by Wirving
"I have 3 weeks vacation time coming to me and I'm taking it starting NOW!" an enraged Becca Smith shouted as she left the editor's office. As an investigative reporter, Becca had many such discussions with her editor over the years. The specific topic may have been different, but the rest of the conversation was always the same.
Most of the discussions began the same way as her editor would say, "Becca , you are a great reporter, one of the best in the business, BUT..." He always added that pesky "BUT" into the sentence.
This time it was, "... BUT please stop poking around the Mayor’s Office! What do we care if he has expensive tastes or takes a lot of vacations?" He continued, "The Metro City Herald is a great newspaper, but it just so happens to be located right here in Metro City. The last thing we need right now is to make an enemy out of the Mayor!"
The independent Becca responded, "I’ll write WHAT I want to about WHO I want to ... and if you don’t like it, then find someone else!"
Of course, the editor would always end up giving in because he really couldn’t afford to lose her. Even considering all of that, Becca knew that it wasn’t what was really bothering her -- the editor was just doing his job as Becca was just doing hers. The real problem was that Becca was tired and felt so overwhelmed. As Becca Smith the Reporter/Homemaker and as Banner the Superheroine, she was tired. She realized it last night when as Banner, she made a charity appearance and barely avoided snapping at an enthusiastic autograph seeker. She knew that something was wrong, but was puzzled as to why she felt that way.
For sometime now, Becca knew about a mysterious retreat at a resort on the island of Crete. She became very interested when she found out that she could charter a boat to nearby Alpha Island where she could consult with the legendary Oracle. Maybe she could find her answers there. Only time would tell. Despite all of the warnings she heard about leaving the peace and safety of the retreat, Becca knew that she had to try. The mayor and his extravagant lifestyle would just have to wait. However, unbeknownst to Becca, the Mayor had other ideas as he was about to begin his own vacation!
As Becca rode in the Limosine to the airport, she was anticipating enjoying a wonderful vacation and adventure. Since the life of a Superheroine is neither simple nor uncopmplicated our story has barely begun. Becca was very surprised when she saw the mayor board the same plane as she and even more surprised when she noticed his companion. She bore a strong resemblance to Becca!
"Why hello, Ms. Smith! I see that you are also going on a vacation." the Mayor remarked, "Let me introduce my assistant, Ms. Darquene. Maybe we'll see you sometime on the island." The Mayor and Ms. Darquene smiled at Becca and she politely nodded as she walked to her seat.
During the flight Becca kept thinking, "There's something strange about that woman, but I can't figure it out" Eventually, she would figure it out , but it is too early in our srory to say.
TO BE CONTINUED...