Dinner and a Show

  The largest Super-themed fan convention is held in St Louis. It is called E-con. With yearly attendance of over one hundred thousand visitors, you might think it would be a magnate for attacks, but in the 45 year history of the convention it has only been attacked once during the 1980s.

  Bill the Bull, a western themed villain with enhanced dexterity attempted to rob the charity auction. He was quickly subdued by a combination of cosplaying heroes and villains.

  This included some true enhanced cosplaying as other Enhanced, Most notably the Hero Serif, cosplaying as Germanatrix and the Villian Ice Drake, who won the costume contest for his portrayal of Mr Lizard. The photo of the Con attendees standing with Bill hogtied while Ice Drake proposed is still prominently displayed in their schedule.The pair married at the following convention in front of thousands of attendees. Bill retired from villain work after that incident as even the holiday themed villains were now mocking him.

  Excerpt the Pro-Con the story of Enchanced Fan Conventions.

  Solaris and Elenore's arrival was after many of the young hopefuls, the banquet hall set on Tokyo Bay giving a wonderful view of the early evening ocean. The food was coming out, being set up buffet style, with some music playing. It'd been set up more informally, a meet and greet party, though the head table was set aside for Solaris, Penny, and Elenore. "Seems people are already digging in. Course the Europeans had to be hungry."

  “It was a long flight. Solaris agreed, smiling at the students, then blinking as she saw an old Japanese man. She walked over. “Mako?”

  "I am impressed." The very, very old man said with a smile. "While I look good for my age, I am not the young fool you knew." He bowed, then offered his hand to shake, used to dealing with people from all around the world after this long. "When Kitsune told me you were going to be looking for potential employees, I had to come out and poke the headmasters. I helped create these schools, and wasn't going to let them ignore the potential you represent. Ah, but they do not know you."

  “Time has passed but your eyes are the same.” Solaris said, shaking his hand. I’ve talked to some wonderful people already. So, you went into education?”

  "Not at first." He sighed. "I fled the main islands after the surrender. Engaged in some... misbehavior, if you will. Ended up in an Australian prison for a few years." He chuckled. "Shortly after you vanished, I managed to rip your Sergeant's mechanical suit off him, finally won, then Breakneck stole my power-generator. Damn speedsters."

  "When I returned to Japan, I went into ship building for a time, fishing boats, then the government wanted to build a school to help technopaths, like myself, to develop for the Japanese Industry. I have been involved in our version of Enhanced Academies ever since. Semi-retired now but keep the youngsters in line." the century old, former mech-suit pilot smiled. "And now I am an old man, with no hair, and you stayed young. Did you not know I was the Asian?"

  She laughed. “How can the Eternal Maiden dare to change? Any students I should keep an eye on?”

  "Every student does something surprising." He laughed. "Though the one with the android was a special kind of headache. Not a bad boy, but borderline NEET and then he builds that school’s best student. I can only imagine what he talks to his therapist about." He shook his head. "Our best student is here but not looking for work. Telepath and telekinetic, he's already getting offers from Japanese hero teams. But you want to know about a diamond in the ruff or two, don't you."

  “Those are the ones who need the opportunities I can offer. I know my fledglings are amused by my eccentricities. Though Kreigsmarine would tease me for dragging in more strays.”

  "Never mind he does it from time to time, as well. All three of you did." He shook his head, then gestured with his head at a girl, lovely in a fragile way, in a wheelchair talking to a couple of other students. Agano Irisa, or as westerners would say Irisa Agano. Very intelligent, and wise, young woman. Her back was broken during the same Tsunami that destroyed Fukishima. That also awakened her powers. She thinks we haven't noticed she writes and draws manga, while working on her business management degree. She has been applying for sales positions, though a wheelchair in a face-to-face economy such as Japan is challenging."

  “We need someone to handle sales. My crew is kind and competent, but they are techs and mechanics. I’ll speak to her.” She bowed to the older man and walked towards the young lady.

  “Hello, I am Ms. Summers, I was told you are looking for a more sales or managerial role?”

  "Um, oh, yes. I didn't know you were interested in forming a sales department?

  “I do probably need one.” Solaris said with a dry chuckle. “I cannot seem to stop myself from dabbling in commerce.”

  Irisa laughed, “There are worse hobbies. My focus is in managing sales-oriented businesses, so I have a broad base of skills a bit of marketing, public relations, and other related ideas. Even a few courses in hospitality management." She said, turning the chair to face Solaris. She wore an attractive, long sundress that hid her legs. Her hands bore a pair of gloves in a matching color, but sturdy looking, obviously to protect her from the wheels.

  “I currently have a custom car shop, that doubles as a you tube studio, a gym, an art gallery, and I think one or two restaurants, though some of that is still being set up. Someone needs to sell the things my mechanics make so they can build new and interesting toys.”

  "Hah, ironic. I can't drive." She laughed. "Though it sounds more like you need a sales team. Is it more you need someone to set up and maintain a team like that? Though I could sell cars, certainly. Someone would need to teach me to drive though. And I'd need a car I could drive."

  Elenore chuckled while walking over. "With our squad? The the car would be something ONLY you could drive." She glanced at Grayson. "Some are more Avant garde than others."

  You would probably start with working for the shop, with your duties expanding and evolving with the businesses. That’s what happened to Elenore here, I hired her to be a project manager for a specific project and she’s practically become my left hand.”

  "How sinister of me." Elenore chuckled.

  "I understand, and that is reasonable. Especially since my research showed you were just... how do you say it, getting your feet under you?"

  “I believe the term I heard Zoya use was ‘recently defrosted.’” Solaris said dryly.

  "Burr. I do not like the cold, so it’s better to be warm again." She chuckled. "Still, I did turn in my resume, so if you would consider me for that role, I would be honored. The job hunt has been challenging."

  “We will. Solaris said with a smile. “So, who would you recommend we talk to?” It was a wonderful question to see what kind of person she was talking to.

  "Well, is there anything you are particularly looking for, skill wise? Or power wise, I suppose, depending on what you're working towards. I know just about everyone, since I help in the admin offices."

  "I mean, my roommate wants to find a job in childcare and education, particularly with Enhanced children. She's got a really weird power, though. She negates other powers turned on her. Shoot lasers out of your eyes, she doesn't react. Super strong? You punch her no harder than anyone else your size. It's weird."

  Solaris’s eyes went wide. “And she is needing a job, I’d have thought there would be a lot of opportunities for that skill and power set. “

  "You would think. The Japanese Academies, however, are slow to change staff. Also, we do not have as many openings, the need is less common among Japanese, for some reason, compared to Americans and Europeans. Though when one of us does awaken young." She shrugged and gestured to herself.

  “Mako mentioned a tsunami. When he suggested talking to you. I am more than happy to talk to your roommate. A question: if you are both hired, would you want individual apartments, or would you still want to live together?”

  “I admit, for my own wellbeing a roommate who knows how to help me is good for my piece of mind. I think she would find more options in America though.”

  “Elenore, can you contact Riley and see if she can make one of the apartments wheelchairs accessible?” Solaris asked. “Irisa, I should very much like to talk to your friend.”

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  "Actually, the building is ADA compliant, and I purchased some condos to future proof, also ADA compliant." she chuckled. "Not actually planned that way, but there's tax breaks for it."

  “What is ADA?” Solaris asked. As the handicapped woman blinked in surprise.

  "Right, Sorry. Americans with disabilities Act. It requires things like wide doors, ramps, and usable height counters. We might have to change out the bathing set up, but that might be it."

  “That is brilliant, she smiled at Irisa. Please let us know if there is anything special you need. And make sure your friend talks to me or Elenore.”

  "I will, thank you." She smiled. "I'm looking forward to where things might go."

  Erica and Talia were looking out the window, at the water, and waved at the two ladies as they worked deeper into the room. "I think I'll post ads for general sales associates back in New York. Give her some staff to work with, assuming her resume checks out." Elenore said. "We do have a few spots we need, and that's likely to increase."

  “I agree. And her friend will be a treasure with some of our other plans.” She paused to speak to a bubbly Swiss girl with dark blond hair and a charming accent. Hello, I am Glow. I am so so excited to meet you! My family lives near the Elyssim, she literally had little pops of gold light exploding around her,

  “Tone it down Glow. Said a boy next to her with a chuckle. “I’m Keith. I’m from ESAS Greece.”

  "Good to meet you both." Eleanore said, shaking both hands. “I can guess why you are called glow, and since you're here, you're hoping to find a berth with us. What's your specialities?"

  “I am a carpenter, and I’m working on my electrician certs, Glow here is Hoping to sign on with your production studio, she’s a theater geek.” Keith said as the blond girl closed her eyes and began doing a breathing exercise to control her light orbs.

  "Production or talent side? Or both?" Elenore asked.

  Hopefully both, but well my specialty is lighting she concentrated, and a light blue orb filled her hand, it pulsed with the music, she shaped it into a spot light and She handed it to El. Depending on how much oomph I put in them they last different amounts of time.

  "That's interesting. Just curious, do they do something other than light up? With our set, you want to check, just so you know if you drop it the floor won't explode." She said with a grin.

  "That happened one time!" Erica called out.

  “No, I just make light, I can shape, color them but they are just light.” She bit her lip nervously.

  Keith patted her shoulder. “Show her your rave bubbles.”

  Glow nodded and turned where students were chatting, held up her hands and let out a stream of bubbles that pulsed with rainbow lights. The kids laughed batting the bubbled up into the air before they popped.

  "Oh, now see, that's definitely got potential for live events. I'll have you talk more with one of the crew, get a good feel for your skill sets. I won't swear to a position at the second, but depending on factors, and perhaps a willingness from you to do some secondary job roles, we might have some possibilities."

  Looking at Keith she smiled. "In your case, if your resume is solid, we likely have some projects we'll be needing you for. Again, you'll do an initial interview, but I know we have needs for those skills."

  He nodded. “I’m fine with that.” Glow nodded. More fireworks of excitement going on around her head Keith shook his head. “Come on Glow”, he led her away and Solaris chuckled. “I am a little worried about what will happen when she and Anzy hang out.”

  "Are you kidding, I'm already buying Talia and Erica sunglasses in my mind." Elenore joked.

  "Excuse me." A young woman said, her accent not quite Germanic, a hint of something more northern tinging the tone. She was smiling pleasantly and didn't seem nervous, unlike the person with her. He seemed unsure, though not completely anxious. "I am Nikoline Kroghe, this is my husband Olaf. He's nervous, so I wanted to make sure he introduced himself to you."

  "Hello." He said something to her in rapid Danish, and she chuckled. "He claims he wasn't nervous, but that you weren't really looking for his skill set."

  Solaris chucked, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, what are your skill sets?

  "I am a software engineer." He said. "I did the full course load I could, so games, phone applications, productivity, I kind of do all of it. I have my Masters and have developed a Class 3 Artificial Intelligence that kind of runs our personal data stuff." He explained. "I also, full disclosure, might have been arrested for a small hacking incident when I was fourteen." He admitted.

  “Oh. I do have an opening for that skill set, how are you with teaching and teens?”

  "I tutor younger students, or was until I graduated, and with a master’s I did some teaching. I was toying with going on to Doctorate level, probably will, but want to work practically too." He explained. "I'm not looking for a teaching position."

  “It’s not really a traditional teaching job. I need someone to help teens build and program battle machines for competition. I’m wanting to build towards sponsorship of a Slaughter in the Sands team.”

  "Oh! my minor was in electrical engineering. I would likely be able to help with something like that quite well." he admitted. "I'm also good with security work, and I spoke to someone who said you were setting up a server farm."

  “Yes, we are, though I know nothing about that, that is all El and Penny.”

  "A security expert, and hacker, is always valuable. Though are you also looking for something with us?" Elenore turned back to the wife.

  "Oh, not necessarily. I did turn in a resume, but God, and I suppose Ms. Summers, knows we do not need to look too hard for work with our profession."

  “What is your profession?" Solaris asked her smile bright.

  "I am what the Americans would call a Nurse Practitioner. I hold a Doctorate of Nursing Practices."

  “Well, if nothing, I'd love to chat about updates in Medicine with you, Solaris said. What is your thought El. I don't know how hard it is to translate her certificates to the US, and we could use her for the camp. Kids are good at getting hurt, though you may be a bit overqualified for camp nurse.”

  "In the case of Denmark, she'll jump through only a few more hoops than moving between states, I suspect." Elenore had looked up certain specialities already. "And frankly, having another health care professional around would be useful. Especially since we still need to get you recertified."

  Solaris nodded. “I am happy to talk to both of you, or have one of my people talk to you. If you are interested

  "I'll put you on the schedule for tomorrow morning. You have skill sets that definitely have appeal."

  "I am surprised you didn't ask what we do, considering we're from the schools." Keith admitted. "Though I am not terribly interesting I do levitation."

  “Honestly, I consider it rude to ask unless it directly impacts the job, I’m hiring you for. I am happy to know, but your powers are your business unless I’m leading you to battle.”

  "Makes sense." Nikoline said with a nod. "Mine doesn't really apply to my work, so I generally don't worry about it."

  “Not everyone has powers that enhance their professional skills. You have me curious, but I respect your privacy.”

  The Danish woman waved her off with a smile. "I generate exploding flower petals, complete with the scent." The nurse chuckled. "I am the most pleasantly scented way of destroying a small structure of any classmate we had."

  Solaris chuckled “that is amusing, weirdly I suspect our video crew may ask you for special effects!”

  In another section of the building a small shy young man walked up to Anzy. “Y.. you are Ms Summers cook right?”

  "Chef, yes. My name is Anzy." she said with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

  “Hi. I’m. Castor. I was wondering if you might be looking for an assistant. I am a desert specialist.”

  "Oh, deserts eh. Come, sit over here with me. What's your favorite type to make? Cakes, pies, those fun and fussy little things that are as much sculpture as treat?"

  “I love cake decorating.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of suckers, one red one yellow. The candy became liquid and began moving in his hand twisting and expanding till a small stag stood in his hand the red candy just thick enough to not break and the yellow candy a bit thicker making the horns hoof and small specked details on the deer’s haunch. He offered it to Anzy. “I can manipulate candy. Well sugar to be specific. Or most things with a lot of sugar in it.”

  “I should also mention I’m a registered GNC.”

  "Right, let me guess, you attack, or at least can, with molten sugar. Yeah, that's nasty enough. Might as well hit someone with Napalm, might hurt less." She winced. “Are you a class one Geneva Non-Combatant? That’s the one that restricts you from anything outside of pure self-defense, right?”

  “Um, yeah. I can’t do hero stuff at all either.”

  "I admit, I've only met one other person who scored a Geneva Non-Combatant status." Due to the fifth Geneva Convention, which focused on supers, it was decided that some heroes and villains had powers that were so horribly damaging that, even outside of conventional armed combat it would be considered a violation of the articles of war. Ironically, attacking someone listed in such a way was also considered an international crime, since the right to self-defense was assumed in the law. “She was only a class two, though. Could still do the cape thing, but her abilities involved biomanipulation and they were concerned what would happen if she played at the bacterial or viral level.”

  Castor nodded. “It’s rare, and why I was put in the ESAS school. My teachers tried to find a less viscous way to use my power, but after I put the gym teacher in the hospital with hyperglycemia they changed my training to control and defense.”

  "Right, sugar right into the bloodstream. Got it." She smiled. "That's fine. We own a restaurant already, and a good menu of desserts isn't bad. I know the boss will hold more events needing deserts, plus the food truck. And that's assuming we don't set some other thing up, with the hiring we're doing. The boss tends towards taking care of her people kind of directly."

  The small man nodded. “I am just happy for a good opportunity, I… am shy…and tend to hide in the kitchen.

  "Oh, we have lots of kitchens." Anzy chuckled.

  Talia frowned, and pulled one of her earbuds out, allowing her to hear more clearly what was happening around her. She winced at the sound of the crowd, but then her frown deepened. "Erica, do you hear that? Kind of a wood on wood scraping sound? Or... lots of them?"

  Erica paused, her hearing wasn’t as enhanced as her cousins, and it took a moment to filter out the sounds of the party, yeah, it’s a really weird sound.” She gasped as her power kicked into overdrive, earmarked by a sharp migraine.

  She grabbed Talia, and threw them both out of the way of shattering glass.