Part Time Superhero

Goldstar flew through Metro City at slightly above the speed of sound, leaving golden flickering phantoms in his wake. Somewhere within the city the evil Professor Power had hidden five detonators, all of them linked to a fusion bomb. Which was also here somewhere. Only Goldstar had the speed necessary to deactivate all the detonators as well as the strength required to dispose of the bomb. He spotted a small silver cylinder in an alley ahead, and quickly ripped it open, removing its neutronium core, rendering it useless. Holding the core carefully, the masked avenger raced on.

“Honey, don’t forget to get the trash in the bathroom this time!” Professor Power’s diabolic voice echoed throughout the city. Goldstar shook his fist at the sky, cursing ineffectively. “Already got it, dear. Thanks for reminding me, though.”

Gritting his teeth, Goldstar pushed his speed to the max, crisscrossing the city, deactivating three more detonators. Struggling to maintain his balance, the hero realized he’d have to dispose of the four cores first and return for the last detonator. And the bomb. Can’t forget about the bomb. He soared into the night sky, quickly leaving Earth’s orbit, launching the cores into the sun. Reversing course he re-entered the atmosphere, air thundering in his wake as he returned to the city. One of Power’s miniature minions blocked his path, glaring menacingly.

“Mama said you forgot the kitchen trash, and the litterbox,” she warned. Dodging past her, he taunted, “I didn’t forget them, I’m making more than one trip!” Leaving her behind, he spotted the final detonator and grabbed it. It smelled, and its core leaked ominously. The whole thing would have to go. Retracing his path, he brandished the detonator at the mini-minion. Dodging out of the way, she screeched “EEEWWWWWW! Dirty litterbox!”

Goldstar launched the filthy detonator at the sun and returned for the bomb itself, huge and glittering. As he hefted it the evil voice rang out again, close behind him.

“Did you throw the litterbox out with the litter again?” Power queried sharply. The mini-minion nodded her head, smugly secure behind the Professor’s leg. Goldstar shook the bomb threateningly at both of them, and they screamed and scattered. He dashed past and up, sending the bomb to join the cores deep in the heart of the sun. He paused, taking a moment to appreciate the catastrophe he’d just averted. He raised his chin. He placed his hands on his hips. Patriotic music swelled around him, interrupted suddenly by an irritated voice in the dark. “Geez, man, do you always have to fling your trash on the curb like that? Look at the mess it’s making. Trash guys don’t wanna pick that up. And why are you humming the Star Spangled Banner?”

“Oh hi, Mr. Jackson. Sorry about that, I was just… thinking.” Ducking his head, he scurried back to the house. Behind him, his neighbor stared for a moment, then shook his head and went back inside.

The coast clear, Goldstar resumed his heroic persona and re-entered Professor Power’s lair, prepared for the final faceoff. His valiant challenge echoed behind him. “Honey, I’m going to the store to get another litterbox…”