Another Fine Mess Part One

The game ended after nine innings, and the Gems had come out on the losing end to the Pirates. The parking garages around the stadium emptied quickly, and Hao Chin, an import dealer from Singapore found himself alone in the third unfamiliar garage close to midnight. Finally spotting his rental car, he quickly crossed through the eerie shadows and pressed the unlock tab on his key fob.

The car beeped twice, and Hao Chin sighed, realizing that the hoped for rendezvous had still not occured. He put his hand on the handle of his car and felt a sharp object about his neck.

"On your kness Hao Chin, or I'll let Daliyah turn you into dog food." Chin dropped to his knees, his fingers interlaced behind his head.

A dark oriental woman reached into his pocket, and pulled out his wallet and passport. Studying it, she said, "I'm Yukiko, Lauren's top lieutenant. She sent me to meet you and to hear your offer."

Despite his submissive pose, Hao Chin held his ground. "No, I will not deal with mere intermediaries or minions."

He felt the knife at his throat again, as Yukiko crouched in front of him. He lithe body exuded the grace of a dancer, or perhaps a skilled martial artist, and Hao Chin realized she could take his head off without much effort. "Don't go calling names Mon," he heard in a heavily accented voice.

"I am afraid Daliyah doesn't have much patience with intolerance, Mr. Chin," said Yukiko. And in don't have mch patience, period. Once more, the offer?"

"No!" said Chin. ""My request was simple. And my orders from my patron were explicit. I am to deal with Lauren O'Rourke, alone. Failing that, then death would be welcome to my honor."

A black Mecedes turned on its headlamps, and the door opened. "A'right Chin, ye got y'r meeting. I'm Lauren O'Rourke." The slender, elegant redhead was dressed in a cream colored linen pantsuit, with a green silk blouse underneath setting off her emerald eyes. A cream colored fedora was perched at a Sinatraesque angle on top of her head, completing the look. Confidence exuded from her like an exquisite perfume.

"No, no, don't get up on my account," said Lauren, a soft Celtic lilt matching her fey features. "And we O'Rourke's have the Sight,; so I'll know if you're trying to pull a fast one. " She dismissed her guards and nodded toward the Mercedes.

"Supposin' I treat this as a business meeting, then. Would you be amenable to a late seafood dinner?" asked Lauren.

"I suppose so, provided you call me again," deadpanned Chin.
Lauren tittered politely at the lame joke, and thirty minutes later, both Lauren and Chin were seated in a private room at Mantooth's Fine Seafood Restaurant. After the waiter brought the food, the doors were shut and the two of them enjoyed a bit of privacy as Yukiko and and Daliyah provided security just outside the door.

"I thought people in your profession preferred eating pasta," said Hao Chin, as he sliced into a large salmon steak.

"You have me confused with the bloody Italians," replied Lauren, nibbling daintily on shrimp scampi. "We Irish eat anythin' and are glad of it."

"My apologies, I meant no offense."

"None taken," said Lauren. She waited a moment while the wineglasses were refilled, then said. "Now down to business. What brings an importer like you halfway around the world. It must be something unique if you can't find it in Singapore."

Chin wiped his face with a napkin and nodded. "Very rare, indeed. In fact, one of a kind. You might even say a rara avis."

"You're importin' bloody BIRDS?" Lauren sounded incredulous. "An' just what sort of unique bird calls Queen City home?"

"My buyer requests a predatory bird. One which you have as much reason to see gone as I do to see acquired. An Owl."

Lauren's elfin face did a poor job of masking her surprise. "You want my help in capturin' that beaked busybody?" Tossing her head back, Lauren convulsed in laughter.

"Oh Laddie," she said eventually, wiping a tear from her eye. "I'd be DELIGHTED to help you acquire this item. Hell, I may even do it gratis!" At this, Lauren's lieutenants gasped. She waved at the two of them.

"Don't worry lassies. I haven't addled my wits yet," said Lauren. Turning back to Hao Chin, she added, "So what's in it for me, besides gettin' rid of the Hooter, I mean?"

Chin took a pen and small notebook from his pocket, then scribbled a number on it. He slid the folded paper to his hostess, then sat back with a satisfied smile on his face. Lauren took up the paper and studied it carefully. "Is this your offer? Or is this a joke?"

Chin frowned, "That's my offer."

"That's a joke," Lauren replied, wadding up the slip of paper and burning it in the ashtray. "I take all the risks, lay out all the capital for a capture AND containment system, prepare the acquisition for transport, and YOU get all the reward? Not bloody likely at this price. I'd go into the hole on this one. I think you can do better. I'll give you just one more chance."

Chin looked worried. Trembling, he picked up his pad and scrutinized the numbers again. "Just a moment ago, you said you were willing to do this for free," he protested.

"That was me heart talkin'. But where these contracts are concerned, I stifle the little bastard an' listen to me brain. Now are you going to write? or am I going to walk out and never call you again?"

Chin began to write with Yukiko standing over one shoulder. He was about to slide the pad back when Lauren said, "Add another zero."

"You can't be serious!" protested Chin.

"I'm always serious when I talk money," said Lauren. "And I want half now and half on delivery. And I want to know who the buyer is. After all, someone wants to buy a superheroine, he must think he's pretty hot stuff."

"I will agree to half now and half on delivery," said Chin. "But I will not tell you who the buyer is. After all, you might try to undercut me and offer him a better deal. Now I can transfer the money early tomorrow morning if you'd like?"

Lauren opened a cell phone and pressed one button, "Not necessary. Hold on a minute." She spoke into the phone. "Hello Leticia? Its me, be prepared for a large transfer." Lauren rattled off a long series of numbers. Then she handed the phone to Chin.

"This is Leticia, my Bahamian banker. She's willing to arrange a transfer now. And I'll sign any paperwork in the meanwhile?"

"Oh no, no paperwork, Ms O'Rourke," said Chin. "I trust you'll stick to the terms discussed. And there should be soomething special just for you upon sucessful completion? Call it a bonus."

Chin turned to the telephone, then scribbled something down and handed the confirmation to Lauren. Lauren nodded then spoke to Chin again, "I'll contact you in three weeks to arrange the transfer on my end. I trust that will be sufficient time?"

Chin agreed. "I will be travelling around the country, working on a few other acquisitions. Your Western styles appeals to many in my markets. You have my contact information?" Lauren nodded and Chin stood and bowed, then showed himself out.

Once the door closed Yukiko said, "I do not trust him."

"You'd be a right foo to do so," agreed Lauren. "But the money is good an' if it rids us of the White Chicken, then so much the better." She stood and stretched, her taut form exciting both Yukiko and Daliyah. Fully aware of the reactions she elicited, Lauren turned back to the two women and said, "Get the Council together. We need to make plans to cook the Grey Goose!"
(to be continued)

Fever Pitch

The plane set down in Hub City right on schedule. I looked up from my Ipod and waited patiently for the other passengers on the Trans Air Commuter flight to deplane, then grabbed my messenger bag and followed along. After grabbing my suitcase from the carousel, I flagged a taxi and settled in.

"Where ya goin' lady?" asked the driver; his Hub City accent nasally and distinct.

"75 Basin Street," I replied. "It's in Comisky."

"Yeah, I know the neighborhood. Grew up a few blocks away on Canal." He eased the long yellow Impala into traffic and followed the expressway around Hub to the Comisky exit. As he drove, we chatted, typical small talk.

"You from Hub?" he asked.

"No, Queen City," I smiled, seeing his ears droop and knowing what was coming next.

"Yeah, home of the Gems," he said. "Not a bad team, but nothin' on our Bruins."

"Well, yes, we've had a rough few years," I said. "But we have a more recent World Series than your Bruins."

At that the baseball talk stopped. "C'n I ask what brings a nice lady like you t' Hub City?"

"Oh a personal visit, and a trip to my doctor."

"You doin' both in one trip?" he asked.

"I'm doing both in one stop," I replied. "My friend and my physician are both Dr Abu Mirelleh." The cab pulled up to the large brownstone Alyssa owned. the lower level was where she held her private practice, the upper two floors were her elegant home. I stepped from the cab and paid the gentleman, complete with a generous tip; then looked around Alyssa's neighborhood.
Her house fronted on a large park, part of a square. In the grass, I saw small children flying kites or playing on the swings, with their mothers or nannies close at hand watching intently. A Comisky patrol car drove up the block and I waved at the police officer, smiling as she waved back.

I walked up the steps to the front door and opened it wide. "Anybody home?" I called out.

"Hi Athena, I'll be right down," I heard Alyssa call from upstairs. I set my bags against the wall and sat in the waiting room. A moment later, Alyssa stepped into the exam room, with my folder in her hand. She was of average height, but slender, and her dark black hair hung down to the small of her back. Her skin was a golden brown, betraying her Arab roots; and her eyes were filled with intelligence. She smiled as she saw me and I stood up to give her a hug.

"Gosh you look fantastic Alyssa," I said.

"I could say the same about you, roomie," she said. Her accent was noticeable but not thick; and served more to enhance her exotic looks than detract from them. "But that's why you're here isn't it?" A hint of a smile played at her lips.

"Thank you for arranging your schedule to see me a bit earlier than usual, Athena," said Alyssa.

"This time, I need to be out of town for a while."

"Oh really?" I said interested. "Is it a continuing education credit?"
"Nothing so mundane,"said Alyssa, handing me a hospital gown. "Why don't you slip into this, and I'll fill you in during the examination." I frowned, looking at the less than flattering cover, but knew it was a necessity.

I changed quickly, and Alyssa began her exam. "Breathe deep, hold it." The stethoscope was cool against my bare skin. Alyssa listened intently, moving the stethoscope around. The exam moved swiftly and after it was over, Alyssa nodded.

"Good news?" I said.

"You're as healthy as a horse," Alyssa said. "But what can you expect from someone who has goddess given healing? What I wouldn't give for that now." She smiled, knowing its a secret I share with only one or two people. "Off hand, I'd say you have the body of a woman much younger than your 29 years."

"Hey watch it Doctor. Or I'll tell YOUR age." That brought a laugh and I began dressing again, sitting on the exam table as Alyssa finished her notes.

"You asked why I had to reschedule your appointment. Have you ever heard of Hickory Grove, Missouri?"

"Should I?" I asked.

"Not really. There have been a few things in the paper, but it's been pretty well kept quiet. Some sort of disease has broken loose there. Early indications are it's a variation on the bubonic plague. So far, it's been quarantined to a few families. But the CDC asked for a few volunteers to help contain the disease and to do further studies. It's a mutation, as I said, and normal antibiotics aren't working."

"So why you?"

"My background in immunology research and immunization make me a good candidate for the research team. And I WANT to go Athena. Not for any notoriety, but because I can do some good. Isn't that why you do it?"

I nodded. "That's exactly why. That whole, 'with great power comes great responsibility' thing. So when do you go?"

"My flight is tomorrow. I fly into Joplin and catch a ride with a truck from Tipton pharmaceuticals. Any time a large dose of drugs is shipped , a doctor has to ride along to verify nothing was changed out."

"Sounds like it's a terrific opportunity for you," I said. "Be careful Alyssa, I don't want you to get hurt. I'd hate to break in a new doctor."

"I don't think you'll need to. I'm off to the lab, rather than the hospitals. So I'll be getting my hands dirty in clean rooms, so to speak."

My stomach gurgled, and Alyssa laughed.

"Lets go get this taken care of," I said. "My treat."

"All right, but this still doesn't excuse you from paying the bill for service rendered," Alyssa chided.

After a delicious and decadent lunch, I bid Alyssa goodbye and caught a late flight back to Queen City. Alyssa promised to call me after she got to Joplin and to keep in touch.
I spent the night on a swift patrol, but Queen City seemed too caught up in the first warm nights of spring and crime seemed to have taken the night off. I went to bed relatively early, and slept peacefully.

It was late afternoon when Alyssa's number turned up on my cell phone. "Hey Alyssa," I said. "I thought you were going to Joplin in the morning."

"I've been here since about ten," she replied. "But there was a hold up with the truck from Tipton. Apparently, the original driver got ill, though not with the plague; and they had to scramble to get a backup driver. We've been on the road here about an hour with the first supply of the vaccine. We should be in Hickory Grove in another hour or two. We'll still have time to immunize the city, and possibly save some lives already down with the disease."

"Sounds good to me," I said. I was about to wish Alyssa luck when I heard a loud noise over Alyssa's phone. "What was that?" I asked.

All I got was static. "Alyssa? ALYSSA!!!"

I heard a groan. "The truck..ambush...unnnhhh."

Through the telephone I heard people scrambling through thick brush. Voices, harsh and masculine. "Truck appears all right sir."

"Who's in the cab with the driver?"

"The doctor. It's a woman!"

While the drama was unfolding on my cell phone, I pulled my White Owl phone from my purse and dialed Captain Winslow. "Captain, it's White Owl," I said, trying to maintain an urgent but not panicked tone.

"Good to hear from you," said Winslow. "What's up?"

"A truck hijacking, near Hickory Grove Missouri. Can you get their police alerted?"
"

Yeah I can do that, but it may take them some time to get there. I'll let the Missouri State troopers know, too."

"Fantastic," I replied. "Oh and one more thing."

"What's that?"

"Let them know I'm coming--should be there in about four hours."

"You got it."

I closed the "Owl-phone" and listened intently to Alyssa's drama.

"Hey she's a doc, right?"

"Yeah"

"Pete and Barney are in pretty sad shape. Maybe she can fix 'em up."

"All right, dump the driver and bring the doctor. But make it quick, the cops will be here soon." There was a pause, and I heard the last voice say, " Maybe even sooner. She's got a cell phone open and on." Alyssa's line went dead.

Five minutes seemed a long time as I swiftly changed. Never before had the NuSilk seemed so constricting and grasping as I tried to pull it over my form. But I soon was aloft and on my way to Missouri.

I landed in Hickory Grove near midnight and was met by the Sheriff, Greg Saunders. An older lawman, he still stood straight and whipcord thin. His dark hair was just starting to grow gray and an aura of easy authority hung on his shoulders. "Glad to meet you Ms Owl, jest wish it had been under better circumstances."

"The pleasure is mine," I said, taking his hand. "What's the situation?"

"We found the truck, empty. No sign of the doctor or the medicine. The driver was in pretty bad shape too. There were helicopter tracks near the truck. Mah guess is they off loaded the vaccine into a chopper and flew it outta here." Saunders handed me a slip of paper.

This came in about an hour ago, White Owl. Their demands for the ransom."

I studied it intently. "Ten Million Dollars?"

"Yep, an' no chance of Hickory Grove gainin' that much in the 24 hours they gave us." Saunders nodded and I looked over my shoulder to see a heavy man in a white lab coat approaching.

"Is this her?" he asked the sheriff.

"Yeah," Sheriff Saunders replied. "Doctor Westin, meet White Owl. I was just apprisin' her of the situation." Westin was maybe 5'6" tall, round where Saunders was thin and balding where Saunders still had a full head of hair.

Westin shook my hand without emotion and said, "Thank God you're here. You brought the vaccine, right?"

"I did not. I am here for other reasons."

Westin glared at me and said, "They gave us a 24 hour deadline White Owl, but I don't have that much time. I have 15 people in a ward over at the hospital dyin' of this plague an' in 24 hours we'll have more. The genie's out of the bottle right now and this vaccine would save lives."

"Do you have time to get more?" I asked.

"Not in time. Tipton shipped all they had, and they were the only ones working on this."

I turned to look at Sheriff Saunders. "Do you have the number for the Joplin airport? I need to check something out."

Saunders looked surprised, but nodded. Twenty minutes later, and using the sheriff's authority I had the answer I wanted.

"Air traffic included an unidentified helicopter in the area about five hours ago. They tracked it to someplace called Baptiste Mountain?"

Saunders pointed at a topographical map of the area. "Sure! Nothin' there though except an old monastery. Benedictine order owned it. It was abandoned about forty years ago though. The vineyards are only so much bramble now, and no one goes there."

"Sounds like a place for the rats to gather," I said. "And there's no better rat catcher than an owl." I put my hand on the Sheriff's shoulder and added, "Get your deputies and meet me out there in three hours or so."

"You can't go alone!" both Saunders and Westin said, almost in unison.

"I can't bring an army, either, I said. "They'd spot us a mile away and begin to use us for target practice. Alone, I have a chance to get the drop on them. I need to get moving, there are lives at stake. I'll see you soon Sheriff."

I turned to leap into the air and felt Westin's hammy fist on my bare shoulder. "White Owl, NO! You were exposed to me and to the Sheriff! YOU could have the disease."

I shook the arm off and leapt into the air. "Sorry Doctor, something in my ear, I can't hear you." I flew off into the night, praying my healing factor would be able to stop any bugs I picked up from the doctor.

My prayers didn't seem to have any effect. My insides were churning and I could feel my vision blurring. Apparently, the accelerated healing also applied to accelerated symptoms of an unknown disease. I saw Baptiste Mountain looming in the moonlight, and brought myself down in the woods at the foot of the monastery.

"Better climb from here," I thought. "I can hug the mountain and make it harder for them to see." One advantage to my powers is that I can free climb without any any pitons or ropes, but if I'd been infected, it was taking a toll on me.

I reached for a rock spur, and watched the ground blur again, my head pounding. But a vision of Alyssa also was in my head and I spurred myself upward. The yards of the bluff dropped below as I ascended and as I reached the top, I saw no activity in back of the monastery. Right above me was a broken stained glass window. I leaped onto the sill and saw three men milling among the pillars. I couldn't see Alyssa, but I knew I needed to act.

I covered my eyes and jumped through the window, my left foot kicking one man in the chin and sending him reeling backward.

Behind me, I heard someone shout, "Look out boss, it's White Owl." The boss dropped to the floor, and I landed a bit harder than I planned. Shakily I got to my feet and saw five other men I threw a bop ball, striking a second man and dropping him to the floor with a heavy thud. He groaned once and stopped moving. I dropped behind a set of crates marked Tipton and considered my options.

"Stop her you fool! She's only one woman!" A large man with a beret seemed to be giving orders. Since the boss was out, he must be the lieutenant. I threw a paint ball, striking him in the face. Orange paint smeared his glasses and his rifle shot went high, rebounding off the marble font.

Rolling out from behind the crates I sprung to my feet and decked a fourth man.

I stood, gasping for breath, losing myself for a moment. I heard guns clicking on either side of me. I looked to my left and right, spotting the last two goons aiming pistols at me. "They have me flanked," I thought. "And I can barely stand."

I felt my knees buckle and dropped to the floor. "So why stand, when these goons are dumb enough to shoot one another?" Above me the two pistols barked, and each man groaned, clutching non-fatal wounds.

The stone floor was cool against my fevered skin. I struggled to stand up; knowing I had to find Alyssa. Was she even still alive? I had to hope she was.

I got to one knee and wiped my head with a NuSilk glove. Behind me I heard the click of a pistol being cocked. Whirling, I heard the sound and shrieked in pain as a bullet ripped through my left shoulder. Three more bullets flattened against my NuSilk leotard, in a tight grouping between my breasts. I groaned, clutching at my wounded shoulder and dropped to the floor again. From the shadows of a large support pillar, the boss loomed over me.

"You counted me out too early, White Owl," he said, stepping into the light and aiming his gun. "Fatal mistake. And since it appears you're bulletproof around your heart, this one will go right between your eyes."

"Keep gloating," I thought, using my right arm to release one more ball from my belt. I threw the ball, shakily, past the boss's shoulder. He laughed, but the gun never wavered in his hand.

"Your aim is off a little there, birdie. I assume that the disease is eating you up inside, making it impossible to aim correctly. Not that it matters, because in approximately two seconds you'll be dea..."

BOOOOOMM!!! The flash-bang grenade exploded behind him, shifting the heavy granite cross over the boss' head. The cross tumbled over landing with a heavy thud on the boss' head and his gun spoke once more, shattering the remaining rosette window. He dropped to the floor, unconscious under the heavy icon.

"I...I think you counted ME out too soon," I said, drooping unconscious against the vaccines.

I don't know how long I lay there, but the next thing I saw was the familiar and concerned face of Alyssa shaking me. "White Owl? Are you all right?" Behind her, I could see Sheriff Saunders and his deputies taking the gang members prisoner.

"I feel ... Can you give me a shot of that vaccine? Then maybe you and Doctor Westin can get it down to Hickory Grove and maybe save some lives."

Alyssa smiled. "Count on it. But you're not going anywhere for about twenty four hours. I'd say it would take about that long for your wound to heal too."

I nodded, then drifted off again as the EMTs loaded me on the gurney.

The End. (disclaimer--Adapted FREELY from World's Finest 245 a Vigilante story by Bill Kunkel and art by Gray Morrow)

Old Friends Part 5

Helder worked quickly; a man who seemed at ease, as he divested Dark Owl of her black costume and mask. Setting her costume carefully on the display case, he dragged the unconscious Melody into a chair and display case matching mine.

With a practiced hand, he set titanium clamps around Melody's nearly elfin wrists and ankles. He stroked her cheek and brushed a reluctant red curl from her face, then smiled in satisfaction. Stepping back out of the small display case, Helder pressed a red button on the wall. Melody's case clicked shut and a blue glow emanated from the floor, limning her nearly nude form. The blue light glowed along all the edges of her case, yet Melody didn't respond to the lights.

I continued watching through slitted eyes. Helder picked up Melody's costume and opened a new shadow box. He carefully arranged Melody's outfit in the case, then carefully locked the door. The display lamps illuminated both her costume and mine and I couldn't help but think of the little display cards we hung in the museum for such displays. "White Owl's costume" and "Dark Owl's costume". I wondered if Helder had a full bio and guide book planned out as well. Were we to become exhibits in some freakish travelling show? Or was this strictly a private museum, and only invited guests were allowed admission?

I faked being asleep as Helder unlocked my case and came back inside. But I felt something jab my shoulder and heard the hiss of a hypo gun. "I know you're not sleeping White Owl," said Helder. "So these muscle relaxants ought to keep you at bay while I make some changes to your environment." He stepped back as the medicine worked through my system. I felt my arms go heavy, then it became hard to hold my head up.

Helder tilted my chin up and I stared at him with eyes that seemed to shimmy in and out of focus. "Not so high and mighty now, are you White Owl?" he sneered. His free hand found my bra strap and he pulled it free, pulling the cup from my left breast. He held the breast in his hand, kneading and massaging it. "I've been hearing all those leering fan boys talk about this and they're right--you're remarkable."

"Yo..you...you're taking a....lot for granted..." I slurred.

Helder jumped back like he'd been shot. "You can still talk through all that? I was assured that dose would stop a moose in it's tracks."

I forced a grin--but could only feel the sides of my lips tremble slightly. "N...northb..ound? Or Sssouthbound Moose?"

Helder frowned and wasted no more time. He held up a sinister pair of bracers. "Do you remember these?" he asked, chuckling. I could sense the nervousness in his voice, that of a man who suddenly realized the situation was no longer under his control. Helder continued, "Of course not--at least not in this form." I kept my mouth shut, allowing him to think I was still weak from the drugs (which I was) and not in control of my mind (which WASN'T true),

Unlocking the left wrist restraint from the chair, Helder took my limp arm and snapped a bracer over my wrist. "There are the power dampers that Techno used on you." I must have looked puzzled because he added quickly, "No, not the originals. You destroyed them too thoroughly. But I found Techno's notes at a con 6 months ago and traded them to the Salvager in Angel Falls. He retro-engineered them and made them a little nicer looking."

As the bracer snapped onto my arm, a green light glowed, indicating the damper was draining my strength and flight abilities. The process was swiftly repeated for my other arm. I felt my hopes dashing, because Techno's dampers had done the job all too effectively. As I was lost in my reminiscing, Helder unlocked my leg restraints. I couldn't even muster the strength to stand. Whatever he was using as a muscle relaxant, it was effective.

With my hands free to move, though, I forced myself to stand and on shaky limbs I pointed to Melody. "Whaaaat abooutt hrrr?" I slurred again.

She'll be locked into her chair for about a week," Helder replied. "Long enough for the X-45 formula to wash out of her system. Of course her brain will fry as well, but those are the chances one takes collecting. I'll still have ONE intelligent Owl though. His hand squeezed my breast again, and my eyes narrowed in fury.

"I'll get past these restraints Helder," I said--my voice suddenly clear and intense. "And when I do you'd better be off planet, because no where on earth will be safe for you if Melody is harmed." Helder's hand moved back and the startled man moved from my case, closing it tightly and pressing the red button matching Melody's. A similar light glowed from the floor of MY case and I pounded futilely on the walls.

Time passed slowly, and with no outside light I couldn't tell if it was day or night, or how much time had passed. Melody roused and jerked in her restraints, but the soundproof cases meant I couldn't hear her. The best lip read I could do though indicated that she was blaming me for her troubles again.

I settled into the chair again and tried to sleep. I would need energy to try and escape. I had no hopes of getting past Techno's power dampers, remembering all too well how they'd kept me helpless before. Despite all my relaxation and calming techniques, I had a hard time falling asleep.

I blinked into alert wakefulness though, when I noticed Helder standing above me, holding my toolbelt. His face was contorted in anger. "Where is it?" he demanded, slapping my face with the back of his hand.

I felt the pain, and resolved not to cry. "Where is WHAT?" I responded.

"The mask remover."

I smirked. "You don't think I carry it with me? That's a special solvent and if it fell into the wrong hands, my identity would be compromised. It's in my home in Queen City."

Helder raised his hand again, but I just stared calmly at him. His hand lowered and he waved the toolbelt in my face again. "I think you're lying to me White Owl. I think you keep some of the solvent in here in case you need to change in a hurry." I kept my face neutral and my gaze steady.

Helder reached into the pouches and pulled out several balls. "I know these are bop balls, and net balls. But this one is smaller. This is the solvent, isn't it?" He shook the ball and a bright spray of orange paint coated him from the top of his thinning hair to the bottom of his Dior suit.

"No," I replied calmly. "That's a paint ball; one of my newer inventions" Looking past Helder, I could see Melody laughing at his misfortune. But when she saw me, she stopped and rancor once again filled her eyes. I ignored her and stayed focused on Helder. With a fluid motion, I rose from the chair, and did a front kick into his stomach. The collector doubled over, falling out of my display case and I raced after him. My second kick caught him in the knee and I saw Helder buckle, with his knee dislocated.

I dove to the other control panel and pressed the green button. Melody's case went dark and the metal latches on her restraints fell off as well. Like a woman possessed she pounced from the display cube and landed on Helder, pounding him with powerful blows to the back of his head.

"Melody, calm down!" I shouted, grabbing her and throwing her off of Helder. She pinwheeled into the display cases and suddenly I realized that the Salvager's reproduction dampers were just so much junk. I returned my attention to Helder.

"Not much of a Gentleman are you?" I asked, grabbing him by the seat of his pants. Helder whimpered, and I grabbed my belt from his orange hand. "Mr Wickersham is going to have a fit," I thought as I saw the orange on the finely tooled leather.

I whirled Helder around, slamming him into the far wall. "What did you mean when you were jabbering about the X-45? That was a failed super soldier formula in World War 2. "

Helder stammered..."An...and Hellfire made sure Melody got several doses. She's addicted now.

She got powerfully strong and athletic, like you; but the X-45 destroyed her moral compass. She's completely amoral now. She needs to renew her 'fix' every other day or the drug starts to wash out. And all the benefits of X-45 go with it--her strength, her intelligence and so forth. What's worse, anything she had BEFORE the drug goes with it too."

I clenched Helder's tie and pulled the knot tighter. "How long has it been since she's had any?"

"A..at least 36 hours." he stammered. "She's done for. I don't have any X-45 here."

"She's not done for," I said. Then KLANNNNGGGGG!!!!!! I staggered backward as the heavy chair from Melody's case careened off my cranium." I drooped on one knee and then to the floor as the chair struck home again.

"That's MY man, you whore," said Melody. She was clad in her black suit again, and evil stretched out over her face. I sagged to the floor and Melody grabbed Helder by the neck, squeezing it oh, so gently.

"Hello lover, remember me?" Helder trembled as he hung suspended from the floor. "You were very naughty to lock me in the box. Mama may have to punish you."

"For the love of God White Owl, Save me!" cried Helder.

"Neither God NOR that bitch will save you, lover boy. You're at my mercy now and I have n..."

Melody staggered and waved an arm over her face. She dropped Helder and swooned. Helder tried to stand but found himself once again snared by a powerful arm.

"Not so fast, Mr Helder, we still have unfinished business." The collector squirmed again and I sat him down in the chair that had formerly held me, bending the restraints tightly around him.

"I'd love to take you in now, Helder," I said. "But I have an old friend who needs my help right now." I quickly donned my costume and felt a sense of both identity and relief as the NuSilk settled against my skin. I buckled my belt around my hips and scooped Melody into my arms. Looking over my shoulder, I told Helder I'd send the police.

****

Three days later, I was sitting down to breakfast in Empire City as Stirling fussed with the Java blend that Virgil's company had named "Athena's Gift" I poked at my scrambled eggs and looked sheepishly at Virgil. "I'm still not sure I understand the passion you have for collecting," I said.

"I'm not surprised, considering you almost became an artifact yourself," replied Virgil with a chuckle. "But think of it like your archaeology digs. You're looking for something in particular, something that ties you to the ancients who once walked that site. It's something like that."

I considered that and nodded. "I can certainly understand why some people call archaeologists 'grave robbers.' It's disconcerting to think that great times 1oo grandma's things are being picked through by strangers. And its MORE disconcerting when one is treated like an object oneself--dispassionately I mean."

"Well I consider you passionately," said Virgil. Behind him, Stirling rolled his eyes. I giggled.

Virgil smiled too. and said, "It IS true though Athena. But what happened in the end?"

"Well, I got Melody to Dr Emerson at Meadowbrook, and they thought they could help cure her with a judicious dose of X-47, weaning her off X-45 then stepping down the dose of the other without the side effects. But she escaped two days later."

"And Helder?"

He'd just gotten free from the chair when the sheriff and his deputies showed up. He's in detention in St Matthews right now for kidnapping and larceny. I also understand a certain hero from Empire City is trying to have several racketeering and robbery charges brought in too--so he may wind up in federal court soon." I looked out the window and sighed.

"She's out there again, Virgil. And it's my fault."

I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You did the right thing, Theena. You helped an old friend. And her escaping isn't your fault."

I buried my head in his shoulder and cried...

The end.

Old Friends Part 4

Melody rolled the unconscious heroine onto her side and unzipped the white jacket, pulling it from White Owl's shoulders. Then she quickly wrapped titanium cables around White Owl's wrists and legs. She slipped an anesthetic mask over White Owl's face and adjusted the control. Too much would run the supply out too soon, not enough and White Owl would likely overcome the fumes and break free.

"It's not like I haven't outsmarted you before," muttered Melody as she unbuckled White Owl's tool belt and shoved it into a black Ultrasuede bag. She poked the drowsing superheroine, and satisfied went into her room, where she discarded the entire persona of Sonata and stepped into the form fitting black outfit she wore as Dark Owl.

White Owl was stirring slightly as the Dark Owl returned to the sitting room. She adjusted the flow of the anesthetic, and White Owl drooped once more into slumber. Dark Owl lifted her prisoner over her shoulder and carried her to a silvery looking sarcophagus that stood in the corner. "You thought you'd never see me again, didn't you White Owl? Well in a few moments that's going to be true." Dark Owl laid her burden into the sarcophagus and strapped White Owl into the case. Then she shut the silvery lid, hiding her captive carefully.

KNOCK KNOCK "Bellman!" Dark Owl grimaced. She had very little time.

"Just a moment." she said. With a strength that belied her size, she lifted the sarcophagus and brought it down in the bathroom, then closed the door tightly. She threw White Owl's jacket over her shoulders, shinnied into her tight jeans and pulled her mask off and wig back on.

"Come in..." she called, now back in her Sonata disguise, more or less.

"Sorry ma'am, but I knew you might need some extra help with your baggage."

"No, no, it's quite all right." The bellman loaded the suitcase and the garment bags onto his cart. and held the door open. Melody hesitated.

"Could you take all that downstairs for me? I have a friend I'm waiting on before I go down." She peeled off a ten dollar bill and smiled. The bellman nodded and headed down the hall, but Melody's keen ears could hear Helder stepping off the elevator at the same time.

Helder was practically shouting as he came into Melody's suite. "My God! Did you HAVE to call the bellman? That was close! Did he see anything? Where is it? Where is she?"

"Calm down, Helder, darling. She's fine, though at the moment in less than mint condition."

"You didn't hurt her did you? My God, she's one of a kind! I can't replace her!"

Melody pouted. "I thought I was the Owl you desired."

"What? Oh yes of course! But we're running a big risk here. Where do you have her?"

Melody's eyes twinkled. "She's in the sarcophagus, just like you said. And that's in the bathroom."

"THE BATHROOM!" Helder's temper finally snapped. "In a Space Sarcophagus prop from GALAXY QUEST? That's a priceless relic! It can't be replaced any easier than its cargo. And it CAN'T get wet."

Melody had heard enough. She came from the wheelchair to her feet and slammed Helder into the wall. The great man dangled with his feet several inches about the soft carpet. His eyes bugged out and he clawed at Dark Owl's arm, trying to break her grip on his throat.

"Not so fast, Quentin darling. You've been telling me all month how special I am to you. Imagine my surprise when I find out I'm less special than a mere prop or some other bitch. You're treading on very thin ice, and I think my value to this operation just increased. After all, how ELSE are you going to get this case down?

Helder squirmed in Dark Owl's grasp and nodded agreement. "All right--double." She relaxed her grip and the collector dropped to the floor. He got to his feet, rubbing his throat.

"Now where is this truck of yours?" asked Dark Owl, still glaring at him.

"Its directly below your patio, I think," he groaned. "I have a route worked out that will keep us from most of the prying eyes and..." While Helder was speaking Dark Owl went to the bathroom and brought out the sarcophagus. She slid open the patio door.

“Large tractor trailer? Red cab Peterbilt?” she asked, hefting the Space Sarcophagus onto her shoulder.

“Yes, that's it,” said Helder. “We'll bring her down the service elevator and HEY!!”

Dark Owl leaped over the rail holding the sarcophagus and dropped the twelve floors to street level. She shoved the case into the back of the truck and waved back up at Helder.

In her room, Helder caught his breath and mopped his head. He threw the towel onto the sofa and retreated to the elevator. Fifteen minutes later, he'd joined Dark Owl in the cab of his truck.
“Don't ever do that again,” he scolded.

Melody smiled coyly at Helder and fluttered her eyes beneath her black mask. “Why whatever do you mean?” she said.

“You know very well what I mean. If you'd damaged my latest acquisition...” his voice trailed off then came back strong, “And do you have to wear that damned mask?”

“I feel more like Dark Owl if I'm in costume,” she replied. “Besides, I thought you like how I look.”

Helder shifted gears, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He realized he wasn't going to win this one.

“Of course I do,” he said. “I'm just worried about the Queen City Police. They know what you look like and in costume you're likely to draw more attention than out.”

Melody considered this, then responded, “Maybe. But it's still late on Sunday night, and I don't think they're looking suspiciously at semis rolling out of town.” The truck crossed the Queensgate Bridge and into St Matthews.

“Aren't you going to the storage garage?” asked Dark Owl.

“No, I'm going straight to the mansion. I want to have White Owl on display by morning; even if it's only for our eyes.”

“I just love the way you say that, darling” purred Dark Owl.

Helder drove the truck into a deep bay, then killed the engine. “Be a dear Melody and carefully bring White Owl and the case to my private collection area? I'll go on ahead and unlock everything. He slipped from the cab and into the house.

Dark Owl climbed down from the cab, and opened the back. The Space Sarcophagus was still upright, where she'd secured it to the trailer. She undid the ties, then rocked the sarcophagus, smiling at the thudding sounds she heard from inside. She hefted it onto her shoulder again, and carried her burden into the house. Melody rode a secret elevator to the special collection area, where Helder kept his most valuable treasures on display for no one but himself.

“Over here dear,” he said, motioning Melody to a large display case. Inside the case a chair was bolted to the floor. Behind it was an open shadow box, with pegs and spaces for various parts of White Owl's costume.

Melody set the case on the floor and with a delicate touch sprung the box open. White Owl stayed sleeping, though the meters on the mask indicated she was running out of sedative. “Better make it quick, Helder,” she muttered, as she rapidly untied her hated foe.

Helder nodded, and began by pulling White Owl's boots from her feet. “Hmm,” he said. “Pantyhose, but of a material different than nylon. Smoother, but stronger.”

Above him, Dark Owl was being less delicate with White Owl's gloves. “Gently gently!!” cried Helder. “This whole outfit is a museum piece now!” Dark Owl harrumphed but was more cautious.

Moments later, White Owl was left in nothing but her panties and bra, though her mask stayed stubbornly affixed. The slumbering superheroine stirred and Melody sprang to action, She grabbed White Owl and placed the rousing heroine into the chair in the display case. Heavy clamps clutched White Owl's wrists and ankles, binding the helpless woman to the chair. Melody jumped out and smiled.

“She looks pretty good, doesn't she Helder?”

“She'd look even better as a matched set,” he replied.

Melody whirled. “What do you mean by that?”

Her answer was four heavy tranquilizer darts in her lower limbs. Melody staggered forward, but not possessing White Owl's healing factor, she quickly dropped to her knees and pitched onto her face.

“Yes,” said Helder. A pair of Owls for my collection.
To be continued.

Old Friends Part 3

Don't get the idea I was absorbed exclusively with my jobs (both as Athena and as White Owl) without any preparation for the convention. I had also done some homework regarding the collectors. Maybe it wasn't as creepy as I had thought.

Basically, superhero collectors fell into two categories. Most were into collecting clippings, photos and small items associated with their hero or heroine. Normal enough. The others were the ones with big money invested in the hobby, and those who could afford to pay top dollar for the truly unique items.

I'd made a compromise with Josh to bring something special for the silent auction, something that would bring in more money for the charity, and was uniquely White Owl's. I thought long and hard about what it would be.

I knew it had to be exclusive, but also had to keep my secrets and (at least I felt) it couldn't be too kinky or weird. But what? One of Black Ibis' shuriken crossed my eye. Interesting but deadly. One of my costumes? But could someone retro engineer NuSilk? What would Mr. Wickersham say? One of the Buffoon's rubber chickens? Though he was a villain of a lot of heroes and heroines. Finally, I decided.

Early Friday afternoon, with a shirt box tucked under my arm, I flew into the con suite at the New Century hotel. The young men in the room gaped as I slipped in through the patio on the fifth floor. I smiled and looked at them all. "Good afternoon gentlemen! I thought you might want something special for the charity silent auction. I have something that may cause a big draw." I opened the box and pulled out a long gray cape with golden clasps and a gold chain. My formal cape.

The young men at the table oohed, stood as one. One of them brushed a thick set of blond bangs out of his eyes and stepped toward me. "WOW! White Owl! I'm honored." He fingered the fine fabric of my cape, gushing.

He stuck out a hand. "My name is Brian. This is Alex and Ned." he motioned to his comrades.
We're the convention committee. This older gentleman, is Quentin Helder." I smiled broadly, recognizing the name. Helder was better known to Captain Valiant and me as the Gentleman Bandit.

"Mr. Helder," I said. "One of a large number of well-heeled collectors. I've been told you're right up there with Dr Adam North, or Virgil Coleman or Peter Stein. I'm surprised to find you here. This is only Queen City's first Supercon."

"I'm pleased you've heard of me White Owl, and I'm afraid you have me wrong. I'm not here as a collector, I'm here to deal. Though seeing this..." he motioned to my cape, "might change my mind a little. I hope I'm allowed to bid?" Helder looked to Brian who nodded.

"Are you going to put in some time here tonight White Owl?" asked Brian.

"I'm afraid I can't Brian," I replied. "I have to patrol tonight. I understand there may be a lot of criminals in the convention, though."

Brian laughed. "Yeah we decided to do a costume contest tonight, with the finals tomorrow night. We were hoping to get a bigger crowd to the con on Friday, to generate more word of mouth for Saturday. The idea is to blow away the backers with a huge opening and to continue the Supercon for years to come as a marquee event!"

"Well I think you're off to a good start," I said. "I think you'll be pleased with your results. By the way. Is this the best place to come tomorrow--this suite I mean?"

Brian nodded. "Yes ma'am!" He blushed. "I mean we'll get you to your event area from here, without a lot of people in between. If you'll be here by four, I think we can get you down to your panel in plenty of time."

I smiled. "I think I should tell you, I am more worried about this, than I am facing Doctor Solar and his heat guns." I turned back to the balcony, and waved. "Ta ta for now, I'll see you tomorrow!"

I flew into the gathering twilight, then headed north to Police Headquarters. Inside Captain Winslow's office I accepted a warm cup of police coffee (yuch) and told him what I had seen.

"I'd like to help you White Owl, but there's noting on Helder. No warrants outstanding, no evidence to back up anything. The Feds, the Guild and a lot of local agencies have had their eye on him for some time, but there's no evidence of any sort to put him away."

"So even though we're certain he's the Gentleman Bandit..." I began.

"We can't touch him," finished Winslow. "Aside from his being seen within 24 hours at every location the Bandit has ever struck, there's nothing to connect him to any crimes. And even repeated warrants at his home, his office and his warehouses have failed to turn up anything. He's good I'll grant you that. You want my advice? Keep away from him."

I wasn't thrilled with that answer, still I decided discretion was the better part of valor here. I swung back to my apartment and grabbed my duffel bag, then flew downtown toward the New Century. Finding a convenient alleyway, I landed behind a dumpster and slipped into tight jeans and a denim jacket. I applied the solvent that let me take off my mask and slipped it into the secret compartment of my duffel along with my gloves. Then I put on my reading glasses and joined the crowd at the Supercon.

I walked along the dealer's section, looking carefully for a lot of artifacts, and found a capsule of Catnap--guaranteed to have come from the Pink Pussycat. With a wry smile, I purchased it for Virgil, though I was certain he had several. I drew closer to Helder's area of the floor and saw the man himself doing brisk business. Helder had been collecting for some time, and I was delighted to see a bell shaped belt buckle and a star spangled skirt.

"Are these authentic?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am," replied Helder. "The belt buckle came from Freedom's Ring, Queen City's first superhero. When he retired, I bought up as much of his equipment as I could. And that skirt looks like it could fit you."

I blushed. "I'm not going to try it on here, but was I right in thinking it came from his daughter Patriette's costume?"

Helder looked at me with an openly astonished look. "Seems to me you know your hero history. Yes, that's Patriette's skirt, but not the one she wore in action. She didn't like the look the government gave her, so she went out and built her own costume. Given the unique nature of these two items, I would say--how about $2000?"

I looked Helder in the eye. "Considering the belt buckle has a "made in China" mark well hidden in the back, and the skirt is made out of spandex, which came out well AFTER Patriette retired, I'd say how about $50?"

Helder sputtered. "Why that's ...that's ..."

"Completely knowledgeable. I pointed out the mark, and Helder drooped.

"All right, you made your point. But could you go to $75, to help a poor old man?"

I smiled. "I doubt you're that poor, but for the sake of fairness, all right." I haded him 4 twenties and waited as he bagged my purchases and gave me my change.

"You're quite shrewd," he said. "Been collecting long?"

"No, but my boyfriend has; and he told me what to watch for.' I thanked him and went swaying off.

For some reason, Friday night was quiet on the crime front and I was able to get some much needed sleep, as well as work on my program. I spent the morning editing my speech and working on a grant for a dig in Malta, then made sure everything was ready. I left the apartment about one, heading to Mr. Wickersham's shop to get my new uniform. He fussed a bit, made sure everything fit right, then stepped back admiringly.

"Best job I ever saw," he said with his warm Scots burr. I smiled and thanked him, then spread my arms and flew. It was a chilly day, but sunny, and I took a lap over the water, then back along Main to see the city one more time. I drifted east to the New Century, and found the fifth floor balcony I'd landed at the day before. Across the way, I could hear the bells of St Simon's Cathedral chiming four.

I knocked on the door and was ready when Brian slid it open. He stood in place a little too long and I said, "May I come in? It is a bit chilly here."

Brian's apologies tumbled out of his mouth and he stood aside, ushering me in. I slipped out of my white jacket and draped it over an easy chair in the suite. "Can I get you anything White Owl?" asked an eager Brian.

My instincts said no, but I was thirsty. "Do you have a diet Zesti?" I asked. Brian went into the kitchenette and returned with an unopened bottle and a glass of ice. I poured the fizzy cola and sipped, feeling the warmth returning to my body as well.

"Gosh, you're even prettier than yesterday," said Brian, in an attempt to make small talk.

"Thank you," I said. "But I think it's just the new costume. I didn't have time to get the other one cleaned first." We sat and made a few minutes of small talk, then Alex and Ned came into the room too.

"Hey man, no hogging the GOH!" said Ned.

"GOH?" I asked.

"The Guest of Honor," replied Alex. "That's you."

I smiled and looked at the wall clock. "We still have forty minutes," I began.

"We'll need all that to get you into the room," said Ned. "It's a sellout crowd, just on the appearance. Five hundred people in that room, at $10 a ticket. That's $5000 for Children's Hospital's Burn unit. And the silent auction will end while you're doing your bit too. Would you care to announce the totals?"

"I'd be delighted," I said.

"Then let's go," said Brian. He opened the door to the Con Suite, and I followed him into the hallway.

"The Hospitality suit is on the Third Floor," offered Alex. That's where most of the crowd thinks you'll be. But we're going to go down the service elevator and bring you through the kitchen. I nodded gamely and followed along. We reached the panel room with no trouble.

Alex told me to wait, then went out onto the platform. "WE WANT WHITE OWL! WE WANT WHITE OWL!!" I heard the crowd chanting.

"Hey you all," said Alex. "I want to thank you all form coming to the first and I hope ANNUAL Queen City Supercon. My name is Alex, I'm part of the con committee. You've been well behaved and I just want to say how much I appreciate it. The fire marshal has asked me to tell you that in case of an emergency, please exit in a quiet and orderly manner through the exits located at the back, and to the right and left of the stage.

"And now, put your hands together for Queen City's own High Flying Heroine...Ladies and Gentlemen, WHITE OWL!!!" The room erupted in cheers and applause as I sheepishly made my way to the podium.

"Hi," I said. "I can tell you I'd rather be facing down Dr Solar's heat cannons right now!"
The audience laughed.

"Seriously, I'm astonished you came here to hear me speak," I said. "I haven't' got much to say; all that vaunted wisdom has just plain gone out of my head." Having made a brave beginning, though, I continued for ten minutes then opened it up to questions.

"Are you and Captain Valiant...intimate?"(from a young man dressed in a Star Wars outfit)
"How did you get your powers?"(from a small girl in the front row)
"Why do you dress so provocatively?" (this came from an older woman in the back--she was dressed in a tight version of Captain Valiant's costume.)
"Do you like getting tied up?" from Helder of all people.

I answered all these questions and more (honestly, I have no clue who's going to win the Superbowl; yes Athena is scary when you first meet her--the word awesome means terrible as well; yes I have regrets,) and the hour flew by. I almost didn't realize it until Brian came up and whispered in my ear.

"I'm sorry folks but there's no more time for questions. I'll be available in the hall in 15 minutes to sign autographs. But before I go, I want to thank you all for coming, and for supporting the Children's Hospital Burns Unit. This event raised $5000 and the auction raised another $10000. The winner of my cape was Sonata Justice. Her bid says she's my biggest fan too! Is she here?" No one raised a hand and I spotted a room number on the winning bid. I decided to take it to her after I finished signing.

another hour later, my arm stiff from remembering to sign, "White Owl" and not "Athena" and I sat back. The people in line were polite, and I received some interesting comments from "Ummm....hi" to "Thank you for all you do in protecting us." I was flattered by all the attention but I could see what both Josh and Virgil were trying to tell me about giving back.

I bid a farewell to Brian, Ned and Alex, and informed them I'd deliver the cape to Sonata, since she wasn't at the speech. "No need," said Brian. "I took care of it while you were signing."

"Oh," I said, a little crestfallen. Still it was for the best I assumed. I flew out of the con suite and out into the night air. My jacket was warm, and I felt a glow of satisfaction. But I felt I had left one task undone. I returned to the New Century, and landed on the roof. Sonata's bid had her on the twelfth floor, directly below me, and I wanted to thank her personally. I entered the roof access and walked down one flight onto the floor.

Room 1210 was right next to the emergency access, and I knocked hesitantly on the door. "Who is it?" came a soft feminine voice.

"It's White Owl Ms Justice," I said. "I'd like to talk with you if I may."

The door opened and I saw a young woman in a wheelchair looking up at me, her face full of wonder. "White Owl?" she said. She was in her twenties, with dark hair and glasses.

"Hi, are you Sonata?" The young lady nodded and motioned me in.

I came into the room and sat on the sofa. "I won't stay long, I promise. But I wanted to thank you for buying the cape and for making a difference to the Children's Hospital. And if you'd like, I'll pose for a personal picture with you."

"Oh my yes!" she said. "Let me get you something to drink, then I'll get my camera. What will you have?"

"Oh I couldn't"

"I insist."

"All right then. A glass of ice and a diet Zesti?" Sonata smiled as if she'd been expecting this and disappeared for a moment into the bedroom.

"I never travel without the soda," she said. "Its so much cheaper than buying it from the hotel." She popped the can and poured with calm hands. She held out the glass and I took it, taking a deep swig of the sweet cola.

"Now I'm your number one fan," said Sonata, and yet as she spoke, I felt the room waver.

"Wha...what have you done to the soda?" I said, staggering to my feet.

"To the soda? Nothing. The ICE however, has a strong sedative in it my dear White Owl."

The room began spinning and I saw Sonata step out of her wheelchair. "You were always so trusting my dear," she said, pulling the wig from her head and revealing curly red locks. "

"M--Mel--Melody?!" I croaked, my throat closing up and my head pounding.

"That's right White Owl. And soon, I'll be the only Owl left in Queen City." I didn't hear the last threats though, as I was slumped unconscious on the couch....

to be continued

Old Friends Part 2

"First time?" asked the young girl in the tight silver Scirocco costume. I smiled at her and nodded.

"I thought so," she said, tossing off a healthy laugh. "My name is Miranda. If you don't mind my saying though, you seem a bit old for a costume player."

"Well," I stammered. "I'm Athena. I've always been fascinated by superheroes; but more on the fringe of my mind. But then one showed up in my home town recently and..."

"You're from Queen City?" she asked. I nodded.

"You have a good start on a White Owl costume," she said. "But the judges will look for detail and flash. How well do PORTRAY her? What little details are you missing?"

"What do you mean," I asked, suddenly self conscious that someone was studying me that intently. She stepped back a moment and and spread her arms.

"Look here," she said. "Scirocco is dazzling and fast. Its hard to get all the details of her costume right? But I've captured the silvery spandex, the little speed lines, and and here..." She pointed to her belt. "Most cosplayers show this as a solid blue band. But Scirocco has a sense of humor. As you see its a lightning bolt--or a..."

"A blue streak," I finished. I remembered Scirocco mentioning it to me when she mentored me during monitor duty. It was indeed a small detail, and I was impressed that this young woman had picked up on it. I found myself wishing some of the grad students I worked with on digs were as meticulous.

"Now take your costume," she continued. "White Owl has this all white leotard, like yours. But it's bulletproof. Yours is made of some silky fiber, so its not all that authentic. And I think you could have done more with your hair, to make it look like hers. But still its a fantastic start."

Miranda spotted another friend and said, "See you at the contest, Athena!" I smiled and waved as well. Two older teenage boys spotted me and said, "Smile White Owl!" I struck a tae kwon do pose and smiled. They laughed and shot a snapshot.

I was feeling excited. I hadn't realized looking like...well me...could be so different. I mean, I AM White Owl. And I am Athena too. But usually in this costume, well, Athena was left behind--it was almost like another aspect of myself jumped out. But it felt weird to be Athena and in costume.

I almost missed Virgil's show, but I stood in the background and listened to his talk. It was solid, gracious, warm and heartfelt. Virgil...Captain Valiant, was well received but the crowd was respectful. He posed for a picture or two on stage, then signed autographs for a long time. I saw the autograph rules... No more than two items, no personalizations, no skin. Seemed to make perfect sense to me. I paid the extra $10 and slipped into line. We moves swiftly forward and fifteen minutes later, I saw Virgil look up at me.

"Hi! Can I get a photo?" I asked. "I understand we're an item." I dangled a digital camera and smiled.

"I'm sorry ma'am but I can't. White Owl is a very jealous woman, as I'm sure you've heard." He took my photo and signed in a strong hand, "Heroically yours, Captain Valiant." I smiled and thanked him then made my way to the main ballroom for the costume contest.

What a sea of heroes villains and other assorted people there were in that room! I spotted at least ten White Owls, not counting myself, a few Sciroccos (Miranda's was the best costume) Pink Pussycats, Frosty Freds, Buffoons, and in the strangest twist, men and women dressed in some very stylish (and revealing) versions of Captain Valiant's outfit. The MC was funny and the judges tried hard to keep the contest moving. Several of the costumed people had acts and moves that coincided with their costumes. I looked up and down the line, and spotted one White Owl with blond hair, another with curly reddish hair. The woman with the curls looked familiar, then I placed her as having been at the dinner club the previous night with the Gentleman Bandit.

I kept my eye on her through the contest. She was several places ahead of me, and when she got on stage she announced, "I am White Owl, the worst heroine in the Guild. I get captured and have to wait for someone to get me free...and no one really likes me. Captain Valiant just thinks I'm easy." The voice and cadence were Midwestern and I suddenly realized...

"Melody!" I shouted, before I could stop myself. The girl on stage stopped and looked in my direction. She shrieked when she saw me then flung herself off stage, running out of the ballroom. I took off after her, at a sprint; but by the time I got to the door, she had been swallowed up in a heavy convention crowd.

I stayed away from the contest after that. I didn't want anyone to identify me, or to give away my identity. Later that night, back in his penthouse, I told Virgil what had happened.

"Are you sure it was Melody?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"Absolutely," I said. "Every gesture, every nuance in her voice screamed Melody to me. I'm afraid I gave myself away by calling her name."

"But did she see your id tag? Or anything like that?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so. I didn't spot her until we were in line at the contest, and she was several places ahead of me." I pummeled my forehead with my knuckles. "I should have realized last night, but her carriage was so different."

"Don't go there Athena," he said. "Remember, there is no such thing as 'what might have been.'"

I smiled at him. "I know. And thanks."

"Care to patrol with me tonight?" he asked.

"I don't think I should. I already have Melody suspecting I'm in town. It wouldn't do to confirm her suspicions. I'll just stay here with Sterling, if you don't mind."

Virgil nodded and a moment later he was gone. Sterling and I sat together in the study, playing chess and talking. Sterling was good at both.

The next morning, Virgil drove me to the airport, and saw me to the security area where we said our goodbyes. "Don't be surprised if I show up next weekend, cara mia," said Virgil. "Now that you know my deep dark secret, I can browse the Queen City Supercon for more collectibles. I got a really good deal on Techno's hoverdisk. Maybe I can get his Visor next."

"That's not funny!" I said. I kissed him and went through security, with no problems. I boarded my plane and flew west, depressed and concerned. But the flight was uneventful and Daisy was glad to see me when I walked through the door. She chased me to the kitchen, and I put down a can of food for her. She took two bites and purred, then rubbed my legs in gratitude.

Monday found me back at the museum, and to the surprise of Director Chatterjee, I stayed all week, even volunteering to help with the class from the Riverside Academy. The week went fast, and crime seemed to be standing still. I couldn't find any word about Melody. All the chatter in the streets dealt more with the Buffoon or the Glow Worm.

On Tuesday, I met with Josh briefly, and accepted the invitation. Or in his terminology, confirmed my appearance. By Thursday I was exhausted and dropped into bed early, wondering if Virgil was going to come. The answer to that was found Friday morning in an e-mail.

"Athena. I have had an unexpected business matter come up and will be unable to attend. I'm sure you'll wow the crowd, and it will be out of this world. Call me Monday or Tuesday and let me know how it went. Virgil"

I guessed (then confirmed with the Guild) that Captain Valiant was off planet for the weekend. I steeled my nerve and prayed for the best.

(to be continued)

White Owl: Old Friends and New

"C'mon White Owl," said Josh Bailey, my new publicist. "Its about your image; your brand recognition. You're hot among that demographic, and you really should go and show your appreciation..."

I cut him off there. Josh was everything Melody had been and more. Good looking, efficient, and hard working. But he also had a close circle of friends away from work and a slightly jaded way of looking at the world.

"Look," I said. "I'm a crime fighter, not a rock star. I don't do endorsements, or open trade shows, or pose for posters, or give media interviews. So why would I do an appearance at the Queen City Supercon?"

"Because that's your biggest group of fans. Even the police have mixed opinions of you. These people ADORE you. Don't you think you deserve a little positive feedback after all you give? And it's not like you don't do public appearances at all. What about the Children's Hospital Telethon last year?"

I sighed, trying to hide the sorrow of that night. "That was for Charity, Josh," I said. I squeezed my left arm, unconsciously, remembering the terror as Melody broke it that night.

"But that's the best part White Owl," Josh gestured wildly. "You'll be there! The Supercon can charge an extra admission for your appearance, and all of that money will go to the Burns Unit at Children's Hospital."

At the mention of the Burn unit, I felt my final resistance crumbling. "What would I have to do?"

Josh beamed with victory in his eyes. "Fly in, pose for pictures with fans, sign a few autographs, answer a few questions. Maybe ninety minutes of your life, and you're out."

I held up a gloved hand. "That's all good, except for personal photos. I want all cameras and cell phones checked at the door. I can provide photos. I don't need someone trying to use a flash ray device to try and control my mind."

"Lighten up, will you? We're not setting up a police state, White Owl. Security is already pretty tight at these things as it is, and you;ll be in a secure zone for your show. Haven't you ever gone to a comic book show?"

"No," I replied tersely. "It seems a bit--well geeky--to me. And I can't see anyone else in the Guild being caught at one."

"Are you KIDDING?" asked Josh. "Yes its a big Geek Show. But it's also fun! You'll see people dressed like Valiant, Danger Woman, and all the rest of you. As for the Guild, well, Danger Woman is a regular at the Supercon in Atlanta, and Captain Valiant will be making an appearance at EmpireCon this weekend.

My eyes widened. "Oh really?"

"Oh yeah, and the audiences LOVE them." Josh looked at his Rolex. "Wow! I need to get back to the office. Look, I don't have to know today; so you still have time to decide. Get back to me by say--Wednesday next week?" Josh stood up and extended his hand. I shook it and thanked him, then headed out into the sunshine of a Queen City January.

I flew home thinking Josh may have been right. Had I been shunning the people I protected? I had felt that I needed to be aloof, as an additional way to keep the citizens safe. In some ways I felt announcing my appearances was to paint a big target on the venue--in this case the Expo Center. It was a tough decision, so as I landed and got inside, I called Virgil for his take.

"Tell you what, Athena," he said. "Why don't you come out Friday and spend the weekend with me? You can be my guest at EmpireCon."

"As White Owl? Don't be silly--I wouldn't want to steal your thunder."

"No, as Athena and Virgil. When you get here Friday, I'll have to let you in on a deep dark secret of my dual identity. Only the Butler knows about it--so I'll have to swear you to secrecy."

"My word of honor Mr. Coleman. How does one dress for a Supercon?"

"Well if it's your first one, jeans, tee shirt and comfortable shoes. You don't have to look too nerdy. Unless you WANT to do the costume competition."

"That sounds like it might be fun!" I said. I wonder if I could pull off White Owl?"

"We'll see," laughed Virgil. "See you Friday."

Friday morning, I flew out of Queen City and landed two hours later in Empire. Virgil met me at the terminal and whisked me to his Porsche. We dined at the Coleman foundation, and took the elevator to the Penthouse on top of the building.

"Stirling! I'm home. And I've brought company." A slender but well-toned man in a butler's uniform stepped from the hallway and smiled.

"It's delightful to see you again, Ms Nikos," said Stirling. He stroked his mustache and harrumphed at Virgil. Taking my weekend case, he said. "I've put you in the green bedroom, Ms Nikos. As you recall..."

"It has a communicating door, with mine," finished Virgil. "You really shouldn't have, Stirling."

"But you're always so glad I did, sir."

I smiled at the two of them. Stirling knew his master's secret, and was pretty certain of mine. Not that I was worried, he was as loyal as the day was long. I followed Stirling to the green room and watched as he carefully unpacked my bag. "Will there be anything else, ma'am?"

"No thank you Stirling. I have work to do tonight."

"I hope not," said Virgil. "Because I had an evening of dining and dancing planned."

"But it's a grant proposal for a dig this summer," I protested. "I need to get it in."

"The Coleman Foundation will underwrite you, never fear." he said. "I have a little pull with the board."

I melted in his arms again. "All right, you win."

We spent Friday night in an exclusive restaurant, and I was amazed by the powerful men and women, on both sides of the law, who were in attendance. After he led me to the dance floor I hissed, "Is this a working dinner?"

"Yes, to an extent," said Virgil. He nodded over my shoulder, then spun me gently. I gasped when I saw the Gentleman Bandit dancing elegantly (how else?) with a woman with long rusty hair. She seemed familiar somehow, but I couldn't place her.

"The Bandit has a new trick," said Virgil. "He's been seen at several recent crime scenes with a woman no one can remember." Usually, he's seen the night before. But the crimes bear his hallmarks, without any other evidence of his being there."

"That woman? Is she?"

"Yes, she seems to be his latest moll. I haven't seen her up close yet. And no one in the Guild seems to know her. I think she's someone new on the scene. And probably nothing to worry about."

We spent the rest of the night dancing, then upon arrival at the Coleman Foundation, Stirling showed me to my room with the bed already turned down. I smiled at him and found out the communicating doors still worked. I felt bad to not take advantage of Stirling's handiwork, but Virgil's handiwork was every bit as good.

Saturday morning broke, and I slept in; rising to the scent of pecan waffles and bacon from the kitchen, along with the heady scent of Virgil's special coffee blend. I slipped beck into my room, and threw my robe around me, cinching it tightly. I padded into the kitchen and found Stirling, with an apron over his suit making breakfast.

"Good morning, Ms Nikos," he said, smiling. "Master Virgil will be in shortly. He had to handle a small crisis this morning." He nodded to the television and I could see a live feed of Captain Valiant bringing in a 767 jet to the DC airport. I heard the announcer say that the plane's landing gear would not descend and that the engines were out. Captain Valiant brought the entire flight down safely and gently.

"What a man," I muttered softly.

"Why thank you," I heard Virgil say, moments before I felt his soft lips on my neck. "But for which of my performances are you thanking me?"

I stopped and gaped at him. Virgil was dressed in a sweatshirt of the Fantastic Four, jeans and loafers. "Eat up," he said. "I still have the deep secret to share before we go."

Stirling's eyes rolled. "This is the secret that generally determines whether a woman stays or goes in Master Virgil's life," he confided.

I ate my waffles, intrigued. For most women, learning they loved a superhero would be the deepest darkest secret. So I really wanted to know. I stood up and took my coffee with me, following Virgil across the living room to a locked door. He held up a hand.

"Sorry, no coffee or other liquids in this room. You'll understand in a minute." He waited while I set my coffee down on the coffee table. In the meantime, Virgil unlocked the door and flipped a switch. I saw a light come on over a stairwell.

"Here, put these on," said Virgil handing me a pair of white cotton gloves. I followed him down the stairs to a dustless, near sterile environment. The room ran almost the entire length of the penthouse and all along three walls were shelves, lined with white cardboard boxes. The fourth wall had several frames. I stepped to the frames and found....

COMIC BOOKS? I burst out laughing. "This is your deep dark secret?"

Virgil looked a bit sheepish. "You don't think its a bit...geeky?"

I held my finger and thumb about an inch apart. "Maybe a little. But I know how passionate people can get about a lot of things. You don't seem to mind my Gems collection, so how could I get upset about this?"

"Good show sir, marry her immediately!" I heard Stirling say.

"We'll see, Stirling," replied Virgil. He turned back to me. "Well since its well established I'm a super nerd, shall we proceed to the Supercon?"

"Can you give me an hour?" I asked. "I need to shower and get dressed."

Two hours later, we wandered into Empire's spacious convention center. My jaw dropped when I saw how many comics, figurines, toys and more littered the huckster's area. But then I saw something really chilling. The Artifact Tables....

"Hey lady, you want a neuro dart from Quiver's crossbow? He shot it at the Golden Archer three weeks ago. Don't worry, the toxin's out."

"One of the Buffoon's rubber chickens..."

"I got pieces from Captain Valiant's costume here. Wrecker shredded it really well a few months ago."

"Storm Front's gauntlets. They don't work without the generators, but he had enough power to nearly fry White Owl."

"Virgil, did you see?" I asked, then stopped. Virgil was haggling with the vendor over the pieces of his costume. I walked away shaking my head. Virgil paid the vendor and came after me.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"That's so...morbid," I replied. "Selling pieces of costumes, weapons and so forth. People got hurt with those things...I got hurt with those gauntlets. And people collect and trade them?"

He put his arm around me. "Yes they do. In one way, its a way to honor us. In another, its a way of satisfying curiosity, or rooting for their favorites. By the way, White Owl is the most popular right now. Mainly because you don't LEAVE many artifacts."

"Really?" I asked. Virgil nodded.

We spent the day listening to artists, writers, buying comics (and I even got a few copies of Speed Comics, featuring the Black Cat) and enjoying ourselves. Deciding to spend the night, Virgil rented a room across the street in the Hyatt and we checked in long enough to dress for the night. Then we parted ways as Virgil was scheduled to make his appearance, and I wanted to enter the costume contest.

(to be continued)