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is all over you'll take the promotion?”  AJ asked.
    “I have to,” Porter replied.
    “Ah, yes, your pet project,” AJ said.  “I never figured you for someone to play the long game.”
    “I've been working on this since after the war,” Porter told him. “For my plan, I need a certain type of recruit and I need to be in a position of power.  The recruits, I’ve been tracking since they were born.  The power, that will come with the promotion.”
    “Lot of work for something that might not pan out,” AJ commented. “What is it you think you can get these kids to do?”
    Before Porter could answer, AJ's secretary knocked on the door and poked in her head.
    “Sir, Major Kelley is here.”
    “Send him in,” AJ replied.
    William James Kelley Junior came in, not wearing a uniform but dressed in an expensive tailored suit.  For the last seven years, he had been assigned to The One’s US East Coast division as a liaison.  Mostly he spoke with governors, police commissioners and politicians who sought mutually beneficial arrangements with The One.  Kelley’s excuse for not being in uniform was that it put the civilians at ill-ease.  While a large percentage of the population were fearful of Super-Humans, the decision makers understood the big picture.  Being friends with people in power was good for both sides; having aide requests prioritized or allowing One operations free access to resources.  Never the less, as far as constituents were concerned, a senator was happier to be seen in public with William Kelley the socialite rather than Major Kelley the Super-Human.  In that way, Kelley made many friends in high places.  And that was why he was in AJ's office now.
    “Sir,” Kelley saluted and stood at attention.
    “Yes, fine, son, take a seat,” AJ didn't bother to stand and greet him.
    Kelley sat in the last arm chair and composed himself.  He knew why he had been called.  Kelley made it a point to know everything if only because he made everything happen how he wanted it to.
    “You know Major Porter,” AJ gestured.
    “Yes, of course,” Kelley nodded, “if only by reputation.”  He did an excellent job of keeping the smile off his face.  Porter had been the only real threat to him, and now he had bowed out.
    AJ spoke, “I've had a lot of very interesting people bring up your name lately, Major Kelley.”
    Kelley chose to keep quiet.
    “For a Major, you've made quite a name for yourself as a liaison,” AJ said.  “Do you catch many evil villains on the upper east side?”
    Faking a laugh at the obviously vicious joke, Kelley replied, “I served in the intelligence department during the war.  And yes, this job is a cushy position.  Maybe I'm not blowing up Red Iron commies or nabbing Free Flights, but I work hard.  I do a job that very few people are capable of doing.  And I must say that what I do is integral to your work.  I make the screaming masses, the voter hungry politicians and money grubbing corporations listen and keep quiet.”
    AJ chuckled.  “Didn’t mean to offend you, son,” he said.  “I'm a war horse, like Porter here, so my understanding of glad-handing is negligible to say the least.”
    Kelley was still annoyed when he said, “If you don't mind me asking, why is he here?  For that matter, why am I here?”
    Settling back in his chair AJ explained, “I'm sure you've heard rumors of some changes in The One.  Effective at the first of the year I'll be resigning as Director of The One.”
    Kelley tried to look surprised.
    “As some of my last acts I'll be setting into motion a few projects,” AJ went on.  “Most of them are designed to integrate The One into normal society.  I want to change the image of Super-Humans; none of this locked away from the public, sitting like lords in castles or demons in cages.  I want us on the street, face to face and helping people.”
    “A commendable decision,” Kelley said.
    “After I'm gone, Major Porter will