Leroy J. Powers, Superhero

NEW HOME

2009-01-26T18:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all those who have supported the Urban 30 over the last year. We've got a dot com now. Though we will still work out better design moments, I will be blogging Leroy's new adventures there. Please join us...

www.urban3zero.com

THANKS AGAIN!

J.RENZO

BREAK TIME!

2009-01-08T20:42:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone, I'm on break until the end of January.

Thanks so much for supporting the blog and please come back in a few weeks.

Take care!

Leroy J. Powers, Super Hero

IT'S OVER!

2008-12-27T08:04:00.003-05:00

It'd been a week since the whole Seth thing. After talking with Terra, it seemed neither of us were really sure that thngs were back to normal. Those who had quit the Urban 30, despite having their powers restored, still wanted to leave or stay gone.

Brice was M.I.A., again.

Terra gave me an update on how Tony was doing. I actually havent spoken to him since this whole ordeal. It's probably a good idea right now. As far as I saw it, the whole fall of our team and the sloppy play agaist Seth was Tony's fault. He failed to be in touch with his people. Now, aside from me and Terra and the place holder I call Brice, there are no people.

The night it all ended, Terra mentioned she saw Ralph, or the undead spirit of. I think that would have freaked me out. She said Ralph mentioned something about Tony, Terra and me being resistant to Seth's magic. I suppose I should find that peculiar. I find it more lucky.

The whole Seth thing is over. It seems when Bitter caught up with him, there was some very graphic torture put into place. The gist of it boiled down to Bitter freezing Seth piece by piece, and then shattering the frozen statute. Apparently, long before I ever got to Seth's magic mansion, Bitter had already seen the totem of him and his boys - courtesy of Christopher. That was the leverage that Christopher needed to recruit Bitter, causing Bitter to double cross Seth. Luckily, the favors that Bitter owes me helped to keep me on the winning side of this mess.

There was no point in locking Bitter up. Since Seth doesn't have a public record, no one cared he was gone. However, I'd heard that Bitter had been hanging around the HQ - probably for the free food. I told B, he had two days to clear out. I guess that makes things back to normal with him - I think.

On a brighter note, I did actually hook up with the hot villian chick. It turns out, her name is Wilona, but she prefers to be called Lola. I don't care what she wants me to call her, she's hot. But I kept my mask on the whole time. I ain't stupid.

Terra and I both plan to take a few weeks of and just be normal folks. I wonder if I can actually show that much restraint from being super. What I do know is that I plan to see Lola a few more times... that is, before i finally turn her over to the cops. I saw her profile in the most wanted database. She's a hot gal!

SO THAT'S WHAT THEY DO!

2008-12-26T12:24:00.004-05:00

The whole section of basement was empty. Aside from my “disagreement” with the hot chick (and the two towel boys), there was nothing. The last room had a giant monitor on the wall. I wondered if it would fit in the living room of my apartment. After this guy goes to jail, it becomes police property anyway – better my living room then theirs.

I picked up the remote and pushed the power button. Not only did the screen come on, but an entire console emerged from the floor – not to mention the book case on the left wall flipped around to reveal a huge glass display of small figurines. Very familiar figurines.

I put down the hot chick – apparently just as she was waking up. Quickly I ripped a strip of the metal plate in the wall and wrapped it around her hands.

“Sorry for the make-shift shackles, but I don’t want to have to hit you with any more tables.” I smiled. Damn she was hot!

I walked over to the wall casing with the figurines. The glass doors were locked, sort of like the display in a jewelry store. I looked back at the console that had appeared from the floor and then to the remote. Pushing several buttons I realized it worked just like a regular television remote.

Menu. Room Features. Walls. Unlock Case.

Much like when I push the button to unlock my car doors, I heard the click. I walked back over to the case and studied each figurine. These things were so detailed – more so than the ones we found a few months ago. This guy had a lot of time on his hands to design them with such accuracy.

“You are not a real man, to have hit me with a table.” Apparently the hot chick was fully alert.

And that’s when I noticed it. There was a small rendering of the hot chick. I picked it up and walked over to her. Kneeling down, I held the clay mini next to her face, amazed.

“I wonder if he does this from pictures. This would be perfect for my parent’s anniversary.” I smiled. “This one looks just like you.”

The hot chick gasped as she noticed the figurine.

“You must destroy it now!” She panicked.

“Why?”

“You fool…” She sounded so cliché. “Your powers and life are attached to the totems. You must destroy them to break Seth’s magic.”

I saw the worry in her eyes. Considering I can’t leave a damsel in distress, I smashed the small figure between my fingers. Hot chick released a sigh full of tension. Her relieve brought on a level of sexiness. I swear of she stops being evil, I’m taking her out on a date.

As a courtesy, I pulled off the jagged metal I bent around her wrists as hand-cuffs, and told her she was free to go. I had found the source of Seth’s power. There was no need for me to worry how the rest of this day would go.

But I kept her cell phone. I needed it to call a few people. First Barry. I dialed as I walked back to the to the glass case. I searched for his figurine, finding it by the time he answered the phone.

“Hey Barry. How ya doing.” I laughed at my own game. “So. Um, pick up any cars or buses lately.” My grin was wider than a nerd who got is first kiss.

I listened as Barry went into a funk about his powers and telling me it wasn’t funny to keep reminding him. Something about salt and a wound, I don’t know. Just as I was about to tell him about the totems, the hot chick walked over to the console and began to push buttons. Before I knew it, I could see Barry on the giant monitor.

This, at that moment, became the coolest television ever. But, it doesn’t take away from Seth being a perv for having cameras in our homes. I hope he wasn't watching while I was taking a shower.

“Ok Barry. Tell me how you feel…” I picked up the figurine and gripped my fist until there was nothing but dust. “Now!”

I watched Barry on the screen. At first he looked confused. Then, he jumped around like a teen aged girl who’d just met her favorite boy band. Somewhere in there, he crushed the phone and I lost communication.

Ok. Got Barry out of the way. Now I needed to call the rest of the Urban 30 who lost their powers.

THE BIG HOUSE

2008-12-22T13:53:00.001-05:00

For a bad guy, Seth didn't have much security inside his building. The room I was locked in was about four flights down. If they ever put a subway in Georgetown, this guy will have some structural issues. I was certain we were in some sort of row house, but there were way too many levels and rooms to be certain. Maybe he owned more than one, and knocked the walls out. This was like a mansion.

I wandered the place for about 40 minutes. Apparently, my watch was not only water proof, but resistant to the block of ice Bitter had trapped me in. My cell phone wasn't so lucky. Somebody was going to have to buy me a new phone. The entire place was decked out with seemingly expensive vases and glass cabinets filled with plates and paintings on the wall. How do folks who decorate this much ever get comfortable in their own homes? The place was like walking through a museum.

After walking through nine different sitting rooms, library and all, I found another door that led downstairs. Since this level seemed like a show room, I figured the levels below would hold all the action. I went back into the basement. But this was different. Before, there was more concrete and dim lighting. Now, this area was bright. There was lots of glass and modern décor.

I peered around the corner to see two of those guys dressed in towels, each with tribal markings tattooed on their bodies. Finally some action… These guys were fairly buff – probably the reason Terra followed them so much. I took in a deep breath and rushed both guards. They actually looked terrified. The first guy didn’t even try to block my attack. I knocked him out with one hit. The other tried to run, but he didn’t get far. If the whole night was going to be like this, I might be disappointed.

Just to cover myself, I dragged both men into a nearby closet. Not that I knew how many guards there actually were, but I felt like I made a difference taking down those two.

My back pressed to the wall, I quietly moved through the area before finding another door. Another flight of stairs leading down… It was then I wondered how much this guy paid for mortgage.

I slipped into the first room and searched for a light panel.

"What took you so long to get here?" The lights came on.

"Oh shit!" I dropped my jaw.

It was the hot chick from the break room that turned the bird into some gross giant feathery dragon. Nasty power, but still hot.

"How did you get out?" She pulled her hair over her right shoulder. I don’t think she was afraid of the pending brawl.

"Does it matter?" I said, watching her seductively slide off the long metal table to stand up.

I'd moved away from the door, giving myself space to maneuver. Hot Chick pushed some chairs from her space and reached her arms in front of her, folding her fingers into little toy fists.

"I don't like to fight women." I said. "I'd much rather take you out and get to know you – provided you stop the whole bad guy… girl, thing." I winked.

"You wear tight clothes. You are not my kind of man." She relaxed her shoulders.

Sometimes, superheroes get no respect.

Hot Chick launched her attack, a series of kicks and punches and loud noises. HA, she'd yell with nearly each attack. Maybe she watched too much television. I picked up the long metal table and swung it like a bat. She went down like a rag doll. Just as I thought, every person with super powers doesn’t have super strength.

I pulled the cell phone from the case on her hip and threw her over my shoulder. Part of me wondered if she would have gone out with me – under a different situation.

Another bad guy… girl, down. I carried my prize as I continued to explore the downstairs.

I'M SO CONFUSED...

2008-12-10T19:53:00.006-05:00

Usually when I wake up with a pounding headache, I can remember that the night before was well worth the misery. But this ain't one of those times. I was cold and my clothes were drenched.

"Thawed you out as quick as I could." Bitter's voice interupted my thoughts.

"What the hell, B. You froze me!" I shouted.

Bitter didn't turn to face me. "Would give you some dry clothes, but all this guy has is towels and robes."

"What guy." I responded, more calm than a moment ago. I pulled off the top of my super suit, leaving on the mask.

"Seth." Bitter leaned against the wall.

"Seth. Are we at his crib? What kind of room is this?" I said, realizing the hazy barrier covering the entrance. Some sort of holding cell, I thought to myself.

"You're moving too slow, Sonus. There ain't much time." Bitter pushed his hands in his pocket. I'm sure the cold air had nothing to do with it.

It was obvious Bitter wanted me to understand what was going on. "Fine! Let's play catch up." I was still removing my costume, hoping to air it out. I should have worn the insulated one. "You set me up! You came to me, asked to help only to stab me in the back."

"Not quite." He said, his voice was steady - non-responsive to my returning rage.

"Then what?" I demanded.

"I really did want to help you stop this guy from stealing powers." Bitter removed his right hand from his pocket and pressed it against the wall. I could hear the ice forming.

"So why did you put me in a block of ice?" I played along.

"Christopher doesn't like you dating his wife." He responded.

"I'm not dating Elemental." I shot back.

"I know. But Seth also needed you out of the way. He said something about having a hard time snatching your powers. He needed you close so that he could find out why." Bitter walked to the other side of the wall.

"So you're working for Seth, now." I asked.

"I was. But Christopher offered me more money."

"So what does Christopher want?" I felt like we were talking in circles.

"To turn you over to Seth. I told you, Christopher doesn't like you much..." Bitter smiled an icy smile.

"How does Christopher plan on dealing with Seth?" I wondered.

"That's why he employed me." By now, the entire wall from frozen solid.

"And how do you plan to stop Seth?" By now I was tired of the run around. This whole dialogue had amused Bitter.

"That's why I came to you." Bitter had put so much cold on the wall that it practially shattered. "Get dressed. Your partner should be on the way." Bitter walked away.

SUPPOSED TO BE A TEAM?

2008-12-07T13:43:00.001-05:00

“It’s probably a good idea that you don’t trust Christopher. Or me for that matter.” Bitter said, looking at me through his peripheral.

“You I’m not worried about.” I responded with confidence.

“We go way back, Sonus. I think you know when I’m telling the truth.” Bitter inhaled and breathed an icy prison on one of the city’s mutant rats in the alley behind the Pips Theatre.

Yoo Street was one of Bitter’s favorite hang out spot, particularly because he had an unproven hold on most of the business owners. Tonight was one of those rare occasions when I turned down a meal. But even with me standing their, they refused to ask for help – or hint that Bitter is strong-arming them.

“Don’t get me wrong, B. I’m not blinded by your eagerness to help. I already know what’s in it for you. I just don’t know what’s in it for Christopher.”

“Sometimes, you just need to be patient and pay attention. But even Christopher knows you aren’t too good at either.” Bitter said as he marveled at the frozen dead he’d just brought on the rat.

I wanted to grab him by the neck and slam his face into the brick wall, but my cell phone buzzed. Terra sent a text message – she’d caught some of those Egyptian dudes in Georgetown. “Let’s go, B.”

I grabbed Bitter and we flew toward Georgetown. When I finally saw Terra, she was doing the tentacle thing, flailing the bad guys around.

“Looks like Elemental has them occupied. We can surprise them and try to get the upper hand over all of this.”

“Indeed.” Bitter responded. Seconds later, his body temperature dropped and my hands were too numb from the cold. I dropped him.

I darted down to try and catch him. Fortunately, he used his powers to break his fall. It’s not often that I see Bitter do anything flashy with his powers. His usual action is to freeze his victims in a block of ice and leave them there until they’re dead.

“You ok?” I asked. For some reason I was slightly concerned. “Why the hell did you freeze my damn hands?” Though I was concerned, I was still mad.

Bitter hunched his shoulders, as though he didn’t mean it. “Panic, perhaps.”

I walked around the corner to see Terra on the ground. The bad guys were gone and it seemed that Torrid had Terra pinned down. I turned back to Bitter and asked why it looked like his guy was attacking.

“I thought we were working to…” I suddenly felt cold all over. I forgot what I was saying, what I was thinking. I think I blacked out.

WHAT IT IS...

2008-12-03T14:30:00.004-05:00

I think it just pretty much goes without saying that everything is just screwed up. We’ve got folks quitting on us, a few who have just gone AWOL and a bad guy that we have no answers on. It’s safe to say we are screwed unless we get some major light is shed on the subject.

In the absence of our uninspiring leader, Christopher is attempting to call the shots. He claims that it was Tony’s request before leaving for some secret mission. I believe that to be a load of bull… But, I think that will be an issue to deal with later. There is no way he can stay in that role after trying to use his wife (Terra) as a science project.

Surprising even myself, I flipped open my phone to call Brice. Brice was the guy who walked around as if he were the second coming. No answer. Maybe he already went. Not that we ever saw eye to eye, but last I checked, we were on the same team. He hasn’t been around much at all lately.

I usually pride myself on not needing anyone, but it was obvious that I needed help. Terra is a good start, but we needed more. There was nothing left to do but accept the fact that our only allies right now were a group of villains who’d look for the first chance to stab us in the back – literally.

WHAT A DAY!

2008-11-19T19:06:00.005-05:00

8:09 AM
Pulled into the parking lot at work. I noticed some toddlers screaming from inside but didnt see an adult. Great. With a sigh, I went back to my car and when I thought no one was looking, I changed into my Sonus costume. Just as I got back to the car, the parent showed up. She caught an attitude with me and said I should be somewhere arresting real criminals.

9:17 AM
Witnessed the return of Victoria Regal. Ms. Regal is everything her name isn't. At probably 5'5" with a doughy shape and eyebrows that have been drawn on, Regal was banned from most of the eateries near the office and half our clients refused to meet with her. How she got her job back is beyond me. But to see her prance through the office in slippers with ashy ankles nearly turned my stomach.

10:46 AM
Made my 10th call - in 3 days - to Tony. Calls were still being forwarded to Christopher.

10:51 AM
Left for lunch.

12:14 PM
Still at lunch.

1:32 PM
Just got back from lunch.

1:41 PM
Victoria Regal is fired - again - for calling Rufus (the company owner) incompetent.

2:02 PM
Rufus pulls me into an emergency meeting with Clarence, the company's lawyer, and Rebecca, the company's PR person.

2:07 PM
Rufus starts yelling at Clarence for losing his alimony case against his fouth wife.

2:22 PM
Rufus starts yelling at me for always being out of the office. I pleaded that I was always at my desk - though I couldn't stop smiling as I said it.

2:59 PM
Rufus fires Rebecca for embeselling company funds. I stopped smiling.

3:10 PM
Rufus yells at me again for not sending Ms. Mack to training on office hygiene.

3:19 PM
Rufus demands that Clarence take Rebecca to court to get all the company's money back.

3:29 PM
Rufus asks me why I've missed so many days from work lately. I told him I was in therapy because my ex-girlfriend had a sex change to become a man. He told me his first wife did the same thing. As a result, he no longer had to pay alimony. Then he turned to Clarance and asked him to draw up a pre-nup for his new fiance.

4:01 PM
The meeting was over and I went home.

6:04 PM
Called Tony again - got Christopher's voicemail.

6:49 PM
Patrolling the city and ran into Bitter again. He had some of his friends with him, including the hot chick from the break room. He offered again to join forces to defeat Seth. I said HELL NO!

6:59 PM
Todd texts me to tell me that everyone except me, Terra, Tam and Brice had quit the Urban 30.

7:01 PM
I welcomed Bitter and his friends to the team. Now I can get to know the hot chick.

8:06 PM
We arrived to HQ to meet Tony and come up with a plan to defeat Seth. We only found Christopher. Terra was there with her dad, the weird guy who doesn't talk and some basketball player.

8:14 PM
Christopher claimed Tony was on hiatus and that he was calling the shots for the Urban 30.

8:14:43 PM
Everyone tries to pry my hands from around Christopher's throat. What a day!

LET ME THINK ABOUT IT...

2008-11-12T22:25:00.002-05:00

It had been going on two days now, and no return call from Tony. Both Jada and I tried to reach him. Sometimes his voicemail would come on and other times the call would be forwarded to Christopher. But I refuse to believe that Tony would be foolish enough to expect us to really work with a known villain.

Jada had even put on her costume. We flew around the city until my arms were tired of carrying her and then stopped for ice cream. No call from Tony. Though Jada was steaming, the ice cream made me feel better. She went home.

I was just about to call it a night, too, when I felt a sudden drop in temperature. My breath stood still in front of me as I questioned just how insulated this suit was. In the bitter cold appeared an old friend.

“I want to help you.” He said.

“Why would you want to do that?” I questioned.

“I have my own interest at heart.” He smiled.

“Hmm. You’ve changed. You have a heart.” I also smiled. He’d never been known for his kindness. I lifted myself from the ground – a slight hover before actually flying off.

“I know that your team isn’t quite at one hundred percent. So I offer myself and a few friends to balance things out - help set things right." I folded my arms as he spoke. "But don’t wait too long… As time fades, so may your powers.” He stepped backward. “You know where to find me...” He walked away.

The worst part of that exchange was that somewhere in it, I decided that I trusted him more than I trusted Tony.

Maybe I spoke too soon about working with villains. I’ll sleep on it.

SO THAT'S HIS NAME...

2008-11-05T16:50:00.003-05:00

I left the meeting feeling nothing but disappointment. Usually, I’m just angry at every small detail but lately, I’m just disappointed. I went to a meeting hoping to either find out what – who was the cause of this thing happening to everyone or share some heartfelt words about a fallen hero. Not that I planned to speak. Obviously, it didn't matter since neither of those things happened. Instead, it was an introduction to an inverse hero.

While I didn’t personally lock him up, Terra says that Christopher did some pretty bad things. Some I take to be more exaggerated since she was - or is - married to the guy. Even still, if he wasn’t a villain, he would never have been locked up.

Needing a moment to rest my mind from the last week, I thought maybe a DVD would be the ticket. Something funny… the Incredibles. I was pleased with the selection before even comparing it to something else. A quick stop to the kitchen to mix a drink and heat up the take out from T.G.I. Friday’s and all was set.

Somewhere between my second drink and a rant about why capes are no longer safe for heroes, the phone rang.

“Yeah, Terra?” I wasn’t mad, just disappointed. Again. Can I get time to just enjoy a movie?

Terra immediately went into a tirade. “Do you know that sorry son of a bitch teamed me with Christopher! Dispatch knows that he kidnapped Kara! I told him the shit I had to go through with him when he wanted to take over the world!”

I couldn’t get a word in. She continued. “Like it isn't bad enough that he sent Arrow out to back me up after I told him not to!” Hm, she didn’t know it was my fault that Ralph was there to back her up? “He knew that asshole Seth is out stealing everybody's powers!” WHAT! “Who does he think he is? I'm telling you Leroy, that bastard better stay as far away from me as possible. I've been looking for an excuse to kill Christopher for the past three years!”

I can’t really say what else Terra had to say after that. I tried repeatedly to ask who Seth was, but she was too consumed with her “baby-daddy” drama. I was back from being disappointed to just plain angry.

She finally hung up the phone and I was no further in identifying Seth. But at least it was a start. Forgetting my movie, I called the hospital. It’s the only place that Barry and Jada would be. Barry answered the phone.

“Hey. How is Tomieka?” I greeted.

“No change, Leroy.” Barry said. The usual genuine happiness you would hear in Barry’s voice had been absent since he lost his powers.

“Well, it seems that a guy named Seth is the reason why you and the others lost your powers. Probably the reason why Tomieka is out cold.” I heard Barry call Jada over to the phone to hear what I was saying. “What makes it worse is that Tony knew what was happening and didn’t say anything.”

“What!” I could hear Jada shouting through the phone.

“So you guys get some rest. Cause tomorrow, we’re going to have a talk with Tony – the three of us.”

“Whoa… no can do, buddy.” Barry objected quickly. “I ain’t got no powers. I can’t do anything. Count me out.”

I tried to reason with Barry, strength in numbers and all, but he insisted that his place was there watching over Tomieka. However, he demanded that both me and Jada should still go…

“Oh, you can believe I’m going.” Jada answered. I hadn’t heard that spark in Jada in weeks. “Tony is going to get a piece of my mind. And whoever Seth is, he is going undo everything he’s done. Even if I have to rip him limb from limb to make sure its done.” Jada hung up the phone.

I should have still been angry, but I think Jada has that emotion covered right now. Perhaps she will call me back to discuss what time we will head over to HQ and talk to Tony. In the mean time, I’m getting back to my movie.

IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL!

2008-11-03T10:41:00.004-05:00

Ralph was dead.

The image of him folded into the side of a building is burned into my mind. The moment seemed frozen, surreal. It's one of those instances where you realize that even as a superhero, you can't do anything about it. But doing something is supposed to be what we do.

I'm sure this was not the first time that an Urban 30 member had died in the line of duty. But it was the first time since I had been on the team.

Through out the morning, I had this haunting feeling that the team was falling apart. At times, I would question just how together we were as a group. Doesn't seem much like a question now…

My cell phone sounded. I flipped it open to notice a text message from Tony.

ALL URBAN 30 MEMBERS - REPORT TO HEADQUARTERS AT 3:00 PM FOR AN EMERGENCY MEETING.

Great, just what I needed. I was sure that this would make the day even worse. My guess was that there would be more business than concern for Ralph. A minute later, the phone rang again. Terra was calling to make sure I had seen the announcement. Yes, I confirmed my attendance. I didn't make one joke, I didn't crack one smile. I spoke calm with no inflections with a short response.

Though I left work in time to arrive on time, I was still late. It’s like my conscious won’t let me arrive anything but late for these meetings. Perhaps it’s my unintetional method of protest. By 3:45, there were about five others present. From the sound, they’d been sharing their favorite “Arrow” stories. Remember the time when Ralph flew through the circus billboard, putting a hole right through the clowns butt. I remembered, but I didn’t laugh with them. Oh, and remember that time when he flew through the drive through window and busted up the fry machine. Classic! They stopped laughing. The reality was that usually Ralph got up from his less than perfect landings. This time, he didn’t.

Todd arrived just after I did and clearly he was a wreck. Probably one of the rare occasions where he was in plain clothes – Todd was a good soldier and whenever he was in HQ he was dressed as Router. There was no doubt that Todd had been crying most of the day. He and Ralph were close, so what else would you expect. I waved him over to sit next to me. I usually don't prefer sentimental moments, but i supposed you have to make exceptions.

“I’m done, Leroy…” The first words he said as he sat down.

“What do you mean?” I questioned as I looked Todd in the face.

“I’m leaving the Urban 30.” Todd looked up, over the empty seats toward the podium, looking at nothing in particular. “I’m too old for this… I have a family. I can’t afford to be out playing children’s games and end up like Ralph. Who will raise my kids?”

Todd was only 37. If you had asked me, I would have told you that being in the Urban 30 was the highlight of Todd’s life. Especially since the divorce. But I guess things change. I just nodded and placed my hand on his shoulder. His choice, not mine.

Looking away I noticed Terra toward the front. Just as I thought to ask why the meeting hadn’t started, Tony entered the room - with Christopher. I looked back to Terra. Though I suspected, it was clear at that point that this wasn’t a meeting to console the Urban 30 members on the loss of a friend and teammate. Instead it was business as usual.

"It’s always sad to lose someone so dedicated to the cause. But I’m sure if the Arrow were here, he'd want us all to solve this mystery and make things safe. Not just for us, but the city and ultimately, the world" Tony sounded rehearsed.

I couldn’t believe it... Even I’m not that cold. Tony didn’t seem to have any real concern for losing Ralph, or the folks who may be taking it hard. Hell, Todd just quit...

"Some of you are wondering why we are at less than half, tonight..." Tony continued. I had noticed that there were about eleven of us all together. "Most of us have already lost our powers. Those that have not, quit for fear of that very thing. But those of u who are here, must continue on... the way the Arrow did."

I shook my head. He won’t even call the man by his name. Tony was using Ralph as a martyr. Todd buried his face in his hands to hide more tears. Looking back to Terra, she seemed distant. Perhaps the fact that her husband – a man she put in jail for trying to take over the world, but he broke out and is now being harbored by Tony – is standing there winking at her made Terra feel "shut down"?

"Dr. Christopher Davidson has been temporarily activated to work with the urban 30." Tony’s words broke through all of my thoughts.

"What the fuck?" It was out before I realized I'd said it. I don't think I was loud. How is Tony just going to add a freaking criminal to the team?

I left the room. I'm going home to bed.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH RALPH?

2008-10-22T20:33:00.002-04:00

After the whole thing with the hot chick and the germy pigeon, I flew home to wash my hands… like twenty times. Then I took a shower. I'm sure by anyone else's standard, I was over reacting – but, oh well!

For some reason, my cell phone was ringing like crazy. Not that I wanted to ignore it, but I need to get clean first. Something about a giant pigeon just doesn’t make me feel so good… particularly when it’s a mutated giant pigeon.

Like most heroes should, I have more than a few costumes. It would just be dingy of me to only have one suit and wear it every time I fight crime. The process of showering and changing actually put more pep in my step. Today seemed really long and it wasn’t over. Probably an hour after I arrived home, I was back out on the streets. I was also contemplating what my reason would be to skip work tomorrow.

As I flew above the city, I tried to figure who would know something about hot chick and her comment about me still having my powers. Is someone out there stealing powers from the Urban 30 members? If so, who and how do we get them back?

I flipped open my phone to check my missed calls. 1 call from Mom and Dad, 3 calls from Ralph, 2 calls from the popcorn girl at the movie theater and 5 calls from Tony – I wonder what he wants.

Reluctantly, I called Tony back.

"Leroy, get over to Northern Avenue. Terra needs back up!" I don’t even think he said hello. Neither did I… I declined to assist Terra. She’s a big girl, I told him.

This time though, I wasn’t just being resistant, I actually wanted to try and piece together if there was someone really stealing out powers.

"Damn it Leroy, just do what I tell you. Nothing else is more important right now." Tony yelled through the phone, sort of like my mom would when she’d had enough. At that point, I was pissed off, too. What could be more important than finding out why our folks were suddenly depowering? I hung up the phone. I’ll just tell him its tough to hold a conversation while flying.

The phone rang back. This time it was Ralph, looking to do more for the night. Although I had no intention of heading over to Terra, I didn’t see why Ralph couldn’t go.

“Ralph, since you're finished helping Sha'Donna, shoot over to the museum on Northern Avenue. Terra needs back up.” I said, trying to speak above the wind blowing into the phone. Sometimes it’s tough to fly and hold a conversation.

Ralph obliged.

I didn’t last 20 minutes before I was bored with flying around. I honestly had no idea who I could talk to about hot chick. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I should meet up with some of the other U-30 members to see what kind of ideas we could come up with. With that, I decided to head toward Terra anyway.

Every thought in my head was about hot chick’s comments. What if I do lose my powers? What if I lose them right now and fall out of the sky? We needed to get to the bottom of this before things get messy.

I arrived just in time to see Terra standing over Ralph and a bunch of Egyptian dudes running down the street. As I landed, I greeted Terra, more focused on our fleeing bad guys.

"Hey Terra…. Are we going to chase them?" I said. I looked back to Terra, then down at Ralph. ”What's wrong with Ralph?"

WHY ARE ALL THE HOT CHICKS VILLIANS?

2008-10-15T08:43:00.000-04:00

I arrived at the Yoo Street Corridor in fairly good time. According to Sha’Donnna, someone stole three endangered wolves from the National Zoo. Her adoration for any type of dog was surely her drive for following this crime – as opposed to letting the local authorities handle it.

The historic Pips Theatre roof top is one of our usually meeting places when on patrol. I arrived to find Ralph huddled over Sha’Donna rubbing her belly.

“She’s hardly two months into the pregnancy, what do you hope to feel?” I asked.

Ralph backed away as Sha’Donna cut her eyes at me. I walked over to the edge and looked down at the street below. Apparently, a woman with platinum blonde dreadlocks had possession of the three baby wolves in a cage in a cherry red convertible just below.

“Where is the woman?” I didn’t see anyone standing next to car.

“She went inside.” Sha’Donna said. She had turned to Ralph giggling and playfully smacking his hand. Could this really be happening, I wondered.

“Why didn’t you just go down and get the wolves? They are just sitting out in the open…” I tried to sound condescending.

Oh, Ralph said and Sha’Donna cut her eyes again. I sighed, and probably for the hundredth time in the six months that Sha’Donna has been a part of the Urban 30, I wondered exactly how she impressed Tony enough to gain membership. Her phone rang.

“Hello?” She was loud, unintentionally I would assume. “Oh, hey Tony!” Speak of the devil. “Huh?” Sha’Donna planted her hands into her hips – she was suddenly upset. “What?” Her eyes widened and then squinted. Doesn’t seem like she’s happy at whatever Tony just told her. “Whatever, man…” She hung up the phone.

“What happened?” Ralph asked, probably genuinely concerned.

“Tony just told me I I was off the team - after this mission.” Sha’Donna responded.

I turned away to laugh. Best decision ever! I turned back around to see Sha’Donna crying.

I looked back to the street below to see the chick with platinum dreadlocks coming out of the nail salon. To think she may have been in there getting a manicure or a pedicure, while these two were up here playing house.

Just as was about to swoop down and grab the baby wolves, another woman came out of the nail shop. She was so familiar. Then it hit me, that was the chick who’d dumped her boyfriend in the break room earlier today. Same hair, different outfit. Hotter outfit. Wow, that puts her pass a 10 on the scale.

The woman with the dreadlocks picked up the cage of wolves and placed in on the sidewalk as if it weighed nothing. The break room chick kneeled down and took each baby wolf out, one by one. Not even a minute later, the wolves grew into some sort of werewolf like beasts the size of horses. She must have some sort of mutating touch. I suddenly wondered why all of the super hot chicks were villains.

“Time for some action!” I said as I leaped off the building.

Both women saw me immediately and jumped in the car.

“Get the wolves, I will get the ladies.” I said to Ralph and Sha’Donna.

The women sped off and I followed in the air. I swear she was doing at least 90 miles an hour on those city streets – and she didn’t hit a thing. Maybe she was one of those lady race car drivers. Even more hot!

It was hard to get close because of all the traffic lights and cables and crap, but I finally got close to grab the break room break up chick. I would have scolded her for not wearing a seat belt, but it was to my advantage.

We flew straight up in the air as I gave her the 3rd degree. Who are you? What did you do to the baby wolves? What’s your game plan? All the usual stuff… She laughed in my face.

“I’m surprised you still have your powers. You were one the first.” She said. She even talks hot.

With that comment, she thrust her knee into my stomach causing me to drop her. Before I could even fly down to get her, she some how grabbed a pigeon and it transformed into some huge monstrous bird. Ew, don’t those things carry germs?

I probably should have chased her, but I was kind of grossed out.

BREAK ROOM DRAMA

2008-10-08T08:25:00.002-04:00

I finally went back to work, after a few days of calling in. If I weren’t scared that Ms. DeVane would show up to my house to question me, I would have taken another day or two. Considering that she is the right hand to the CEO, she is the scariest woman I knew in five inch heels – and being in the superhero business, I knew some scary broads in heels.

To get the day started, I arrived to work a bit early. This was my chance to read most of my e-mails before the rest of the office started to show up for their normal tours of duty. As it turned out, I hadn’t really missed anything special. Marty sent a message,asking me to help him redesign the company newsletter, which I agreed needed definite improvement on looks and content. Another note was that Rona and Tanya would be transferred to this location, effective next week. That I considered to be a plus. Rona Black and Tanya Danvers were two lively ladies – and half of what used to be our holiday entertainment.

The other emails were just usual comments for training and other professional development projects. Playing catch up ended up being a light task. At about mid morning, I walked upstairs to the break room. For some reason, they have better and cheaper snacks in those machines, unlike the ones in the break room downstairs.

I searched my pockets as I entered the room. I also noticed two people in the corner, passing them on my way to the snack machine. Naturally, I tried not to be obvious while I stared. I recognized them from law firm one flight up. The guy was young, but probably closer to 30 than I was. The girl, she definitely seemed early 20s. His face was a deep reddish color as he kept repeating, I don’t understand. Then it made sense. She was breaking up with him!

“It’s not you. It’s me!” She said. Her eyes were dry, and her expression seemed more apologetic than regretful. “I just don’t want to hurt you.”

“But that’s exactly what you’re doing right now.” He replied.

Her hair was a deep black, with perfect red streaks blended in. It was full and relaxed over her shoulders, sweeping down her back. I had stared more at them (well… her, rather) than I did the machine to make my selection. The funny thing was, I think she noticed me looking, but obviously didn’t care. She did nothing to lower her tone, though when he spoke it was a careful and controlled voice. But I could still hear him.

“I really thought we were good together. We were really hitting it off.” He said. I felt like he was breaking some guy code by pouring his feelings so publicly. “I should have known you didn’t want more, considering you won’t spend the night.” Her eyes widened. Did he strike a nerve?

“Oh, Teddy…” It was the first time in the three minutes that I had been there that she seemed sympathetic, as if she cared about his feelings. “You are so kind and giving. These eight months have been the best relationship that I’ve ever had.” I waited for the but… “But, I don’t think I’m as ready to commit as you are.”

I knew there would be a but... Damn, the machine gave me Almond Joy. I hate coconut. Now I was standing there, eves dropping and holding an unwanted candy bar.

“This is just stupid Raye.” Teddy frowned. Then he took her face into his hands and tried to kiss her. I wasn’t surprised when Raye pulled back and told him that he was making this very hard for her.

“Teddy, I need time to find myself. I need to decide if I want my law degree or pursue other things.”

“What other things?” Teddy demanded.

Raye stood up. “My break is over. I’ll see you at the 3 o’clock meeting.”

As she walked away, I swore she winked at me. Teddy began wiping his face with his hands and shirt sleeve. I sort of felt bad for him. From where I was standing, Raye was definitely a 9.3 on a scale of 10.

Now that she was gone, there was no reason for me to be there. Though part of me felt that witnessing a live break up more than made up for the unwanted candy bar selection, I still felt like I was missing something. But there was nothing I could do about that now.

I walked pass Teddy and dropped the candy bar on the table in front of him. Tough break, I said as I exited the break room. Back to my desk to plan for lunch, I guess.

NIGHT OUT

2008-10-01T23:16:00.001-04:00

I don’t really know how much sleep I’ve gotten in the last two days. I’ve been up through both nights, maybe nodding two minutes or so through out the days. The streets have been the quietest I’ve ever seen them in months. Primarily, I’ve been looking for answers. My only problem is, I don’t really know what questions to ask.

Tonight, I’m joined by Todd, Ralph Barry and Marci. Marci was the most quiet, aside from me. Barry was talking loudly through his blue tooth, something about forgetting one of his girlfriend’s birthday. Ralph and Todd were discussing the new security system that Ralph had just installed to protect his home and family.

None of them were pay attention to the streets. None of them were watching for anything suspicious. For a long while there was nothing to see. Until a sudden explosion across town. Router was connected to the police scanners through his laptop. Thankfully Marci noticed the alert flashing on the screen.

We rushed through the city, up town near the university. Barry was still on the phone, this time with his second girlfriend, promising to reschedule their weekend plans because he had a family emergency. Had this been any other night, I might have challenged his player status for having to cancel plans with one girl to spend time with another. Not good time management at all.

As these things go, we arrived just in time. Well, not so much so, since there obviously was an explosion. But, we arrived before the bad guys had a chance to really put a hurt on the on-duty police officers. I had no idea who these guys were. Router spent half the fight on his laptop cross referencing the U-30 database to find nothing. Apparently, we’ve got some new kids in town. They look like twins, brothers at the least, and strong as hell.

“Stand back guys, this is all about the muscle.” Barry said as he approached the destructive pair.

Ralph launched arrow after arrow. Not one scratched the twins. And that’s not to say that the arrows didn’t make contact. These dudes had some pretty touch skin. I wondered how well they too insults?

I had just about planned for a long night with lots of fighting, in my opinion just the thing to clear my mind, when the unexpected happened. Twin number one picked up a police car and tossed it to twin number two, who then swung it around and threw it at Barry. Barry caught it and held it over his head. But just as Barry was about to throw it back, he dropped it. As if his arms just gave out from fatigue. I saw the confused look in Barry’s eyes, he didn’t even notice the twins had thrown another police cruiser. Just like that, Barry was down.

I ran over to lift the car off Barry. He was out cold. Todd and Ralph dragged Barry clear of the vehicle while I held it up. As soon as I let it back down, I noticed the twins were running down the street. What kind of exit is that, when a villain just takes of running down the street? Maybe they were trying to catch a bus…

Barry came to about ten minutes later.

“Dude, what happened?” Todd asked.

“I… I think I lost my powers.” Barry replied.

FINDING ANSWERS

2008-09-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

I took today off from work. For some reason, I felt like today I should be in full super hero mode – in the event of… anything. The funny thing was, I hadn’t left my apartment yet. The last 3 hours has gone by with me on the couch, watching the news.

Yesterday, being at the hospital was such a weird feeling. We’d basically ignored the doctors when we burst through the doors and crowded as much as we could into Tomieka’s room. Ralph, also called The Arrow when he is in the field, did his best to calm the doctors and assure them we were all very close friends and family – and though there were more than twenty of us, we would definitely try not to be in the way.

Barry and I stood right next to Jada, beside the bed. Brice and Blake stood on the opposite side. Jada buried her face into Barry’s massive chest to hide her crying. I wasn’t really sure what to do. It’s one thing to be in a fight and your teammate gets hit and is a little dazed. It’s another thing to see your teammate in a hospital bed and nobody knows what’s wrong.

I didn’t see the need for any small talk. The only thing I knew to do was to try and get some answers. “Do it!” I said. Though I didn’t identify to whom, Brice and Blake knew that I was referring to them.

Brice has this thing he does called zoning. That power allows him to channel in to a persons senses. With deeper concentration he can look into a persons mind – though that particular power requires a lot more than a simple thought.

Blake, however, has a different mental ability. With a touch, he can see your past – all the things in your history - be it five minutes or five years. Blake is good for helping you to remember the things you forgot or, when you can’t explain it, see the things that need to be shown.

It’s a shame the Urban 30 doesn’t have any heroes with true mental abilities. But these guys were all we had and the goal was to find some way to figure out what happened to Tomieka.

As the room fell silent, Blake and Brice went to work. Blake was the first to respond.

“Tomieka lost her powers again last week. This was the longest she’d been without them.” Blake seemed melancholy.

“Why didn’t she tell us?” I asked.

“Dispatch said not to.” Jada spoke before Blake could.

That familiar feeling Leroy gets - wanting to punch Tony’s heart out - came back. Why does Tony feel he can control us the way he does?

We all got quiet again to wait for Brice to speak.

Finally. “I can tell you that she is not in any pain. But I can’t hear her thoughts. This is just a shell. Her mind is trapped somewhere.” Brice said, actually sounding as if he were concerned.

“Then go in deeper. Find her!” I demanded.

“NO!” Brice was defiant.

We all just looked at him. The others more shocked, but I was just angry. Sometimes I didn’t know who I disliked more – Brice or Tony?

“Do it!” I locked eyes with Brice. I didn’t care if I sounded like the commanding officer or a big bully. I just wanted him to help Tomieka.

“NO!” Brice still resisted.

At that moment, I wondered if he sensed just how much I wanted to beat his ass.

“Wait.” Terra said, now next to Brice. “This is all too much for us to handle. Let’s clear everyone out. We can even put someone on guard at the door.” Then she put her hand on Brice’s shoulder. “Let’s let Brice do what he does on his own terms. I believe he knows what’s best when it comes to his powers.”

I lashed out. “You can’t be serious Terra. Our teammate and good friend is almost lifeless and he’s worried about how defenseless his body is when ‘zones’ into her head. Please!” I pointed around the room. “Everyone in here is Urban 30. Brice is the most safe he will ever be at this point. If he can’t do it now, who is to say there will be a later?” As I said that last part, I heard more crying.

“Don’t talk like that, man.” Barry requested. I knew he meant the lifeless reference. He hugged Jada tighter.

“Fine… EVERYBODY OUT, NOW!” I yelled at everyone who was in the room. “I’ll give him privacy…” Doesn’t make any damn sense, I thought.

Perhaps I was a bit too hard on everyone, but I sent them home. They didn’t oppose. Barry insisted on staying to guard the door. Jada of course didn’t leave. Blake and Brice also stayed behind. Brice and I exchanged sneers as Terra and I finally left.

Outside of the hospital, Terra insisted that I start being nicer to Brice. I ignored her. She knew as well as I did that Brice had no valid reason for not doing more. He could have done it when there were 20-something heroes to watch his back. But maybe this was a battle to fight tomorrow.

THE BBQ

2008-09-17T18:48:00.000-04:00

I woke up to constant ringing of my house phone. I don’t know why I keep it on the highest volume and I figured whoever had the nerve to call this early on a Saturday had better be in a life or death situation. Turns out, it was even better! Barry was having a BBQ at his house. No doubt what my new plans had become for the day.

Considering Barry said the event should kick off somewhere around 2pm, I was confident that arriving at 4pm would get me there the same time as everyone else. Yet, for some reason, I was still one of the first to arrive. Sha-Donna and Cheryl were already there holding a conversation with Todd and Ralph. I wasn’t sure if they were still on the rebound after Greg got evaporated. Clarence, our resident Urban 30 genius says that Greg should be back after a few more rain falls.

Quickly unloading the case of Heineken I brought into the large barrel of ice, I moved over to the table to see what food had already been prepared. As far as I’m concerned, Barry is one of the strongest guys I know, the strongest in the Urban 30, but his strength is definitely outmatched by the flavor of his pork ribs and potato salad. Completely unreal!

By 6pm, nearly the entire Urban 30 was there. Of those who were missing, I had hoped Brice’s name would fall on that list. Instead, he showed up. Though not social with most of the other members, he was very into some conversation he was having with the two women he’d brought. I will admit, one of them was definitely a 9… and a half.

It wasn’t until Barry came over and asked me if I had spoken to Tomieka and Jada, that i realized they were missing. Perhaps I had already had too many beers. Apparently, they were both supposed to bring two rum cakes and jello shots. I thought maybe I should find out why they weren't there yet.

“Let me ask Terra…” I said to Barry.

Unfortunately, Terra hadn’t spoken to them either. By now, the back yard was laced with noisy superheroes, and a few non super spouses and none of them included Tomieka or Jada.

“Why don’t you just call them?” Terra said. Brilliant idea.

Just then... “Something’s wrong.” Brice, for the first time that evening, came over and spoke to me and Terra.

My phone rang as if it were cued by Brice's statement.

“Leroy, where the hell is everyone?” It was Jada. “I’ve called you, Terra, Barry, Brice and Tony. I’m at the hospital with Tomieka. She fainted and still hasn’t woke up. The doctors can’t figure out what is wrong with her. Somebody needs to get here.” It sounded as if Jada had been crying – something I’d never seen from her or Tomieka.

“What hospital?” I listened for a response before ending the call.

By now, Terra had silenced the entire crowd so that I could hear Jada. “Something’s wrong with Tomieka." I reported to Terra. "She won’t wake up. Bring Brice and Blake. Maybe one of them can go inside her head and find out what’s going on.” Terra nodded. Even though Brice was next to me, I spoke to Terra as if he weren't.

With that, I downed the last of my Heineken and lifted myself into flight.

“We will meet you there.” Terra said.

ANOTHER CHANGE

2008-09-11T23:25:00.002-04:00

I think today may have been one of the better days I’ve had in a long time. Today, I got a message from Dispatch saying that Brice was put on special assignment and is no longer the team leader. Who could have asked for a better message – except if Brice was swallowed whole by Snuffles… Obviously Snuffles has finer tastes in food.

So, while I was doing cartwheels, elated that I wouldn’t have to see Brice’s face, Dispatch follows up with the note that ShaDonna was now the team leader. I couldn’t really believe it, considering she’d be off on maternity leave in a few more months. I couldn’t help but think that Dispatch has some hateration in him.

All in all, I thought it was a good enough reason to take in some drinks with the fellas – celebrating my new freedom from Brice. While Ean wasn’t returning calls, apparently he was really upset about getting drenched by giant sea-monster birthing fluids, I was able to reach Marc and Derek – a recent add on to the Urban 30. Time to get smashed!

I wonder if some folks would say I have a drinking problem?

SHOE SHINE GUY - TUESDAY

2008-09-08T16:41:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning to an Urban 30 emergency. Despite the fact we were all in teams, there were at least three teams on the scene, about fifteen or so heroes. At first we werent sure why Snuffles was out. But at thirty-seven feet of solid destruction, we needed to find out. Ultimately, we realized that she was pregnant - after she gave birth in the new Nationals ball park stadium. After that, Snuffles scooped up her knew baby with one of her seven arms and went back into the river. I'm so glad i wasnt apart of the clean up.

This whole thing, of course, made me about an hour late for work. Considering I was up since 4-something this morning, I felt like the day was already over. On my way in, I walked to the corner deli for a light breakfast – just two omelets, a waffle, some fruit and a large Apple Juice.

Headed back to the office, I heard that familiar whistle of a voice.

“What color were those shoes when you first got them.” It said.

I sneered toward the root. The old shoe shine man smiled at me, adjusting his trucker’s hat. This one read “I retired”.

“I can bring the color back!” He motioned for me to have a seat.

I wondered if anyone would miss him if I tossed him in the Anacostia as a snack for baby Snuffles. On second thought, he’d probably give him kidney stones or something.

“No shine today…” I replied as I went upstairs to eat my food.

SHOE SHINE GUY - MONDAY

2008-09-03T17:38:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you are feeling real good about yourself and someone comes along and craps all over you? Well, today was that day for me. It all started when I woke up feeling fine. Not just fine, but great! I wore a new shirt and tie combo that had been in the closet for a while. I have to admit that I was feeling exceptionally professional. Even Edna, the ancient evil of our organization thought it was a great color on me.

Pretty much, I was convinced that I belonged in the pages of GQ magazine. That is, until I went out to lunch, joining some friends from the Urban 30. Somewhere between the entrance to the building and the curb of the first block was some make shift shoe shine set up that seemed to be manned by a different old fellow every other week.

As I walked by, thumbing the numbers on my phone to let Raz and Tam know I was just a few minutes away from the meeting spot I heard raspy squeal of a voice.

“It’s a shame your shoes aren’t as nice as your shirt!” The voice says.

“Excuse me?” I question as I look over to notice an unusually thin older man with a square patch for a mustache. He wore a trucker’s cap with the words I voted, on it.

“Let me make them shoes as new as that shirt…” He didn’t apologize for his insult.

Despite all of the mean things I thought to say, I just continued to walk forward. I met my friends and tried to pretend I had not been insulted. But I can’t lie, part of me wanted to fly the guy up in the air and drop him – catching him just before he hits the ground. Then I’d ask him if his “depends” was as new as my shoes.

ROCK STAR WEEKEND

2008-07-08T17:38:00.001-04:00

This weekend turned out to be better than I expected. All except the chitterling lasagna that Aunt Clodine made for the family reunion bbq. I wish someone had warned me before I took a bite.

After meeting family I had not seen since I was 4 and a half, I went to catch up with some other friends and eat better food and play Rock Band. I’m great on lead, better on drums but I freakin rock on the microphone. I kept scoring a 98% on the difficult level. I owned that band! Well, I did till it was time to go home. But after all the drinking I had done, I relived the whole thing in my head untill I fell asleep.

The next night we decided to hit the bar, just before work tomorrow morning. This was the most drinking I had done in about two weeks – I think. The lounge had just recently opened, like so many in DC and I was already at home on the clean furniture. For some reason, I had completely missed the obvious karaoke machine in the front hear the dance floor. I sank into the couch, proud of my second Long Island Iced Tea debating if I would end my rock band career on a solo note.

As if to answer for me, Leah dropped a song guide in my lap. I guess that was my cue. My first song was just to get everyone excited Michael Jackson’s Beat It. I hadn’t danced like that in years. I started to sweat as if I had the jheri curl, too.

Embracing my third drink, I laughed through some dude singing Listen, an old lady who contended with a celine Dion tune and an Asian guy who thought he was a superstar. After that, it was time to be born again. I think my partner tried to “upstage” me?

Time to go home.

THE LIVE FEED!

2008-06-27T15:01:00.001-04:00

For the last few days I tried reaching out to Brice. Terra believes we should all try to get along. So, I called him. The first time he picked up, he put me on hold. After about 5 minutes I hung up. The second time we spoke, Brice called to tell me the team was needed for an issue on the Red Line. I didn’t go. This guy can't call me back, so why care if he gets his face bashed in.

Of course, this incident made it to the news. It's like they only show up when I'm not there. I watched the live feed online. Just as I thought, they got their faces smashed.

Lady Face was in a frenzy. I'm not sure when they let her out, but clearly she needed a return visit with those padded walls. I watched as the reporter tried to keep up with the commentary. She narrated the event as if it were a pay per view battle royal. Between her coughing to clear the dust from her throat and the rattle from the bag of corn chips she started to consume, she pretty much covered it all. The biggest issue came when the reported tried to describe Lady Face. Even I know you can't describe a person who always changes. Her appearance, like her temper, is random.

With raw fighting ability, Lady Face first managed to best Craig. Perhaps by accident, but her spontaneous fighting style helped her to land Craig on the rails. Unfortunately, water and electricity do not mix. In a cloud of steam, Craig was gone. The last time that happened, it took weeks before the rain brought him back. Both Sha'Donna and Cheryl fell down in tears. Perhaps their hormones are already extra sensitive. They were no longer of use in that fight.

After the rustle of another back of chips – Funyuns this time – the reporter tried again to describe the changing appearance of Lady Face. She gave up, again, to commentate the next leg of the fight. Marci gracefully moved and glided from side to side, back and forth in the beginning. But then something happened that I had never seen before. Marci's face frowned and her eyes were on fire. Marci breathed harder, struck harder but sloppier. The quick strikes became heavy haymakers. Finally Marci stopped punching and just started cursing. I had never seen her so angry. Lady Face just laughed.

Marci closed her eyes and screamed. She didn't see Lady Face rip the door off the train. Now, there was only Brice. He stood in front of Lady Face and whispered below the ear shot of the reporter. In less than a minute, Lady Face was on her knees in tears. She reached for the edge of Brice’s cape to blow her nose. With disgust, Brice motioned for the authorities and moments later, Lady Face was escorted away. What the hell did he say to her? I wanted to see him get his ass beat!

THE MAKINGS OF A MESS

2008-06-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

For the last few days, all I thought about was Dispatch’s idiotic decision that Brice and I be on the same team. Pure bullshit! Not to mention the guy hasn't even been around for the last few weeks. He's completely dropped off the radar. I think Terra said she'd seen him a few times at the office, but all that that means is he still has to pay rent. You can turn your back on citizens who need you, but you can’t turn your back on the landlord. Some team player he turned out to be.

Aside from Brice, there is also Sha'Donna, Graig, Cheryl and Marci. I don't really understand the line-up. From what Terra said, Brice is the leader of the team, because he is the most tactical – supposedly the thinker. Craig has the stealth, on account of the whole water thing and Cheryl and Sha'Donna are both second wave. I don't really understand how they could still be on active duty if they are both pregnant – but maybe Rico and Blair were wrong.

Marci was probably the best thing that happened to this team, aside from me. We represent the front line. The way she fights and shoots electricity is like watching dance. Her movements are hypnotic. Hell, the more I think about it, the team could have been just the two of us. But, no – that's not the case. We've got a guy who doesn't show up to save the world, a guy who plays in toilets and two ladies who could potentially give birth to multiple wet pets. This is the makings of a mess.

SATURDAY MORNINGS ARE FOR CARTOONS

2008-06-09T11:35:00.004-04:00

Dispatch called a meeting early Saturday morning. The topic was about some eminent threat – something we’ve never faced before. I think somewhere in the superhero handbook, it says that you have to say things like that. Every villain is viewed as some life-changing (or ending) threat. That’s pretty much all he said in the message. No details. Just come to the meeting because I (Dispatch) said so. I (Dispatch) will tell you what it's about when you get here.

Tough luck son, Leroy ain’t gonna be there. Instead, I’m going to fix a bowl of Apple Jacks and see what Saturday Morning Cartoons are on.

Somewhere around 9:30 in the morning, my phone rang. Router was on the other line asking where I was.

“I’m not coming Router.” I focused on watching the WB.

“Dude, this is a big meeting. Everyone is here.” Router pleaded.

“He could have just said it all in an e-mail or something.” I muted the television. “Look, I’m just not going to drop my life because Dispatch wants to share information he’s probably been holding for the last three months. When he realizes this is a team, I’ll act like it.” I turned the volume back up.

“I understand, Leroy. How about, I just put the phone on speaker, so you can hear everything while I’m in the meeting. It shouldn’t take long.” Router was persistent.

I agreed. Router was sincere, but he knew I felt screwed over when Dispatch suspended me for a small spat with Brice. That was just bull… and the fact that no one stood up to say that Dispatch was over reacting really let me know that our team ain’t so much a team. So, sure… I will listen over the phone – but I’m not getting up and heading down to the HQ just cause dispatch feels like sharing.

Over the next forty minutes, I endured a mesh of cartoons, Dispatch’s faint voice through Router’s cell phone and whatever breakfast meal that Router was eating. The rattling paper completely drowned Dispatch’s voice. And then there was the conversation that Blair and Rico were having about Cheryl being pregnant by Craig. Cheryl’s power is very animal based – letting her change into ferocious jungle cats. Craig, on the other hand turns into water. I don’t want to imagine that combination of a powers for their baby.

In all, the only thing I really heard was that some guy named Seth hates the Urban 30 and that we’d all be broken into smaller teams so that we are never alone. I couldn’t really tell who got paired up because Router apparently started choking on something he was eating and dropped his phone. The next seven minutes was all about Blair and Rico adding that Craig had also gotten Sha-Donna pregnant. Sha-Donna is into the animals too. But instead of changing herself into anything, she changes others in to animals – small puppies to be exact. I don’t know how she made it in the U-30.

So now, I’m wondering how Craig, a guy with no ambition – he only changes to water. He won't focus his power to learn to do ice, or control water or anything. Craig’s greatest thrill is becoming water, going through the pipes and coming out of your toilet to surprise you. After that, I never invited him to my house again. But yet, he’s got two girls pregnant within weeks of each other. Something is not right with the universe.

I finally just hung up the phone. I decided to call Terra later and get some details of the meeting.