Free H.E.R.O. - Horde by Kevin Rau Page A

then go through it."
    "Oh ... yeah, that makes sense.  But ... I was already in the gas."
    "Then just don't breathe.  You're a brick, even after exhaling you should have a few minutes of air."
    "Wow, really?"
    "Darling, seriously?  You didn't even know that?"
    "No."
    She squeezed me on the arm, "You'll learn."
    Police came in from the back of the building and began checking the men wrapped up in the silvery bonds.
    I asked, "What are those silver things?"
    She pulled a new one out of nothing, flicked it and it wrapped around my left wrist a few times.
    "The lashes are my power.  I make them, shape them and move them around."
    "That's neat."
    "So is armored skin."  She poked at a few of the holes in my dress.  "I don't see any blood."
    I shook my head, "No, the only one that hurt was the hit to my throat."
    "One of them had a sniper rifle."
    "That's what hit me?"
    "Probably.  Or maybe your neck is a weak point."
     Psystar walked over to us after ensuring the officers weren't in any danger.  She'd just finished pulling gas masks off the criminals.  I stared at her wounds; they were healing - but still looked bad - and painful.  At least hers healed fast.
    My golden haired friend said, "Well, that explains why trying to make them submit failed just before I entered...."
    I felt sad that I let her get hurt.  I wanted to give her a hug, but with the injuries, it would have hurt her more.  Her face softened and she smiled at me.  She reached out and held my left arm for a moment with her right hand.
    Silverlash said, "You should set up a training place that fires paintballs or something at you, Psystar.  You can improve your ability to dodge with some practice."
    "Yeah, if I could find the time I would.  My life is overbooked right now, and what little extra time I have is either for studying or a little much-needed time with friends."
    "Understood.  It's just a suggestion.  I'd be happy to train with either of you if needed."
    Psystar asked, "Really?"
    "Certainly.  We're all heroines."
    I asked, "You'd spend time helping us?"  I felt all warm and fuzzy.  It was almost like the H.E.R.O. ladies were a big group of friends.  Psystar reached out and held my arm again for a moment.
    An awful lot of the officers made a point of stopping over, saying "Hi" and thanking us.  It felt good to get the attention.  I didn't know if the male heroes got the same, but at the moment it just felt good to be appreciated.
    Agent Carson came in shortly and questioned us about what had occurred.  Apparently, Silverlash had used her main ribbon hanging from her belt to pick me up and throw me across the room at the villains.  Psystar had come in from the back, attempted to make them give up and then entered only to find the villains with gas masks shooting at her.  She’d at least held her breath when she kicked in the door and saw the smoke.
    I looked at Silverlash after her testimony and laughed, "I can't believe you chucked me across the room."
    She shrugged and replied, "You were in the midst of the smoke, coughing away.  I knew I needed to get you out of it to help you get back in the fight.  In addition, I'm well aware you're a brick.  No throw of mine is going to actually hurt you."
    "What if I landed on something sharp?  There are a lot of strange tools in here."
    She chuckled, "You aren't going to be hurt by those.  Diva, I heard you got hurt a few times the last few days - but really, in general you are unbelievably tough."
    I said, "You know, we should get together for dinner and a few drinks.  Any chance you two are available tonight?  I can fill you guys in on the gig my agent landed for me."
    Psystar looked up for a moment and said, "Sure, I'd love to hear the results."
    Silverlash said, "I'd love to get to know you both better.  Where would you like to meet?"
    Psystar said, "Go out or someone's home?"
    Silverlash said, "Let's do a home, we won't be stared at.  All three of us stand out even out of