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

costume."
    Psystar said, "All right, how about Diva's place, she's got a beautiful home."
    I shook my head, "No, it's your turn.  You left your clothes at my place last time, remember?  I'll bring them over with me."
    She rolled her eyes after seeing Silverlash raise an eyebrow.
    "She's giving me clothes that no longer fit her, don't get the wrong idea...."
    Silverlash nodded.  "All right, then.  How about 7 P.M.?  I'll bring a dessert."
    We both nodded.  Psystar took out her phone and tapped away on it.
    My friend said, "Here, I'm sending you both the address.  Hope you guys don't mind it quaint, my place isn't as large, or as well furnished as Diva's...."
    I smiled, "It doesn't matter.  Being with you is more important than the type of furniture you have.  Besides, I have a really hard butt, remember?  Apart from the texture it's not like different surfaces really feel better to me."
    Psystar said, "You too?  I'm finding I can sit on the hallway floor at the University for hours and not be bothered any more.  I used to get a sore butt."
    Silverlash smiled, "Ah, new supers.  I love hearing about this stuff.  Sometimes I forget what it was like before my change; it was a long time ago."
    I asked, "How long have you been a super?"
    She replied, "Nearly ten years."
    "Wow, were you a young teen?"
    She laughed, "No, I'm 31."
    "Really?  Apart from the hair color you look about my age."
    "Thanks.  My hair turned silver when I changed, so I've looked about the same for all this time."
    Psystar said, "Amazing.  You know, I worked with the University of Metrocity to setup a special study on supers to try to figure out what makes us different.  I'm the main test subject, but Spartan and Black Tiger agreed to come in for some quicker tests, like blood and skin samples.  Diva agreed too.  Any chance you would, Silverlash?"
    "What's the purpose of it?"
    "Understanding.  I'm hoping we can figure out something to help heal people or cure some conditions."
    "Certainly.  I'll help with that.  So long as it's not used for weapons research or to injure people I'm in."
    I noticed motion at Psystar's side and a bullet worked its way out of her abdomen.  She had a pained expression on her face as it did and then looked slightly more at ease.
    I looked back at Silverlash and said, "Yeah, you do a lot of charity stuff, don't you?"
    Silverlash nodded.
    "Can I get in on the next one you do as well?  You invited everyone to the last one, I'd just like to make sure I'm in on it."
    "Really?  I'd be happy to have more heroes involved.  Hopefully the more of us that do it, the more support from the community we pull in.  There are so many good causes that need assistance.  Psystar - you want me to ask Hellshock about the thing you are doing?  He's a great guy; I'd be shocked if he didn't help."
    I laughed, "Hellshock will shock you."
    She winked and grinned.
    Psystar said, "Wait, you mean for tonight with us, or for the University study?”
    “The study.”
    “Oh, that would be great.  Well … I'd love to stay and chat, but I really need to get the boys back to the U.  They might still be at the cafe."
    I said, "I'll go with you.  I can fly the two of them back so your injuries don't hurt any more."
    Psystar grinned, "Thanks."
    Silverlash said, "I'll see you both at seven then.  Have a good afternoon."
    I smiled and said, "Thanks - see you tonight."
    We walked through the back entrance to find news crews waiting.  Each of us took a few minutes to give a brief interview with them.  Now this is what I'm talking about!
    Before we left, Psystar looked at me and said, “Um, Diva – you might want to go through a car wash or something on the way back.  That tear gas smell is really clinging to you.”
    I nodded.  We both took flight, but I did swing by an open car wash, where a guy was hosing down his car in an enclosed building.
    I landed and asked if he would hose me down.  He didn’t think I was serious until I