The IAC wasn't just about Animalians competing in sports or showing off new products designed for them. It was also an opportunity for new deals to be made. A good example would be Red Bull, which has looking for an ideal bull Animalian to help with their advertising. There was hardly a shortage, but they wanted to find the best and most prominent examples of bovine masculinity. Brawn would be a particularly good example, having won the gold medal for bodybuilding in his weight class.
But it wasn't just Brawn who being considered. His adoptive son, Dan, was a very noticeable bull, even if he wasn't fully-grown. That was because he was the first four-armed Animalian. Though he probably won't be the only one for long. Horizon Labs was getting ready to do more experiments involving polymelia. There are frogs who develop six legs because infection from Ribeiroia parasites. There was also a quadriplegic amputee who was a part of Melissa's online gaming circle. She was going for a more esoteric change, wanting to take the polymelia gene along with snake DNA to become a four-armed naga.
Brawn and Dan eventually met with the representatives with the representatives of Red Bull. Brawn put a protective hand on the young bull's broad shoulder. He wasn't about to let his adoptive son be treated like a freak for advertising. He would be going to WSA as soon as it started.
"So, Mister..." started the representative, before pausing, uncertain about Brawn's last name.
"Just 'Brawn' will do," said Brawn.
"Well, Brawn," said the representative, "Our offer is fairly reasonable. You and your son are the most prominent bulls in Animalia..."
"What about Shuixing?" asked Dan, having watched the Martial Arts showcase that happened during the IAC.
"Well, first of all, Shuixing is a water buffalo, which isn't quite the same thing as domesticated cattle," said the representative, "And secondly, our product is called Red Bull."
Brawn gave a small snort and said, "Sounds a little sexist."
"I don't have any trouble with women and we do try to sell to both sexes," said the representative, "But 'Red Cow' or 'Red Bovine' just don't have the same ring to them. I'm certain we might be able to expand our advertising to have cows feature our energy drink soon enough. Perhaps your wife may be interested."
"Snowflake will make her own decision," said Brawn.
"Well, anyways, we're developing a new formula that should be more agreeable to Animalian palates," said the representative.
"I thought Animalians could already drink energy drinks," said Dan.
"Well, yes, but some energy drinks are an acquired taste," said Brawn diplomatically. It wasn't that Animalians couldn't handle sweet drinks, but there were some beverages that were a little too much for their more sensitive tongues. Not to mention some drinks that even humans had to acquire tastes for.
"Also, we're working on a more refined formula that should be better for their metabolism," said the representative. With an Animalian's natural high metabolism and the surge energy drinks give, results tended to be a little too effective. There was a video bouncing around the internet of a chipmunk Animalian who had an energy drink, though the label on the can was blurred. It was started with the chipmunk speaking normally before going faster and faster, nearly babbling before running around in a circle and then falling over when the energy spike crashed.
"Now, you understand Dan is going to be attending WSA," said Brawn.
"Brawn, this is hardly a full-time job," said the representative, "We just need you two for a day or so. I'm sure we can work around your schedules."
"That doesn't sound so bad," said Dan.
"It does sound generous," said Brawn, "But we'll wait until you've gotten your Animalian-friendly formula ready. I don't think you'd want us wired up. We could do a lot of damage on set."
The phrase 'bull in a china shop' immediately popped into the representative's head. "But of course," said the representative, "It shouldn't take long now. We'll contact you when we're ready."