1.9 Mad Beasts Part 7

Officers belonging to the Superhuman Intervention Division of the local police soon arrive on the scene to take the Mad Sisters back into custody, freeing Carrie and I to head home for the night.

Normally I would fly home in just an hour. But Carrie can’t fly and it would take her three hours at running at top speed to get back even ignoring the fact she would tire out long before managed to even get near home.

In the end we decide on me giving Carrie a ride and the two of us flying home together.

She can’t hold on to my legs or arms, Carrie would tire and/or lose her grip. If she was on my back, 

she would get roasted by the rocket pack built into the back of the Sentinel armour. Ultimately, it ends up with Carrie riding on my shoulders.

It feels weird to have girl sitting on your shoulders. At least Carrie transformed back, it would be too hard to try and fly whilst giving her transformed state a ride.

“This is fun,” says Carrie after a while.

“It feels strange for me,” I reply, “It doesn't feel right to have a girl your own age riding on your shoulders.”

“I guess,” mutters Carrie, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure,” I tell her. “Shoot.”

“You got a girlfriend right?” says Carrie, “So know about romance right. The real life kind, not the stuff you find in books or on TV.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m an expert on the subject,” I answer, “But I’ll answer any of your questions as best as I can.”

“Thanks,” replies Carrie, “There’s a boy at my school that I like. I mean really like. He’s cute, kind, caring and smart. But I don’t know how to get his attention. How did you and Judy come together?”

 “We first met in Year R, but we never really got to know each other until the start of junior school,” 

I tell her, “After that, we became friends in Year 3 and have been in the same class throughout junior school. At secondary school we were in the same tutor and shared pretty all of our classes. We only got together back in March.”

“So a long time friendship blossoming into a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship,” says Carrie, “That’s a lot different from whatever Marcus and I might have.”

“Yeah, it is,” I reply, “Would you like my advice on what to do?”

Carrie is silent.

“Umm, Carrie?” I prompt her.

“I nodded,” answers Carrie.

“I can’t see you, you know,” I reply dryly, “You’re riding on the back of my shoulders and I have to look ahead so we don’t crash.”

“How would you crash anyway?” inquires Carrie, “There’s nothing, but empty air up here.

“It’s the principle,” I reply, “Now, do you want my advice or not?”

“I would really appreciate it,” says Carrie.

“If I was in your position, I would just tell him how you felt about him,” I tell her, “Leaving it hidden away will just let things build up inside. Better to just let it out. If he rejects you, then you’ve found out before wasting too much of your time and haven’t had time to build your hopes up too much. You can just move on and get over it. He accepts, arrange a date or something. A simple way to solve the problem at its very core.”

“I don’t know,” mutters Carrie, “I see why you would think that way, but I don’t think it would work for me like that.”

“Suit yourself,” I reply, “Maybe one of the others will have good advice? You could ask someone back at base or tomorrow at some point.”

“Good work taking on Mad Dog,” I say as she remains silent, “You did well tonight.”

***

“Last night could have gone better,” notes Sam as we walk to school together the next day, “Thirteen officers are dead and even more wounded. The Mad Sisters broke out and even if you and Carrie did round them back up, it still doesn't look good.”

When I said we were walking, we both took certain methods to greatly shorten our journeys from our houses. Such as flight or getting a lift from your best friend who flies.

“At least it broke their credibility as supposed heroes,” I reply, “A part of their defence was that they were tricked by our foe and now that our foe has tried to violently break then out. And killed people in the process. The public won’t like that and the media is going to be even harder on them.”

“Our foe has finally decided to start taking lives,” says Sam, “Still no idea on whom it could be?”

“No,” I tell him, “But I do know that he’s self-reliant. He doesn't buy his materials and resources and prefers to use drones to do his bidding. I'm also certain he’s got access to Sektain tech after last night. Those scorpion drones definitely used that level of tech.”

“So scorpion drones are what we’re calling them.”

“Yup. I personally feel that our foe is not native to Earth or at least they have travelled through space at one point. But I feel that they’re more likely to be an alien than human at this point.”

“What about the next big thing coming up?” inquires Sam, “We can’t do much about our foe at this point so I feel that we should focus on what we can deal with.”

“The German President is visiting next week,” I reply.

Sam stops and turns to stare at me, “The Barbarian is coming here?” 

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 6

Mad Cat has slammed Carrie into the ground, slashing at her with her extended claws and Carrie lashes out in return.

Carrie is too close for me to use my sonics or lasers on Mad Cat without hitting her as well so I decide that momentum and hard mass are the way to go.

Firing up the rocket pack, I leap at Mad Cat and zoom straight into her. We both go flying and I struggle to stay into control of my flight with Mad Cat in the way.

I tumble and crash into the street while Mad Cat bounces across the tarmac in front of me.

“I got Mad Dog,” growls Carrie over the League communicator.

“I’ll take down Mad Cat,” I reply as I get to my feet.

Mad Cat is prowling on all fours in front of me, battered and bruised.

I adopt a defensive stance. No civilians are out at this hour in this normally quiet area of the country.

“Come on monster!” I broadcast over the armour’s PA system at Mad Cat, “I haven’t got all night!”

She snarls at me and pounces, but I’m ready. I throw a punch when Mad Cat is mere inches away from me. My armoured fist slams into her stomach and Mad Cat lets out a pained whine.

I ducked as the villainess flies over my head.

I hear Carrie yowl behind me and I spin around, ready to help her. She’s been knocked into the street and is getting to her feet.

But Mad Dog has already thrown a small, green car at her.

I really don’t want to find out how well Carrie can take a car to the face so I do the first thing that 

comes to mind.

I fly straight at the car. I can take the car dead on better than Carrie can and can shrug it off while she can’t.

The front of the car crunches inward as we connect. I’m shaken inside my armour, but grab it with both arms.

Carrie rushes in front of me, charging at Mad Dog.  Mad Dog dodges, but I toss the wrecked car at her.

I see Mad Dog’s eyes widen as she spots the car split-second before it slams into her. I don’t get time to do anything further before I feel something grab a hold of my right ankle.

Mad Cat.

Well, if she wants to play that game.

I fly straight up. I’m certain Mad Cat can’t take a fall from so high up as I can.

Once I’m over twenty metres above the ground, I shake my right leg. Mad Cat try to hold on, but she can’t a firm grip on the smooth armour.

It takes a moment, but Mad Cat falls.

Normally I would be worried if someone fell from this height, but I know for a fact that Mad Cat can take it in her transformed state even if she won’t be getting up anytime soon afterwards.

And who cares if she doesn’t?

I look down and search the street below for Carrie. I easily spot her battling Mad Dog in what I guess should be called claw-to-claw combat rather than hand-to-hand combat. Maybe?

Taking a couple of second to watch, I decide that Carrie doesn’t need my help.

While Mad Dog might have more field experience with her powers, Carrie has more control and has been training since she was little, like all of the new Leaguers. Not only that, but Mad Dog has spent that last month and a half imprisoned and it’s taking its toll on her.

As I watch for little longer, I notice another factor in the fight below. Carrie’s slashes are leaving bloody gashes in Mad Dog’s flesh, nothing too deep mind you. On the other hand, Carrie’s cos-mat costume is protecting her from Mad Dog’s attacks.

 I grin as Carrie gets in a good blow, leaving Mad Dog staggering backwards.

The villainess looks up at the now visible moon and simply howls at it. I stare at the monster. It’s shocking to see a person, even a crazed murder such as Mad Dog, reduced to the level of a feral beast.

I almost sigh in regret and pity as I fire all four of my electro-spyders at Mad Dog.

Mad Dog is about to pounce on Carrie when the spyders hit her. You can see Mad Dog being briefly electrocuted before she falls face first into the tarmac.

Now to check on Mad Cat. I drop down to the ground, stopping slightly above the ground before finally cutting the fuel to the rocket pack. Even in a suit of powered armour, I still dislike doing a complete fall from those heights as the impact can jolt you pretty hard.

Mad Cat is twitching a little and looks pretty banged up from the impact, but is still breathing fine.

Bending over her, I inspect her, trying to gauge whether or not she is out for the count.

I get my answer when Mad Cat tries to grab me weakly.

I stamp on her arm, bone crunching beneath my boot. Mad Cat whimpers momentarily before slumping into unconsciousness.

Victory.

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 5

“Alex,” I call over my communicator, “We have a problem.”

“Drones trying to break out Vengeance?” inquires Alex, “Because you wouldn’t be the only ones to have that problem.”

“Four squadrons of three,” I tell her, “Ten are down, but five officers are dead and Mad Dog has escaped. Two of the drones also got away, but they’re damaged. Robyn Hood lost her bow and is out of arrows. What happened to the others?”

“Another dozen tried to breakout Nightmare, but Narszara wiped out in a few seconds,” replies Alex, 

“She even complained it was too quick and easy. Another twelve tried to free Avenger, but Lantern and Bolt took them out. There was also an attack on Forsworn, but they fended it off. They did have trouble mind you and some of the drones got away. The Defenders guarding Mad Cat didn’t do well. Three police cars and the truck were destroyed, eight officers dead and the other two need to go to hospital, Mad Cat was freed and is on the loose like her sister. Controller is messed up pretty badly. Spectre is out cold and needs to medical attention. Powerbeam is getting the injured officers to hospital. My guess is that the Mad sisters are going to try and link up. The others have to continue to escorting their prisoners so you and Night Beast are the only ones free to go after them. I’ll try and track the Mad sisters for you. Good luck.”

This is not good. We basically got a pair of psycho killer werewolves on the loose and only Carrie and I are able to hunt them down.

“Robyn!” I call to the Defender, “Mad Cat and Mad Dog are freed and only Night Beast and I are able to hunt them down. Can you handle the situation here?”

“Sure Sentinel,” replies Robyn over my communicator, “I wouldn’t be much help to you anyway without my bow and arrows.”

I switch my communicator to a private League channel and call Carrie.

“Night Beast,” I say, “We got to bring in Mad Dog and then go after Mad Cat. You okay?”

“I’m fine,” answers Carrie, but she doesn’t sound fine.

“Sure?”

“Yeah, but it’s pretty bad down here. People are dead.”

“All the more reason to make sure the bad guys don’t win.”

“Okay.”

I land by Carrie. She is still transformed and trying to avoid looking at the wreckage of the police vehicles.

“Can you track which direction Mad Dog went?” I ask her.

“Give me a moment,” growls Carrie before sniffing the air, “I got her scent. She’s heading south.”

Carrie suddenly bounds off on all fours. Should I fly after her or converse rocket fuel and follow on foot? I decide on the latter option as I can keep up on foot and not being the air might help stop Mad Dog from spotting me too early.

I follow Carrie as she follows both Mad Dog’s scent and the trail of destruction that the crazed murderess has left in her wake. Nothing major, just things like paw print dents in the road, knocked over fences and broken branches.

“Sentinel,” calls Alex, “I got more information you might want to hear.”

“Go ahead,” I reply.

“Given their locations and the directions the Mad Sisters have gone in, it appears they are trying to link up with each other,” says Alex, “Whether that makes things easier or harder for you, I don’t know.”

“Thanks for the heads up.” I reply before ending the call.

Mad Dog and Mad Cat regrouping means we don’t have to track down each one separately, but if they’re together, they would much harder to take down. It comes down to it being quicker at the expense of winning being tougher.

“Sentinel!” shouts Carrie from in front of me, “Mad Dog is just ahead, but I faintly smell Mad Cat as well.”

“Alex just told me that they’re trying to meet up with each other,” I reply.

“Damn it,” curses Carrie, “So what do we do?”

“Same as usual, take them down with no civilian injures and minimal collateral damage,” I say, “We can take them so don’t worry. Just remember that they’re a lot worse than many of the villains and will happily across the line. Also, their claws and fangs can’t get through my armour and that means they can’t hurt me.”

“Got it Sentinel,” says Carrie.

Her earlier uneasiness seems to have turned into a burning determination to bring down the Mad Sisters. I can’t say I disapprove of that sort of attitude.

“One thing I don’t get is how the Mad Sisters lose control,” says Carrie, “Their powers are pretty much the same as mine, but I have complete control of my changed state while they seem to have none. I know I had some trouble early one, but I was barely ten at the time. By the time I started secondary school, I had pretty much total control over my transformation. Yet they lose it so easily.”

“Maybe they never got control in the first place?” I offer as we reach a village.

“I wonder if they even tried to bring it under control,” mutters Carrie.

I’m about to reply to that when something big and dark slams into Carrie.

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 4

We got a couple of police cars in front of the truck and another two behind it. In each of the five vehicles, there are two police officers armed with pistols. I’m flying overhead while Robyn and Carrie are following on Robyn’s motorcycle.

If all goes to plan, we’ll arrive at our destination in about an hour without any trouble. For some reason, I doubt everything will go according to plan. I call it paranoia.

It ends up going fine for the first half of the journey. Things only went to the pot when the scorpion drones decided showed up.

A dozen of them fly in, three from each corner of the compress. They’re sphere shaped with three legs on both sides and seem to fly using some sort of anti-gravity device. On their back is a set of nasty looking quad guns while on the front, they have pair of what appear to be energy cannons. And they’re moving fast.

Even at a first glance, I can tell they’re related to the Machine.

“Carrie!” I call over my League communicator, “Hostiles incoming from multiple directions. I’m engaging the ones closest to me.”

I break off from where I’m flying over the truck and head towards the western drones. At about thirty metres we exchange fire. Pink energy balls fly from the energy cannons while pink energy balls come out of the quad guns. I fire with my lasers.

I roll out of the line of fire as quickly as I can. I come out on top, only sustaining a single hit to the shoulder, burning the armour little and jolting me about, but nothing more. The drone I aim at explodes as one of my lasers gets a clean, direct hit.

One of the surviving drones turns to face me while the other remains on course to the truck containing Mad Dog. The drone’s quad gun spins around to face me, but I fire my lasers, blowing off the quad gun.

I zoom at the drone as it brings his energy cannons to bear, weaving and rolling to avoid its fire. I really don’t want to see what a direct hit will do to me.

I get in another clean hit, blowing up the second drone. I turn to pursue the third drone, now only about ten metres from the truck.

Robyn and Carrie have engaged the southern drone squadron while the other two are almost upon the police convoy. Robyn has been able to take down a couple of the drones like I have using explosive arrows.

I fire at the third drone in the western squadron, but it makes a sudden jerk to the right, coming back at me. I risk a look at the rest of the situation. Robyn is engaging her third drone, her cycle trashed, while Carrie has transformed and is dashing on all fours to catch up with the truck.

I turn by attention back to my opponent before I can look at the convoy. I am not making the mistake of getting distracted in battle again.

The drone zooms at me and I fire both lasers. It doesn’t dodge in time and both lasers blow it to pieces. I’m getting good with my laser aiming skills.

I look back at the convoy and freeze.

Good Lord! And I’m not taking His name in vain.

The first two police cars are burning wrecks while Carrie has grabbed a hold of the one of the drones. The other five are launching an attack run on the truck.

The truck driver barely leaps from his vehicle in time as the scorpion drones open fire. The front of the truck his blow away, passenger include while the back is torn open.

The rear drone swoops down and fires into the truck. I wonder whether it freed Mad Dog or just killed her.

I receive my answer as Mad Dog staggers out of the truck’s remains as Carrie brings her drone down. 

This is bad. Five officers dead, Mad Dog freed and five, maybe six drones on the loose.

I only installed some of the heavier firepower I’ve been meaning to into the Sentinel armour. Charlie and I have been focusing on the Bulk armour when adding better weaponry. But I do have a couple of mini-missile, each mounted on the shoulders.

Now seems like a good time to use them as the launcher pop out of the armour where they’re hidden. I fire both of them along with my lasers at the drones as they move into an attack run on the last two police cars.

Success, I smile grimly as both missiles blast a drone out of the sky and my lasers gain me another kill. Two drones left if Robyn has taken hers out.

I fly at the closest, only a few metres away. I slam into it, denting its side. I smack its quad gun off and punch it with my other hand. It struggles to stay in the air as my fist smashes through its insides.

I pull away and the drone falls out of the sky.

“Sentinel!” calls Carrie suddenly, “Roll!”

Trusting her judgement, I roll to the side. I’m barely in time to dodge several pink energy bolts.

As I turn to face my attacker, I hear gunfire, panicked shouting and a couple of animalistic howls below.

I fire at the final drone. It tries to dodge my lasers and is partially successful. Half of the quad gun and one of the energy guns are blown away and it zooms off.

Rather than pursue it, I decided to check of Robyn, to see if she needs any help. The Defender is okay despite her bow getting destroyed. She has also lost her hat as I expected. The scorpion drone she was fighting is flying away, apparently damaged

I look around. The five remaining police officers are still alive and Carrie is still on the ground.

Mad Dog is nowhere to be seen.

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 3

We’re sat around the table, all of the League plus Alex. The others are all in costume while Narszara and I are wearing our respective armours. Alex is wearing a white shirt and jeans and we all got food and drink. Mainly cola and margarita pizza.

“So what’s happening?” asks Sky, “I’m assuming there is a reason behind this meeting.”

“Let’s cover some simple things first,” says Sam, “For starters, nobody has a problem with the Rileys and Alex moving into the base?”

A smattering of agreement come from around the table. It seems some less of a problem than others.

“I sure everybody heard about out Oakley figured Sentinel’s identity out?” continues Sam.

“No,” says Stefan with a look at me while Vance shakes his head.

“Okay,” says Sam, “Let’s recap. Inspector Oakley and Constable Melville when to Daniel’s granddad’s house to get this statement about the fight on Sunday. Once there, Oakley figured Daniel’s identity using a variety of information, not just putting two and two together so we don’t need to worry about someone else figuring our identities in the same manner. Both agreed to keep our identities secret and it might be useful have a high ranking field member of the police on our side.”

“I’m not sure about it,” says Stefan nervously, “I had enough trouble with the police knowing I’m the grandson of Black Storm without them knowing I’m also Storm King.”

“We don’t need to worry about Oakley,” I reassure him, “He’s trustable and one of the good guys. While it may not be a good thing he’s figured out my identity, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. And we got more important matters to deal with.”

“Vengeance is being transported to secure locations tomorrow night following information about a breakout attempt,” says Sam, “Our MI9 liaison, Agent Lewis, has asked for our helped in escorting them as most of the Defenders are busy. That’s why we asked you to clear your Friday nights.”

“Who’s with who?” asks Lucy.

“Spectre, Powerbeam and Controller will be escorting Mad Cat,” says Sam, “Kevin, Werebeast and I will be with Avenger. Sky, James, Vance and Lucy, you’ll be guarding Forsworn. Charlie, Stefan, Helen and Narszara, you guys will be escorting Nightmare. Daniel and Carrie, you two will guard Mad Dog along with Robyn Hood. Any questions?”

“How long will it be?” asks Carrie, “I don’t want to be up too late.”

“It’ll start at seven, but we will have to be there in costume before then,” answers Sam, “It should last roughly an hour if everything goes according to plan.”

“So who’s trying to break them out?” inquires James.

“No clue,” answers Sam, “MI9 isn’t convinced it isn’t a trick to get Vengeance into the open, but can’t afford not to beef up Vengeance’s security.”

“I’ll look into it,” offers Alex, “And I can act as mission control.”

After that it, the topic turns to small talk.

***

“It’s cold,” says Robyn Hood as we watch Mad Dog get loaded up into an armoured police truck.

Robyn’s real name is Linda Pierce and is the only non-powered superhero in the Albion Defenders if you count owning power armour as a superpower. Her hair is short and brown while her eyes are covered by a large domino mask. The rest of her costume is a green cos-mat version of Robin’s hood, complete with a silly green hat that usually gets lost in the opening moments of battle. A leather quiver containing a dozen assorted arrows is strapped to her back.

I look at Mad Dog. In her untransformed state, she has muscular body, a feral look, a messy mane of tattered black hair. Her eyes have a crazed look to them. How on Earth could people have mistaken his madwoman for a hero? Especially when she maimed people in such a brutal manner.

“That’s why I’m morphed,” replies Carrie in a deep growl, “My fur is pretty thick.”

“My armour has internal air conditioning,” I say, “That scum looks as crazy as she is.”

“How the hell can she enjoy losing control of her beast side?” asks Carrie, a sicken look on her furry face, “I know at first it can be hard to tame, but it gets easier with time. A lot easier. The only way you lose it like she and her sister do if you’re forced into it or you choose to.”

“I wouldn’t know,” mutters Robyn.

“Is something wrong?” asks Carrie.

“No, I just don’t like powers that much, especially the ones people lose control of,” replies Robyn with a wave of her hand, “It’s hard being the only superhero in the nation without any superpowers and at times, it just gets to me. Especially when most of your friends and co-workers have hit the jackpot when it comes to powers.”

“I haven’t got any powers myself, but I can’t complain with all the other stuff I got,” I reply, “But do understand what’s like going up against supers with no powers and only training.”

“I believe you,” says Robyn, “I’ve worked with Narszara before you. She’s strange and scary to watch in battle, but seems nice and has a good heart.”

I’m about to reply that’s not what I meant when we receive the all clear. They’re ready to move out.

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 2

I look around granddad’s house. Despite telling people this was where I was spending most of my time when I was at the base, I haven’t actually been here for quite a while now.

I notice a police car roll up outside and it occurs to me that, as Daniel Griffin, I haven’t given a police statement about my fight with Nightblade yet due to my attempts to avoid the press.

I look out the window to see who’s in the car and I blink in surprise when I spot Inspector Oakley get out. I consider him a helpful associate when dealing with the police as Sentinel and we get on fairly well.

Of course I have to pretend I don’t know him thanks to my secret identity.

I look at the second officer to get out on the passenger side, wondering if it is also someone the Sentinel knows.

The answer turns out to be yes as I spot Constable Melville, one of the three supers on the Hampshire police force.  I guess the reason both of them are here is due to this involving a superhuman and them both being part of the superhuman department.

I walk towards the door and open it before the officers can knock.

“Hello?” I greet to them.

Let me tell you something, it is weird meeting two people who you know, but they don’t know you and don’t know you know them and you have to pretend not to know them.

But something must click into place as Oakley blinks at me and stares for a moment. Melville gives him a look.

“Daniel Griffin?” asks Oakley as he focuses again.

“Yes Inspector,” I reply and I flinch internally at my mistake.

Not many people know how about different police ranks, particularly the higher up ones, here in the UK due to the lack of them on TV, especially how to recognise one. That must have tipped him off about something.

“We’ve here to collect your statement about your fight with the supervillain assassin Nightblade last Thursday at St James Park,” says Oakley as he looks at me, “May we come inside?”

“Sure,” I tell him.

Normally I wouldn’t invite the police inside, but I know Oakley well enough to trust even if he doesn’t know it.

I step aside and let Oakley and Melville inside.

“I saw your face after Narszara arrive,” says Oakley in a causal manner.

Yup, he’s figured it out. Next time, I need to be more careful.

“So you pieced it together,” I reply as Melville looks at the two of us, confusion on her face.

“What’s going on?” asks Melville.

“Meet Daniel Griffin, Eleanor, also known as the Sentinel,” answers Oakley.

“Him?” blurts out Melville.

“Me,” I reply, “By the way, my identity is secret so keep it secret. You weren’t supposed to find out and you don’t want to find out the consequences if you reveal it.”

“After all the trouble that it’s caused Britannia, I’m not revealing any super’s secret identity,” says Oakley, “But you sure do make a lot more sense now.”

“Pardon?”

“We were looking over your background over the last few days, especially since you held your own against Nightblade,” says Oakley, “And kid, you are not normal. You’re a millionaire that lives like middle-class. Not only that, but you got your grandfather’s money, company and house over the rest of your family. And people you hang out with just don’t fit. I’m going to guess they make up the rest of the League? Anyway, you and your friends are very mysterious. You seem to go off the grid while hanging out with each other, but it’s not only when the League shows up. Not to mention how well you have avoided the media, it’s almost unreal. You also took on Nightblade and almost beat him. Yet you don’t have any powers like he does. But you do have training from an old family friend who we can’t trace at all. Plus you’re associated with the Sentinel and the League like your grandfather was. None of it made any sense.”

“So you’re the Sentinel?” says Melville as she looks at in mild surprised, “You’re not what I expected, but then again, I’m not sure what I expected. I never really fought about what the Sentinel was beneath the armour. Apart from he was male. But even that, along with your age, we only had your word for.”

“That was sort of granddad’s idea,” I reply, “He felt that he should keep his normal identity separate from the Sentinel’s.”

“Except for when he was the Sentinel’s number one business partner it seems,” points Oakley.

“People just figured he worked with Sentinel, not that he actually him,” I reply with a shrug, “But aren’t you here to get my statement regarding Sunday’s events?”

“Good point,” concedes Oakley, “We best get onto that.”

***

I watch the police car pulls out before I call Sam.

“Hello,” answers Sam.

“Hey Sam,” I reply, “I called to called to tell that the police just collected my statement about Sunday at granddad’s house.”

“Anyone we know?”

“Just Inspector Oakley and Constable Melville. That’s part of the reason I called. Oakley put two and two together about our secret identity.”

“Is that bad or good?” asks Sam.

“Neither, just unexpected,” I reply, “Oakley and Melville can be trusted.”

“Anything else?”

“Yeah,” I say, “Can you remind the others about the meeting this evening?” 

1.9 Mad Beasts Part 1

I look over my back as I enter the base. I can’t help that after the last few days since my fight with Nightblade at the park. I’ve refused any interviews after the fight so the media has been effectively stalking me.

Despite their best efforts, the reporters haven’t been about to get to me at school thanks to the work of Principal Jenson and with the help of the others, I’ve been able to sneak out of school undetected. At home, my parents are keeping them away while I’ve been spending most of my time at Sam’s, James’ or the base.

Narszara is waiting for me at the computer.

“Hello milord,” greets Narszara without looking at me, “Something interesting has just come up.”

“What’s that?” I inquire.

“A troublesome customer at a Sentinel Technologies shop in Christchurch,” answers Narszara, “It would not be wrong to put on your armour and intervene there.”

“It might as well,” I reply, “It is my shop after all.”

“That was my thinking as well,” agrees Narszara, “And I am assuming that you would prefer if I did not deal with it myself.”

“Definitely,” I tell her.

I hate to think what Narszara might do if it was left up to her to deal with the situation.

I toss my bag and blazer aside as I walk towards the lab.

“How are the Rileys?” I ask her.

“Settling well,” says Narszara, “MI9 is currently sorting out a new home for them and education for the children.”

“What about the kids’ education at the moment?”

“Alex is teaching them. She is a great help to both them and I.”

“I’m glad that you two are getting along.”

I step into the lab and walk towards the Sentinel armour. That sorts out my latest worries of how well the base’s new occupants will get along with each other.

The process of suiting up goes smoothing and within three minutes I’m already in flight out in the sky.

The journey only takes somewhere between four and five minutes and I quietly land outside my store.

A quick glance inside quickly tells me what’s going on. A chavish and overweight man is causing a scene inside, sweary tirade included. A beleaguered cashier, two shop workers and a manager are trying to deal with him to no avail.

Only the cashier notices me as I quickly enter the shop.

“Just give the damn &*£$ing thing for free!” screams the troublesome customer, “I deserve it after all the trouble you caused me! I’m going to complain to the CEO and you’ll be fired.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to tell you that won’t be happening,” I say quietly behind him.

“And just #@£*ing who do you think-” the man starts before freezing as he realises who exactly he is talking to.

“I’m the CEO of the company that owns this store,” I reply coldly, “And you are the idiot who has annoyed me.”

“You can’t call me!” exclaims the man, “I’m the customer and the customer is always right!”

“Yes I can and no, they are not,” I say before turning to the employees, my employees, “What has happened here?”

“This man wanted to attain several products and tried to claim fake discounts to-,” starts the manager before the customer interrupts.

“That is not true!” shouts the customer, “That piece of £%-”

I don’t give the fool a chance to finish insulting the manager any further as I casually swing my fist into his gut. The man staggers backwards, shocked and winded.

“Shut it before I electrocute you,” I warn him before facing the manager, “I take it that he then caused a fuss and started demanding the products for free?”

“Yes, um, sir,” answers the manager.

“When did the rudeness and profanity start?” I ask.

“Since the beginning,” says the manager as a police car arrives outside.

“I will report you to the company,” mutters the customer, his face red, “You’ll all be fired.”

“Incorrect,” I reply without even looking at him, “As the owner of the company, I can safely say no one will be fired over this event.”

“I will never buy from you again!” screams the customer, “Just lost a customer!”

“I don’t care,” I reply dismissively, “Get that into your thick skull.”

“Of course you do!” complains the man, “You just lost my money! That’s what you care about!”

“I care about helping people,” I reply, fixing him with a stare, “The money is just a means to an end. In case you didn’t notice, I am a superhero foremost, not a corporate executive.”

A couple of police officers have entered the shop and are going to arrest the troublesome man.

“I’ll be going now,” I say as I turn.

“Can I have your autograph?” asks one of the employees meekly.

I shrug and say, “Why not?”

By the end of it, I’ve given autographs to all of the shop’s employees, both of the police officers and even the unruly customer. With a crowed forming outside, I swiftly fly into the air.