Chapter Two #2
The knot in Shawn’s stomach tightened. “I’m sorry, but I’m only an intern with DOSA.
I’m not in charge of my own assignments.
You’ll need to get in touch with someone in DOSA’s administration offices and put in a request to be assigned a team.
” Which wouldn’t happen. While hardly “in the know” as far as the bureaucratic ins and outs of DOSA decision making, Shawn knew enough from listening to his father gripe about work to know that a town with as small a population and as low of crime rate as College City simply didn’t merit a DOSA team.
Hopefully, though, the mayor didn’t know that, and he’d let Shawn off the hook while he wrestled with the paperwork of applying with DOSA.
“We’re not big enough for a team.” The mayor shook his head.
Apparently, he did know.
“We are, however, big enough for a single superhero. Your act of bravery at the shelter fire proves that.”
“Not as far as DOSA is concerned.” Shawn backed up a step. There was no way this would end productively. “For one thing, DOSA doesn’t assign single heroes. They only charter teams.”
“I’m sure if a promising young fellow wanted to work outside of the purview of DOSA, we could come to some sort of arrangement.
” The mayor winked. “DOSA doesn’t own you, after all.
Think about it: you’d be the star of our little town.
Guest of honor at all local festivals and events.
Imagine how safe the citizens will feel knowing they have their very own superhero—and imagine the tourism opportunities!
” Mayor Pendleton’s voice went up a pitch.
“Thanks, but I really have always planned to work with DOSA.” Shawn wondered what the mayor would do if Shawn just took off and left him there. “Again, if you want to bring it up with them—”
“I haven’t shown you the best part.” The mayor ripped the tarp from the irregularly shaped object beside him and hit a button.
Brilliant light exploded around them. Shawn threw his hands over his face. When his eyes adjusted, he found himself staring at a massive spotlight. He followed the beam up to the clouds where a familiar starburst shape now shone.
“Holy crap,” he breathed.
“See, it’s a Surge Signal!” The mayor beamed as brightly as his spotlight.
“You’re yanking my chain.” Shawn resisted the urge to rub his eyes. “What is that thing for?”
“Well, if we need you, we turn it on and you’ll know that there’s crime to be foiled,” the mayor explained.
“Why wouldn’t you just text me?”
“I admit this is old school, but as a branding tool, very effective.” The mayor patted the side of the spotlight affectionately.
“I suppose we could text you as well—but when the populace sees this in the sky, they’ll know Surge is on the way to save the day!
” The mayor paused. “Ooh, that’s good. I need to get that printed on some T-shirts. ”
Also the villains will know I’m on the way, which kind of ruins the element of surprise—and it only works on cloudy nights.
This whole thing is stupid. If Dad hears about this, he’ll either kill me or just mock me endlessly.
Dang, I hope this doesn’t get back to DOSA.
If they think I’m into this sort of theatrical idiocy, no one will want to work with me.
“Look, I appreciate the thought, but I’m really not supposed to do any hero work until my internship is over. The shelter fire was just me happening to be in the right place at the right time—”
“So you’re telling me if we turned this on and texted you that your help was needed, you’d ignore us and leave the citizens of College City at the mercy of whatever villain or disaster threatened them?” The mayor’s eyebrows melted together.
Shawn cursed under his breath. “I mean, when was the last time this town had an actual supervillain attack? Your police force is more than equipped to deal with the normie criminals, aren’t they?”
“Yes, but as the shelter fire proves—”
“I know, I know.” Shawn held up his hand.
He stared for a long moment at the signal, wrestling with the desire to help and the need to stay on DOSA’s—and his father’s—good side.
Sometimes the right thing to do isn’t the smart thing. Dang, Dad’s going to kill me.
“Look, if there is a real superhero-level emergency, I won’t turn my back on you, but no festivals and no normie crime, all right?
I’ll make a handshake deal to answer your calls for help, but only when you absolutely need a sable hero.
If I suspect for even a second that you’re using me for emergencies your first responders could handle, the deal is off. ”
“Of course, of course. Your time is valuable. I get that.”
“Also, you have my number. This—” Shawn nodded towards the signal, “—it’s a bit much.”
“I paid for it out of pocket,” the mayor said.
Shawn groaned inwardly. “Okay, sure. Look, I need to get going.”
The gyro truck would probably be closed by now. Plus he couldn’t exactly go into a restaurant in uniform—well, he could, but he’d look ridiculous. He needed to get home while the pizza place was still taking delivery orders.
“Of course, thank you for hearing me out. I promise, you won’t regret this.”
Shawn already regretted it, but he nodded and pushed off into the night.
As he glided over the quiet city, he caught sight of the illuminated sign for Cup of Cheer Coffeeshop.
He paused mid-flight to hover over it. They were already closed, and even if they hadn’t been, Nikki probably only worked the early shift.
For a moment he imagined himself flying into the coffee shop, skidding to a halt in front of the counter, and removing his mask to smile at her as both Shawn and Surge.
Would she be impressed? Or just think he was a jackass?
It would be a jackass thing to do. I wonder if she’s working tomorrow, though.
A wistful feeling settled in his chest. Yeah, he was going to the coffee shop tomorrow and maybe sticking around at a table instead of taking his drink to go.