Asma's Game

The sun peeks over the ocean as you step out of your beachfront condo, twirling your car keys. There she is, your baby: a cherry-red 1965 Mustang convertible, restored to gleaming perfection. You rarely get to drive her, what with your alternative transportation methods while on duty. But today's your day off, and you intend to make it count. The V8 roars, and you grin like an idiot as you drop the top. Today's mission: beat the rush to Chekhov's Coffee. Maybe read all of The Bystander–not just Heroes & Villains. You ease onto Ocean Drive, drawing double-takes from joggers. Maybe they're just admiring your ride. Last thing you need is for someone to sic the Flash Mob's paparazzos on you. The police scanner squawks. "Possible 10-66 at Riverglade National Bank. Suspect described as wearing lederhosen and–" You switch it off with a snort. Not your circus, not your monkeys. Not today. A Ducati pulls even with you. The rider's face is hidden behind her visor, but her bright green riding gear gives her away: Velocity Vixen. She tosses you a wave, then makes a "follow me" gesture. Last time you let Vix lead... well, it was a night to remember. You shake your head and honk back a greeting. Vix shrugs then guns her engine, darting into the traffic. You turn onto Miracle Mile as the last notes of "I Fought the Law" fade and a manic voice bursts from the car stereo. "Goooood morning, Riverglade! DJ S-S-SOUNDWAVE here, using my TOP SECRET powers to manipulate the airwaves with classic hits and breaking news. Speaking of, bits of the Blob are still oozing down 5th. Plan another route–or bring a really big spoon." As the bad-joke groan effect fades, Soundwave hurtles into his trademark rapid-fire summary of last night's powered incidents, but you're too distracted by the ruckus on the roadside to pay attention. A crowd has gathered outside Titan Tower. Signs bob above the throng: "Fair Pay for Superwork!" and "Capes Are People Too!" You honk supportively but keep driving. Social justice is important, but so is your date with a double espresso. Approaching downtown, you spot scorch marks on the pavement and a series of car bodies twisted into modern art sculptures. Looks like Dr. Havoc had a creative night. Mental note: park in the garage–and check if your Titan Insurance covers "Mild Havoc-ing." Suddenly, Soundwave interrupts himself. "B-B-BREAKING NEWS, folks: Mayor Chan is calling for all available heroes to assist with a situation at the zoo. Apparently, someone taught the penguins to fly." You chuckle. "Good luck with that, Madam Mayor," you say, turning onto Concordia Boulevard. A streak of red and gold flashes overhead–probably Airburst off to wrangle the airborne waterfowl. You give a little salute. "Go get 'em, tiger." As you near Chekhov's Coffee, your phone pings. It's HeroAlert™: "Attention all powered individuals: incident at the Riverglade Metahuman Preparatory Academy. Reports of possible rogue AI, killer robots and teenage angst. Assistance requested." You park your car, pocket your phone, and stride towards the heavenly aroma of freshly ground beans. Killer robots are temporary. Coffee is forever.