although many people are uncomfortable with having their molecules rearranged on the other side, so we provide both options." beaming she set to work making IDENT card before printing it out and handing it over, "I shall phone ahead to inform of your arrival Mr Midas. Please, have a good day and remember at Sol Enterprises we pride ourselves on showing we care."

Once finished with him she turned to the thing and simply said, "Unless you have business with him I am not allowed to inform if he is coming or not. If you wish to make an appointment I shall give you one and you may leave. Otherwise, please leave, Arcus Sol is a very busy man and whether he is returning to Wing City is neither your business nor my desire to tell you. If you insist on making a pest of yourself I will be forced to remove myself and let the droids deal with you."

Makthus reared back, feigning a simply shocked expression, overly dramatic as he gasped, for a moment, it almost seemed as he was gonna start crying. Looking at the newly arrived Spider-man and looking back to the receptionist as if trying to get his support in this simply terrible display of aggresion, taking a moment as if pretending to try and steady himself he looked, big-eyed at the woman. "Now here I was, trying to make a nice conversation, only to be shunned off and then threatened! What kind of buisiness would run this way!?" Reaching up his hand to cover his own mouth he threw the woman just a single, determined glare. Of course, he knew, no matter how much of a scene he caused the receptionist had more than enough influence to get him swiftly escorted out of the building, a prompt boot to the end coming with it.

Shaking his head he leaned to the side, so that his shoulder brushes up against one of Midas many appendages. Giving the spider an amazingly sad look he practically sobbed out: "Can you believe that I, a young, prominent man would be harrased in a official workplace like this? It's simply shameful..." Honestly, he was neither young or very prominent, but his age would be terribly hard to guess thanks to his misshappen face. Continuing to shake his head he looked back to the receptionist. Sure, he could put on a good show but he doubted she would fall for something as simple as this. Really, he was just entertaining himself

"Because honestly..." With a quite suprising sharpness to his motions he leaned forward, resting both his arms onto the counter and once again brinigng himself simply uncomfortably close, the scar certainly not adding to it. "I'd simply hate, if I had to start cutting things up, especially since what you've got will certainly shoot back, here I am making friendly conversation and you threaten to send your terror-bots on me, and then half of wing city would be tight on my ass for

assaulting Sol Tower.

So let's keep this civil, please." He practically whispered, maintaining eye contact, he could only pray that she took it more as a offer than a threat, because if she did take it as a threat, then there would undoubtedly be a few explosions in here

Just a a little more time, just a little.

"Thank you, Miss." He said, as Makthus recoiled from fright. "Who needs mahogany when you've got such a stunning receptionist? Ahahah."

Midas turned to leave the petty squabble, but was caught still as Mathus's words grazed him. It was kind of pathetic, the way he seemed to beg for Midas' approval moments after being frightened by him. "Harassment?" He said, as if the word had never been uttered before. "That's ridiculous. I'd imagine it'd be a tough job defending you in court. Tch tch tch."

Midas finally turned away from the man as he heard unintelligible muttering and started heading towards the elevator, as he wasn't sure if the teleporter was suited for his body.

For whatever reason, Midas's hairs began to stand on end as a very uncomfortable feeling washed over him. Suddenly he realised the guards weren't looking at him, but the man he was walking away from. If something was about to happen, Midas literally had the reflexes of a spider to react. He just hoped it wouldn't come to that.