Post by lawrenceliberty on Jun 9, 2017 18:32:21 GMT
Strongman : New Business!
By lawrenceliberty
1988
Strongman begins a new chapter in his heroic life.
1
Percy Van Norton IV was a ruggedly handsome muscular man with thick black hair. He was seventy years old but due to a magical rejuvenation he looked around twenty five or thirty. He didn’t really care how he looked. He had been a playboy during his youth in the late thirties but for the most part the shallow and easily bored demeanor he had presented to the world had been a pretense. He had always had a keen mind and an interest in the Far East but since such things were frowned upon in the polite society of the very wealthy, he had bowed to custom and played the part of an idle rich man about town. He knew that none of his wealthy peers cared about such things except as brief and fashionable fads. He had spent hours as a child studying one rare book alternately called the Book of Miracles or the Book of Wisdom. The Eastern lore had enabled him to develop super human powers beyond those of mortal men. Percy had used them briefly as the heroic Strongman. He took the name from the type of circus performer that he had always loved as a boy. Plus, it was truth in advertising. He truly was incredibly strong and fast and invulnerable to harm. He saw no need to complicate things by adopting some fancy name.
Now, he glanced around his estate in Palantine, Illinois and sighed as he saw a portrait of his late wife Judy. They had enjoyed a wonderful life together after he returned from service in World War II. They travelled and shared so many common interests all colored by a true love for one another. He had never needed to work nor had he bothered to resume his pre-war heroic identity. The Book of Miracles gathered dust within a safe in his library and Percy grew old and Judy died. He had given up on life in his deep grief but something motivated him to call for the Book from his sick bed. All it took was one more reading from the magical tome to restore his youth and his fabled powers. Now, young once more, he vowed to make the most of his life. This party was merely a way to reward the men and women who had always run his company for him. They deserved a night of fine dining and good company.
One society matron who displayed gleaming jewels around a wrinkled neck and blue-gray hair, rushed over to him and said, “Percy, darling, you must tell me who did your procedure! You look like a positive Adonis!”
He grinned sheepishly and pushed back an errant lock of hair. “I’ll tell you if you’ll tell me who did yours!”
She spluttered in indignation as her host flashed another grin and made his way into the crowded room.
Percy frowned just as quickly. He could be brash but he didn’t want to hurt anyone. “I better tell her I’m sorry or maybe I should let her think I had too much to drink. She can’t know that I never picked up that vice. It would have gone against the wisdom of the Book! Then again, I doubt she’d believe me if I said mystical lore from the Far East made me young again!”
He spotted an aging Japanese man who was engaged in conversation with a younger man who resembled him closely.
The old man smiled as his employer approached and said, “Mr. Van Norton, this is a splendid party. It is a true celebration of your company! You honor us all with your kindness!”
Percy thought he saw the younger Japanese man scowled as his father spoke but he ignored the impression and said, “Mr. Sato, you and your son are most welcome here. I can never repay you for the manner in which you’ve conducted business for me all these years. I owe so much to you and I am delighted that Norio could accompany you!”
Norio Sato inclined his head slightly and said, “I am glad you know how hard my esteemed father works. We seldom saw him when I was growing up. He always devoted so much time to your company!”
The elder Sato frowned in displeasure and said, “My son does not understand the value of hard work and good service. I hope he shall learn before he disappoints me again!”
Percy adjusted his tie and said, “I sure can’t fault him. I was a big disappointment to my folks. Naturally, they wanted a bunch of grandchildren and Judy and I were never so blessed!”
“Norio, I know I owe everything to your father though. It has been his devotion to work that has made my company thrive. I never had a head for business!” he said.
He excused himself and exchanged pleasantries with other guests and then stopped to slip into his library. He loved the book-lined room and craved the peace and solitude it offered.
As he stepped into the cool darkness he squinted slightly in an old habit from his youth.
“I sure wish I could see in the dark! Someone’s in here!” he said.
He switched on the light and found himself facing four masked thugs. They had clearly disarmed his alarm system and entered through the library doors that led in turn to a spacious patio and a sprawling yard.
They raised guns in his direction. Each weapon had a silencer. This was fitting since the intruders clearly meant to silence Percy!
Just as Percy didn’t care if people wondered at his renewed youth, he also no longer worried about keeping his powers a secret. He was too old to care about petty details. What did he care if people learned he was an Action Hero! He had no loved ones to be threatened by his position.
He started to dive forward when two newcomers emerged from the shadows with devastating speed and skill! The man was dressed in a tuxedo and top hat with a black opera cloak. He also wore a black domino mask across his keen eyes.
He lashed out with his fists and dropped two of the gunmen to the ground with precise and stunning blows. They never had a chance to use their weapons since his appearance and attack were so swift and silent.
His female companion was even faster! The Chinese beauty in a revealing red gown and heels kicked a gunman flat and then slammed her elbow in the final thug’s throat. She showed no expression as she calmly flipped him to the ground.
Percy said, “Who are you? You sure know how to fight!”
The man hesitated and then said, “We’re friends. Do not be afraid. Mr. Van Norton, I’m known as Topper. My partner is Silk. We are here to help you. These petty thieves merely came because they hoped to use your party as a distraction in which they could rob your home. We came here for another reason. I think your company may be jeopardy. There have been several robberies of late of other tech companies. I think Van North Industries may be next!”
The woman called Silk said, “We also know of your abilities. You may speak freely with us, Strongman!”
Percy nodded and said, “Topper, huh? Wasn’t that the name of a Mystery Man during the forties or fifties?”
Topper said, “I carry on a family legacy. I do my part to keep Chicago safe. Naturally, I owe my life to Silk here. She is very skilled and very determined!”
Silk smiled briefly and said, “Companies like Kord have been hit. Your company may be next. We have failed to find the mastermind behind the robberies. He or she seems to know a great deal about corporate secrets and projects in development that have not been made public.”
Percy said, “Yeah? I appreciate your help. I’ll be glad for any help you can give. If you know my background then you also know I was never much of a sleuth! I just tried to use my power to help folks who needed help!”
He suddenly smiled and said, “You know I’ve been thinking of using my money to equip some other like-minded men and women. I want to put together a team like those Sentinels. We would operate out of some properties I own around the world. I think you two would be perfect for such a group and this mystery you’ve brought to me might be a great way to launch my proposed group!”
Topper said, “We normally work alone. That is why we are known as urban legends if at all. Still, we are good listeners. After you turn these goons over to the authorities, we have a lot of talk about!”
Percy nodded and said, “I couldn’t agree more!”
2
A few weeks later, Percy Van Norton, dressed in the gold shirt, blue pants, and matching blue boots he wore as Strongman, found himself on the crowded streets of Tokyo. He was at the Shinkansen or Dangan Ressha station and the hero was trying to literally catch the speeding “bullet train!”
He knew from his many visits to Japan that the popular trains could carry as many as 1,320 people within the normal 16 car formation! He was not going to allow those people to die!
He leaped forward and managed to grasp the side of the speeding train. Anyone who lacked his super strength would have been deflected from the side and hurled to a sudden death. Strongman more than lived up to his name as he pressed his fingers into the side of the sleek blue and white train and fought to maintain his grip. He did so and swung himself to the top of the bullet train. He ran forward until he managed to reach the front. He dived forward with the enhanced power in his legs and landed several yards down the line. He lowered his head and charged toward the train.
“I have got to match its speed and slow it gradually! I can’t rely on any of the technology aboard to be of any use. I sure can’t just slam into it like a raging bull!”he thought.
He knew that his power would have enabled him to hurl the entire train across the city had he desired to do so; however, raw strength was not what was needed now. He had to bring the wild train to a safe and gradual halt without unnecessarily harming those aboard.
“ I came here to investigate the corporate raids Topper told me about. He felt our Japanese branch was in jeopardy. This runaway train is a lot more important!” he vowed.
He began straining to control the train in a safe manner and as he used his powerful body carefully, his exertions paid off! The train stopped!
Cheers and applause rang out from those around and aboard the train. He grinned and waved to them and then leaped away.
“That felt good! I actually saved those folks! The mechanical system failure may have been caused by a simple glitch or some kind of sick scheme by a madman. I wonder if this was meant to distract me. If someone is threatening my company and other big corporations, we executives could be under surveillance.”
“I guess I better get to Van Norton Industries Tokyo facility fast! My new partners should already be there!” he mused.
As he bounded over the city he recalled the meetings mere days ago when he had stood within his library and faced several costumed heroes. He had been true to his word and with some help from the resourceful Topper who seemed to have limitless connections across the nation; he had managed to find some interested and qualified individuals.
Topper and Silk had watched from one side with interest and some affectionate amusement. Strongman was somewhat odd in terms of his personality. He was capable of impressive displays of decisive action and yet he occasionally displayed a sincere surprise at how people reacted to his enhanced abilities, striking good looks, and great wealth. Perhaps, since his original heroic career had been a brief one, he was still new to the world of Action Heroes and their natural pursuits. He was a man with a good heart and he sincerely desired to help anyone in need. Even the taciturn Silk had grown to appreciate his better qualities during the time she and Topper had aided him in his recruitment drive.
Silk’s real name was Tiana Chen. She was an expert at several forms of Chinese martial arts and she was remarkably gifted with the ability to adapt to various combat environments. She was clever and quick in body and mind. Her father had been a professor who had fled from the persecution so many intellectuals suffered under the Communist regime in China. He had trained her to think for herself and to keep her own opinions to herself. He did so because of his painful memories of how any idea or opinion could be justification for imprisonment or death if it violated what the Communist Party deemed appropriate. He had no idea that his daughter would apply the trait to a life of secrets and peril as a costumed or at least evening gown clad heroine! In speaking of her modified gown and heels costume, she would later joke in her rather solemn manner of voice and expression that combat in high heels was a Martial Art that deserved its own black belt or badge of honor. She had adopted the outfit to compliment the formalwear worn by Topper who dressed as though he had stepped out of the pages of some society publication if such a journal had a quirky view of fashion as far as masks and capes were concerned.
Topper was a brown haired man named Reggie Graham. He was not the first hero to use the name and the dapperly dressed image of Topper. His late grandfather Barry had created the role and had fought crime for a brief time as well. Reggie had taken up the Topper identity in order to avenge the death of a close friend and colleague. After doing so, he had decided to continue in the role of a costumed hero. It suited him well. He had a keen mind and combined the best of a boxer and an acrobat in his physicality. He also ran a small newspaper and used it to find the truth whenever possible. He had integrity and was respected by his staffers. He had been as good as his word and had swiftly helped Strongman find help for his new team. He had located two women who were active as heroines in their own right. Each one carried on a legacy started decades before by a mentor or relation.
Strongman smiled as he recalled his first impressions of the Spider Queen (Kim Kane) and the Pied Piper (Susan Prentice). Spider Queen was a black haired beauty in a blue blouse and red mini skirt. Her red mask was shaped vaguely like an arachnid and gleaming bracelets decorated each wrist. He knew her aunt had been the first Spider Queen. Kim was agile and had a quick mind. She lacked super powers but was a skilled fighter who graduated with top honors from the police academy. She refused to reveal what led her to become a costumed action heroine but she had accomplished a lot in her career and had the respect of the sources Topper had contacted.
She smiled and posed with both hands on her hips. She had a brassy demeanor and a wise-cracking sense of humor. What was it Percy’s old butler Clive would have called her? A minx? A saucy minx! He grinned as he thought of her confidence and admitted that she was attractive. She reminded him a bit of his late wife Judy.
Pied Piper was a petite blonde in a puffy green tunic and matching hosiery and slippers. She was also a scientific genius. The golden pipes she used to create various sonic effects were incredible. He didn’t really care for the details when the bookish girl tried to explain the science behind her weapon of choice.
“It is all a matter of harmonics applied to the various sections of the human brain and sensory organs!” she began in an eager tone of voice.
Spider Queen had smiled in a cocky manner and said, “Honey, save us the science, okay? If you got your pipes from the Keebler Elves, it’s all the same to us. If you can live up to your press clippings, you are okay with me!”
Pied Piper had blushed furiously and nodded in a subdued manner. “Elves? Oh, I see! You are reminded of the traditional garb of the mythical creatures as depicted in popular culture because of my tights and slippers!”
Strongman had made his case in a clear and direct manner.
“I have power that could help those in need. I have time and money and the freedom to do something good for people who can’t do much for themselves. I’d like to have help though. I think you all share my wish to serve or you wouldn’t have adopted your costume roles. Topper investigated you all and he says you are all pretty amazing. I can pay you all to work with me on this team. You can help me and not worry about an income. I can equip you. I can back you up. I don’t have a lot of fancy ideas or big words. That’s not my style. I just want to make the world better and if I need to punch someone or break down a wall to do it, then I’ve got the muscles to do just that! Will you join me?”
Pied Piper had said, “I would relish the chance to test my inventions and expand my research in various fields with your rather significant financial assistance!”
Spider Queen had laughed and said, “It sounds too good to be true but I like a laugh as much as any girl and you sound like a fun guy to hang around with!”
Now, Strongman concentrated on the present and how Topper’s investigation had led them here where Percy had responded to the alert that the train had suddenly veered out of the control.
“Faster than a speeding bullet train! I kind of like the sound of that!” he said.
3
A few weeks before Strongman had formed his team, a young hero had soared over sunny Spain without a care in the world. Stardust (Rafael Guerro) was somewhat new to being an Action Hero but he relished his new powers and the purpose they gave his life.
Stardust smiled as he felt the sun on his face. It was a lovely day! He soared above the famous La Sagrada Familia church that had been designed by the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi in the 1880s but was still incomplete.
“It is truly beautiful. No wonder it is Barcelona’s most popular tourist attraction!” he thought.
His pleasure faded rapidly as he spotted several costume figures below.
The first man had black hair and wore a black and gold costume. He brandished a strange gun in one gloved hand. He gestured to his companion a dark suited man whose face was concealed behind some type of filmy gauze.
They approached the crowded church and seemed oblivious to the stares and cries of onlookers. A blonde woman in a rather brief red, white, and blue costume that revealed a lot of leg approached from the other side as did a hulking man in an ancient Greek or Roman garment and sandals.
“Those costumed figures are a long way from the Catalan Institute of Cinema!” he said as he swooped down to get a closer look at the apparently defiant figures as they marched toward the church!
Before Stardust could even speak to them a blinding burst of energy struck him from behind and he crashed to the ground. The big man charged at him and struck him again and again. He tried to summon his energy powers but he could not concentrate since the attack was so swift and brutal.
Still, the young man was a hero and he managed to blaze with the stellar energy that gave him his costumed name! The muscular man staggered backward and covered his eyes.
The yellow and black clad man fired his gun and Stardust clutched his neck, Some kind of dart or small needle had struck him and he reeled backward as the world began to swim before his eyes.
“Drugged! I am vulnerable to drugs!” he gasped.
He looked up again and saw the man who had apparently struck him from behind. He was costumed in red and gold and he raised both hands and generated another atomic burst and left Stardust prone on the pavement near the church.
Atoman smiled coldly at Ragman, Antaeus, Yankee Girl, and Yellow Jacket.
“He is ours. Our employer will be pleased and will pay well!” he said.
The other former heroes agreed readily as they carried the fallen Stardust away.
4
Strongman and his allies had a fruitless few days in Tokyo as once again nothing unusual occurred at his company. He trusted Topper’s information and he had read about the robberies at other big companies like Kord, Stagg, and Stark but nothing similar had occurred at Van Norton Industries or its branches around the globe.
He paced restlessly in the penthouse of the Tokyo corporate HQ and said, “I don’t understand why none of my companies have been targeted. It can’t be because of our presence here since we weren’t a team and I had not been rejuvenated when the first robberies were reported from other big companies.”
Topper said, “My sources are accurate. I can’t put my finger on why your company has not been hit. It is a natural target. You have products in development anyone would want to steal.”
Silk said, “I have been doing some investigating of my own! I believe the robberies have a common pattern in terms of what has been taken. The items are connected with the harnessing of solar or stellar energy. I could see such technology being used as a weapon or means of extortion in the wrong hands! I also know that a Kord design that has not been made public was duplicated earlier by agents working for Sentai Systems here in Tokyo. I think the mysterious thief we seek will hit Sentai in order to acquire this design!”
Spider Queen said, “How do you know all this, honey?”
Silk said, “I know because I have underworld contacts who fear me more than they fear their masters or the law!”
Topper grinned and said, “Trust me. None of you want to make Silk angry!”
Strongman said, “Okay. So, let’s get to Sentai. I don’t like the fact that we’re helping crooks keep data they stole from someone else but if we can use them as bait for the bigger mastermind, then I’ll live with it. “
He thought, “After this is over, I’ll shut down the Sentai gang too. Maybe, I’ll just find them and show them the error of their ways by shaking their teeth loose!”
That night the new group of heroes staked out the Sentai building and Silk’s tip paid off! Atoman and his gang came out of the darkness and approached the skyscraper in unison.
Topper said, “I know I’ve seen some of those costumes before. The big man was called Atoman and the blonde was Yankee Girl. These two must be copying the original heroes for some reason!”
Strongman said, “Take them down fast!”
He leaped forward and slammed into the red and gold costumed Atoman. He didn’t know who Atoman was nor did he realize that all of the intruders were Action Heroes who had been tainted by a magical spell from a now defeated foe. They had remained corrupted after the woman who cursed them lost to the Sentinels. Now, they served another master but they were still under the magical cloud that robbed them of their true natures.
Atoman said, “I don’t know who you are but those muscles won’t match my atomic bursts for long!”
Strongman grunted as the glowing man rose into the air. He merely tackled him and continued to pound away as Atoman’s inner energies increased ominously.
Topper and Silk circled warily as Ragman and Yankee Girl did the same. None of them rushed into battle but studied the others carefully.
Finally, Silk moved with lightning-like agility and kicked Yankee Girl in the face. She spun around and connected again with a second kick. The blonde rolled aside and nursed her wounds but did not give up the fight. She dodged another attack and then tried to close in on the sultry Chinese woman who remained just out of reach.
Suddenly, a whizzing sound filled the air and Silk whirled around to catch a dart fired at her back by the yellow and black costumed Yellowjacket! She flipped forward and hurled it aside. She was disdainful of such weapons. She preferred to rely on her own superbly skilled body and mind. Silk ignored Yellowjacket. She trusted her allies would occupy him and her uncanny awareness of her combat environment proved accurate once more as Spider Queen swung down on a narrow line and kicked the dart gun out of his hand. Unlike the silent but deadly Silk, Spider Queen smiled broadly and made jokes as she fought.
“You’re just lucky I didn’t call a SWAT team!” she said as she ducked under Yellowjacket’s fists and clipped him with an uppercut.
He slammed his head into her face as he moved toward her. She gasped and rammed her knee into his stomach. His costume offered him protection and she found herself reeling as he grabbed for her.
She fired a gooey substance from her shiny wrist bracelet and it covered his face and obscured his vision.
She took advantage of this weakness to battered him with both fists and finish him off with a kick that lacked Silk’s own grace but equaled her power!
Yellowjacket collapsed and she swiftly bound him with a thicker form of her adhesive.
“Insect themed villains are so passé!” she joked.
Meanwhile, Silk had managed to knock Yankee Girl out with a precise blow to her head.
Topper and Ragman grappled nearby. The two men were strangely similar and yet equally different. Topper was immaculately dressed while Ragman wore a tattered suit. Yet, both men were heirs to heroic traditions. Topper’s grandfather had been the original Topper while Ragman’s father and grandfather had both been “mystery men.”
They were almost matched in terms of their fighting abilities. In truth, Ragman may have had the edge but he and his allies just might have been resisting the spell that motivated them to do evil. There was no obvious sign of this resistance unless it might have been found in the tiniest hesitancy or a small tendency to pull their punches.
As the two men silently wrestled across the plaza in front of the skyscraper, their allies fought on.
The brawny Antaeus approached Pied Piper but the petite blonde was too fast for him. She gave a small squeal as she ran from the huge man and then calmed herself down and blew on her golden pipes!
The music struck him like a concussive force but his magical invulnerability protected him and he cornered Susan Prentice against a fountain.
She adjusted her instrument and the music resumed but this time it was softer and caused her foe’s eyes to glaze over. He tottered over her as she crouched down and played furiously. Finally, to her relief, he fell flat.
“Putting him to sleep was my only chance since his body seemed resistant to physical trauma!” she decided.
Ragman had knocked Topper to the ground and was choking him! Before he could finish off the dapper dressed hero, Topper broke his grip and knocked him cold!
He smiled and noticed his partner Silk was watching and had been ready to intervene if needed. She was a truly valuable ally! He knew at times he fought all the harder just to avoid letting the superior skilled fighter down.
“How did I do?” he said.
Silk said, “Capable as always but lacking finesse!”
Topper winked at her and said, “I’ll do better next time!”
Meanwhile, one level above the plaza on a balcony overhead, Strongman was fighting onward even as Atoman’s atomic energies surged around them like a nimbus that illuminated the night sky
Atoman laughed and said, “Atomic energy is the future. You’re a relic from the Stone Age! How can you hope to beat me!”
Strongman refused to quit and as he connected with one last punch, Atoman staggered backward and collapsed. His glowing body dimmed and he remained still.
“Maybe, I’m just too stubborn to know when to quit!” said Strongman.
At that moment Silk pointed to a prone figure laying in the shadows beneath the decorative shrubbery that lined the plaza.
“It looks as if he was caught in the blast Atoman generated,” she said.
Strongman bounded over and said, “It’s Norio Sato! He must have been struck by some of the rubble caused by those energy bolts! Why would he be here?”
Spider Queen said, “Sato hated you because his father devoted so much time to your company and spent little time with his family! He wanted to ruin you out of jealousy!”
Norio Sato groaned and spoke softly, “No! I did resent my father for his neglect but I am only here because I fear how far his devotion to duty will carry him! I came here …. I followed him!”
Strongman said, “What are you saying?”
At that moment Mr. Sato walked into view and bent down over his injured son. As tears filled his eyes, he said, “My son knows that in my desire to protect you and the company that has sustained my humble family for so long, I have been responsible for the thefts from other companies. My desire has only been to seen Van Norton Industries thrive at any cost. To that end I have used company resources to equip some unworthy individuals to serve me and in doing so protect your company!”
Strongman said, “Sato, I don’t question your loyalty but your methods go against everything I believe in. Are you telling me that you paid these costumed losers to rob and sabotage my corporate rivals?”
Mr. Sato said, “Yes. I also used company funds to finance the development of other agents. You never paid attention to the running of the company and thus, the shame must rest solely on my shoulders. I only acted to enrich you and reward you for hiring me so long ago! Perhaps, I have failed you and failed as a father as well!”
Norio placed one hand on his father’s narrow shoulders and said, “No. I was equally wrong to be so bitter!”
Suddenly, Spider Queen dropped down from above and said, “I think he will recover. His injuries don’t seem life threatening! I’ve called the paramedics!”
Mr. Sato nodded and said, “Thank you, young lady.”
Topper said, “Strongman, if your company did finance a bunch of Action Villains, our work is just beginning!”
Silk agreed. “He is a man of honor. We will help him find these felons and make things right!”
Strongman nodded slowly. “Yeah, if my money paid for a bunch of punks to hurt other people, then I’ll make things right if it takes every last cent!”
“Sato, you’ve been so wrong. I’ll find a way to help you too. I don’t know exactly what to do but we’ll find the way together if you’ll cooperate!”he said.
Mr. Sato nodded and said, “I suppose I deluded myself into thinking the ends justified the means. Had I thought hard enough I would have realized your true character and how you would never see profit as being more important than honor.”
Pied Piper said, “What about your minions?”
Spider Queen said, “We will help the cops take them to jail. That light show blondie put on will soon bring the police here!”
Mr. Sato said, “I fear I have more to atone for since I imprisoned a hero known as Stardust II. I sought to tap into his awesome power. In fact, we must hurry if we are to prevent a tragedy. My scientists have been using the stolen technology to tap into his might. This very night they planned to test the energy accumulating harness!”
An explosion shook the street and a gleaming figure lumbered into view! The humanoid glowed brightly and loomed gigantically over the city! Sirens filled the night as frightened men and women fled from the massive being.
“Great Scott! That’s Stardust! I saw his photo in a Barcelona paper. You’ve turned him into some kind of monster!” said Topper!
5
Topper turned to Mr. Sato and said, “Can you change him back? Is it possible to drain the energy from him?”
Sato said, “I do not know. My scientists were conducting the experiments. I am sorry!”
Spider Queen said, “Okay, I’ll play Fay Wray while you figure out what to do!”
She fired her webline and struck the enlarged and maddened Stardust II on one leg. She swung upward and continued to fire the lines until she had encircled him. He ignore her and merely continued to move forward as the others like Topper and Silk helped ordinary citizens escape from his path.
Strongman raced forward and bounded up to crash into the gleaming giant. He struck with full force and sent Stardust crashing backward.
He struggled to find a way to gain some leverage as they fell but even with all of his strength he could only topple down with the confused hero of Spain.
“He’s mindless! I can’t blame him for this rampage. I guess all that stored up energy was like a drug to his body! He’s high on solar power or star power or whatever fuels him!” he said.
Pied Piper ran forward and darted over obstacles until she could reach the chaotic scene. She played her pipes and the music soothed the behemoth!
“It’s working just like it did with that other brute!” she mused.
“He is calmer but the energy is still in him!” said Strongman.
He managed to shift his own weight until he could carry the giant hero over his head and leap away from the city.
“I hope dropping him into the harbor will cool him down!” he thought. He started to dive in the water when a blonde woman in a blue tunic and silver sandals flew into view. She carried a silver bow and matching arrows in a quiver across her back. She was stunningly beautiful.
“I am Diana the Huntress! I have not walked this mortal realm in many decades but I have returned because I know I am needed! The Oracle at Delphi told me that I would play a vital role in the defense of those in need and successfully oppose evil in this world once more!” she said.
She walked gracefully over to where Strongman stood with the glowing Stardust and she placed one hand on the Spanish hero’s body. He stiffened for a moment and then slowly his glow dimmed and he returned to normal size.
“What happened? Where am I?” he stammered.
Strongman smiled and said, “Tokyo. You’re in Japan and you’re going to be fine! I have a feeling we all are!”
Diana smiled back and said, “I was able to reach his heroic heart and restore him through the magic of Olympus. I would join your band of champions! You remind me of many other heroes I knew in past eons!”
Strongman said, “Lady, you got a way about you! I’d be glad to have you on my team!”
He looked at Stardust II and said, “If you can fly as fast as I’ve heard, you’d be a perfect member too. I bet you could get to America from Spain in minutes if you wanted to!”
Stardust said, “Sure but would you please tell me what’s going on?”
Strongman smiled and said, “Kid, it’s a long story and it’s far from over. You see, I got a lot to do and you and others like you could be a big help to me!”
Later, Strongman strolled through the streets of Chicago with Diana.
“Mr. Sato was behind all of this. He meant well but he did a lot of harm. His son is going to recover and I’m determined to make up for any wrongs Sato did with my money in the name of loyalty to my company. For that matter, I hope somebody can help those costumed types he hired as well. Topper said they were heroes at one time. If they can be restored or reformed, I’ll pay for it. I have a lot to figure out!” he said.
Diana said, “You are starting from a superior position since you have a true heart. You are a hero!”
Strongman shrugged and said, “I’m going to do my best! That’s a promise!”
The End
By lawrenceliberty
1988
Strongman begins a new chapter in his heroic life.
1
Percy Van Norton IV was a ruggedly handsome muscular man with thick black hair. He was seventy years old but due to a magical rejuvenation he looked around twenty five or thirty. He didn’t really care how he looked. He had been a playboy during his youth in the late thirties but for the most part the shallow and easily bored demeanor he had presented to the world had been a pretense. He had always had a keen mind and an interest in the Far East but since such things were frowned upon in the polite society of the very wealthy, he had bowed to custom and played the part of an idle rich man about town. He knew that none of his wealthy peers cared about such things except as brief and fashionable fads. He had spent hours as a child studying one rare book alternately called the Book of Miracles or the Book of Wisdom. The Eastern lore had enabled him to develop super human powers beyond those of mortal men. Percy had used them briefly as the heroic Strongman. He took the name from the type of circus performer that he had always loved as a boy. Plus, it was truth in advertising. He truly was incredibly strong and fast and invulnerable to harm. He saw no need to complicate things by adopting some fancy name.
Now, he glanced around his estate in Palantine, Illinois and sighed as he saw a portrait of his late wife Judy. They had enjoyed a wonderful life together after he returned from service in World War II. They travelled and shared so many common interests all colored by a true love for one another. He had never needed to work nor had he bothered to resume his pre-war heroic identity. The Book of Miracles gathered dust within a safe in his library and Percy grew old and Judy died. He had given up on life in his deep grief but something motivated him to call for the Book from his sick bed. All it took was one more reading from the magical tome to restore his youth and his fabled powers. Now, young once more, he vowed to make the most of his life. This party was merely a way to reward the men and women who had always run his company for him. They deserved a night of fine dining and good company.
One society matron who displayed gleaming jewels around a wrinkled neck and blue-gray hair, rushed over to him and said, “Percy, darling, you must tell me who did your procedure! You look like a positive Adonis!”
He grinned sheepishly and pushed back an errant lock of hair. “I’ll tell you if you’ll tell me who did yours!”
She spluttered in indignation as her host flashed another grin and made his way into the crowded room.
Percy frowned just as quickly. He could be brash but he didn’t want to hurt anyone. “I better tell her I’m sorry or maybe I should let her think I had too much to drink. She can’t know that I never picked up that vice. It would have gone against the wisdom of the Book! Then again, I doubt she’d believe me if I said mystical lore from the Far East made me young again!”
He spotted an aging Japanese man who was engaged in conversation with a younger man who resembled him closely.
The old man smiled as his employer approached and said, “Mr. Van Norton, this is a splendid party. It is a true celebration of your company! You honor us all with your kindness!”
Percy thought he saw the younger Japanese man scowled as his father spoke but he ignored the impression and said, “Mr. Sato, you and your son are most welcome here. I can never repay you for the manner in which you’ve conducted business for me all these years. I owe so much to you and I am delighted that Norio could accompany you!”
Norio Sato inclined his head slightly and said, “I am glad you know how hard my esteemed father works. We seldom saw him when I was growing up. He always devoted so much time to your company!”
The elder Sato frowned in displeasure and said, “My son does not understand the value of hard work and good service. I hope he shall learn before he disappoints me again!”
Percy adjusted his tie and said, “I sure can’t fault him. I was a big disappointment to my folks. Naturally, they wanted a bunch of grandchildren and Judy and I were never so blessed!”
“Norio, I know I owe everything to your father though. It has been his devotion to work that has made my company thrive. I never had a head for business!” he said.
He excused himself and exchanged pleasantries with other guests and then stopped to slip into his library. He loved the book-lined room and craved the peace and solitude it offered.
As he stepped into the cool darkness he squinted slightly in an old habit from his youth.
“I sure wish I could see in the dark! Someone’s in here!” he said.
He switched on the light and found himself facing four masked thugs. They had clearly disarmed his alarm system and entered through the library doors that led in turn to a spacious patio and a sprawling yard.
They raised guns in his direction. Each weapon had a silencer. This was fitting since the intruders clearly meant to silence Percy!
Just as Percy didn’t care if people wondered at his renewed youth, he also no longer worried about keeping his powers a secret. He was too old to care about petty details. What did he care if people learned he was an Action Hero! He had no loved ones to be threatened by his position.
He started to dive forward when two newcomers emerged from the shadows with devastating speed and skill! The man was dressed in a tuxedo and top hat with a black opera cloak. He also wore a black domino mask across his keen eyes.
He lashed out with his fists and dropped two of the gunmen to the ground with precise and stunning blows. They never had a chance to use their weapons since his appearance and attack were so swift and silent.
His female companion was even faster! The Chinese beauty in a revealing red gown and heels kicked a gunman flat and then slammed her elbow in the final thug’s throat. She showed no expression as she calmly flipped him to the ground.
Percy said, “Who are you? You sure know how to fight!”
The man hesitated and then said, “We’re friends. Do not be afraid. Mr. Van Norton, I’m known as Topper. My partner is Silk. We are here to help you. These petty thieves merely came because they hoped to use your party as a distraction in which they could rob your home. We came here for another reason. I think your company may be jeopardy. There have been several robberies of late of other tech companies. I think Van North Industries may be next!”
The woman called Silk said, “We also know of your abilities. You may speak freely with us, Strongman!”
Percy nodded and said, “Topper, huh? Wasn’t that the name of a Mystery Man during the forties or fifties?”
Topper said, “I carry on a family legacy. I do my part to keep Chicago safe. Naturally, I owe my life to Silk here. She is very skilled and very determined!”
Silk smiled briefly and said, “Companies like Kord have been hit. Your company may be next. We have failed to find the mastermind behind the robberies. He or she seems to know a great deal about corporate secrets and projects in development that have not been made public.”
Percy said, “Yeah? I appreciate your help. I’ll be glad for any help you can give. If you know my background then you also know I was never much of a sleuth! I just tried to use my power to help folks who needed help!”
He suddenly smiled and said, “You know I’ve been thinking of using my money to equip some other like-minded men and women. I want to put together a team like those Sentinels. We would operate out of some properties I own around the world. I think you two would be perfect for such a group and this mystery you’ve brought to me might be a great way to launch my proposed group!”
Topper said, “We normally work alone. That is why we are known as urban legends if at all. Still, we are good listeners. After you turn these goons over to the authorities, we have a lot of talk about!”
Percy nodded and said, “I couldn’t agree more!”
2
A few weeks later, Percy Van Norton, dressed in the gold shirt, blue pants, and matching blue boots he wore as Strongman, found himself on the crowded streets of Tokyo. He was at the Shinkansen or Dangan Ressha station and the hero was trying to literally catch the speeding “bullet train!”
He knew from his many visits to Japan that the popular trains could carry as many as 1,320 people within the normal 16 car formation! He was not going to allow those people to die!
He leaped forward and managed to grasp the side of the speeding train. Anyone who lacked his super strength would have been deflected from the side and hurled to a sudden death. Strongman more than lived up to his name as he pressed his fingers into the side of the sleek blue and white train and fought to maintain his grip. He did so and swung himself to the top of the bullet train. He ran forward until he managed to reach the front. He dived forward with the enhanced power in his legs and landed several yards down the line. He lowered his head and charged toward the train.
“I have got to match its speed and slow it gradually! I can’t rely on any of the technology aboard to be of any use. I sure can’t just slam into it like a raging bull!”he thought.
He knew that his power would have enabled him to hurl the entire train across the city had he desired to do so; however, raw strength was not what was needed now. He had to bring the wild train to a safe and gradual halt without unnecessarily harming those aboard.
“ I came here to investigate the corporate raids Topper told me about. He felt our Japanese branch was in jeopardy. This runaway train is a lot more important!” he vowed.
He began straining to control the train in a safe manner and as he used his powerful body carefully, his exertions paid off! The train stopped!
Cheers and applause rang out from those around and aboard the train. He grinned and waved to them and then leaped away.
“That felt good! I actually saved those folks! The mechanical system failure may have been caused by a simple glitch or some kind of sick scheme by a madman. I wonder if this was meant to distract me. If someone is threatening my company and other big corporations, we executives could be under surveillance.”
“I guess I better get to Van Norton Industries Tokyo facility fast! My new partners should already be there!” he mused.
As he bounded over the city he recalled the meetings mere days ago when he had stood within his library and faced several costumed heroes. He had been true to his word and with some help from the resourceful Topper who seemed to have limitless connections across the nation; he had managed to find some interested and qualified individuals.
Topper and Silk had watched from one side with interest and some affectionate amusement. Strongman was somewhat odd in terms of his personality. He was capable of impressive displays of decisive action and yet he occasionally displayed a sincere surprise at how people reacted to his enhanced abilities, striking good looks, and great wealth. Perhaps, since his original heroic career had been a brief one, he was still new to the world of Action Heroes and their natural pursuits. He was a man with a good heart and he sincerely desired to help anyone in need. Even the taciturn Silk had grown to appreciate his better qualities during the time she and Topper had aided him in his recruitment drive.
Silk’s real name was Tiana Chen. She was an expert at several forms of Chinese martial arts and she was remarkably gifted with the ability to adapt to various combat environments. She was clever and quick in body and mind. Her father had been a professor who had fled from the persecution so many intellectuals suffered under the Communist regime in China. He had trained her to think for herself and to keep her own opinions to herself. He did so because of his painful memories of how any idea or opinion could be justification for imprisonment or death if it violated what the Communist Party deemed appropriate. He had no idea that his daughter would apply the trait to a life of secrets and peril as a costumed or at least evening gown clad heroine! In speaking of her modified gown and heels costume, she would later joke in her rather solemn manner of voice and expression that combat in high heels was a Martial Art that deserved its own black belt or badge of honor. She had adopted the outfit to compliment the formalwear worn by Topper who dressed as though he had stepped out of the pages of some society publication if such a journal had a quirky view of fashion as far as masks and capes were concerned.
Topper was a brown haired man named Reggie Graham. He was not the first hero to use the name and the dapperly dressed image of Topper. His late grandfather Barry had created the role and had fought crime for a brief time as well. Reggie had taken up the Topper identity in order to avenge the death of a close friend and colleague. After doing so, he had decided to continue in the role of a costumed hero. It suited him well. He had a keen mind and combined the best of a boxer and an acrobat in his physicality. He also ran a small newspaper and used it to find the truth whenever possible. He had integrity and was respected by his staffers. He had been as good as his word and had swiftly helped Strongman find help for his new team. He had located two women who were active as heroines in their own right. Each one carried on a legacy started decades before by a mentor or relation.
Strongman smiled as he recalled his first impressions of the Spider Queen (Kim Kane) and the Pied Piper (Susan Prentice). Spider Queen was a black haired beauty in a blue blouse and red mini skirt. Her red mask was shaped vaguely like an arachnid and gleaming bracelets decorated each wrist. He knew her aunt had been the first Spider Queen. Kim was agile and had a quick mind. She lacked super powers but was a skilled fighter who graduated with top honors from the police academy. She refused to reveal what led her to become a costumed action heroine but she had accomplished a lot in her career and had the respect of the sources Topper had contacted.
She smiled and posed with both hands on her hips. She had a brassy demeanor and a wise-cracking sense of humor. What was it Percy’s old butler Clive would have called her? A minx? A saucy minx! He grinned as he thought of her confidence and admitted that she was attractive. She reminded him a bit of his late wife Judy.
Pied Piper was a petite blonde in a puffy green tunic and matching hosiery and slippers. She was also a scientific genius. The golden pipes she used to create various sonic effects were incredible. He didn’t really care for the details when the bookish girl tried to explain the science behind her weapon of choice.
“It is all a matter of harmonics applied to the various sections of the human brain and sensory organs!” she began in an eager tone of voice.
Spider Queen had smiled in a cocky manner and said, “Honey, save us the science, okay? If you got your pipes from the Keebler Elves, it’s all the same to us. If you can live up to your press clippings, you are okay with me!”
Pied Piper had blushed furiously and nodded in a subdued manner. “Elves? Oh, I see! You are reminded of the traditional garb of the mythical creatures as depicted in popular culture because of my tights and slippers!”
Strongman had made his case in a clear and direct manner.
“I have power that could help those in need. I have time and money and the freedom to do something good for people who can’t do much for themselves. I’d like to have help though. I think you all share my wish to serve or you wouldn’t have adopted your costume roles. Topper investigated you all and he says you are all pretty amazing. I can pay you all to work with me on this team. You can help me and not worry about an income. I can equip you. I can back you up. I don’t have a lot of fancy ideas or big words. That’s not my style. I just want to make the world better and if I need to punch someone or break down a wall to do it, then I’ve got the muscles to do just that! Will you join me?”
Pied Piper had said, “I would relish the chance to test my inventions and expand my research in various fields with your rather significant financial assistance!”
Spider Queen had laughed and said, “It sounds too good to be true but I like a laugh as much as any girl and you sound like a fun guy to hang around with!”
Now, Strongman concentrated on the present and how Topper’s investigation had led them here where Percy had responded to the alert that the train had suddenly veered out of the control.
“Faster than a speeding bullet train! I kind of like the sound of that!” he said.
3
A few weeks before Strongman had formed his team, a young hero had soared over sunny Spain without a care in the world. Stardust (Rafael Guerro) was somewhat new to being an Action Hero but he relished his new powers and the purpose they gave his life.
Stardust smiled as he felt the sun on his face. It was a lovely day! He soared above the famous La Sagrada Familia church that had been designed by the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi in the 1880s but was still incomplete.
“It is truly beautiful. No wonder it is Barcelona’s most popular tourist attraction!” he thought.
His pleasure faded rapidly as he spotted several costume figures below.
The first man had black hair and wore a black and gold costume. He brandished a strange gun in one gloved hand. He gestured to his companion a dark suited man whose face was concealed behind some type of filmy gauze.
They approached the crowded church and seemed oblivious to the stares and cries of onlookers. A blonde woman in a rather brief red, white, and blue costume that revealed a lot of leg approached from the other side as did a hulking man in an ancient Greek or Roman garment and sandals.
“Those costumed figures are a long way from the Catalan Institute of Cinema!” he said as he swooped down to get a closer look at the apparently defiant figures as they marched toward the church!
Before Stardust could even speak to them a blinding burst of energy struck him from behind and he crashed to the ground. The big man charged at him and struck him again and again. He tried to summon his energy powers but he could not concentrate since the attack was so swift and brutal.
Still, the young man was a hero and he managed to blaze with the stellar energy that gave him his costumed name! The muscular man staggered backward and covered his eyes.
The yellow and black clad man fired his gun and Stardust clutched his neck, Some kind of dart or small needle had struck him and he reeled backward as the world began to swim before his eyes.
“Drugged! I am vulnerable to drugs!” he gasped.
He looked up again and saw the man who had apparently struck him from behind. He was costumed in red and gold and he raised both hands and generated another atomic burst and left Stardust prone on the pavement near the church.
Atoman smiled coldly at Ragman, Antaeus, Yankee Girl, and Yellow Jacket.
“He is ours. Our employer will be pleased and will pay well!” he said.
The other former heroes agreed readily as they carried the fallen Stardust away.
4
Strongman and his allies had a fruitless few days in Tokyo as once again nothing unusual occurred at his company. He trusted Topper’s information and he had read about the robberies at other big companies like Kord, Stagg, and Stark but nothing similar had occurred at Van Norton Industries or its branches around the globe.
He paced restlessly in the penthouse of the Tokyo corporate HQ and said, “I don’t understand why none of my companies have been targeted. It can’t be because of our presence here since we weren’t a team and I had not been rejuvenated when the first robberies were reported from other big companies.”
Topper said, “My sources are accurate. I can’t put my finger on why your company has not been hit. It is a natural target. You have products in development anyone would want to steal.”
Silk said, “I have been doing some investigating of my own! I believe the robberies have a common pattern in terms of what has been taken. The items are connected with the harnessing of solar or stellar energy. I could see such technology being used as a weapon or means of extortion in the wrong hands! I also know that a Kord design that has not been made public was duplicated earlier by agents working for Sentai Systems here in Tokyo. I think the mysterious thief we seek will hit Sentai in order to acquire this design!”
Spider Queen said, “How do you know all this, honey?”
Silk said, “I know because I have underworld contacts who fear me more than they fear their masters or the law!”
Topper grinned and said, “Trust me. None of you want to make Silk angry!”
Strongman said, “Okay. So, let’s get to Sentai. I don’t like the fact that we’re helping crooks keep data they stole from someone else but if we can use them as bait for the bigger mastermind, then I’ll live with it. “
He thought, “After this is over, I’ll shut down the Sentai gang too. Maybe, I’ll just find them and show them the error of their ways by shaking their teeth loose!”
That night the new group of heroes staked out the Sentai building and Silk’s tip paid off! Atoman and his gang came out of the darkness and approached the skyscraper in unison.
Topper said, “I know I’ve seen some of those costumes before. The big man was called Atoman and the blonde was Yankee Girl. These two must be copying the original heroes for some reason!”
Strongman said, “Take them down fast!”
He leaped forward and slammed into the red and gold costumed Atoman. He didn’t know who Atoman was nor did he realize that all of the intruders were Action Heroes who had been tainted by a magical spell from a now defeated foe. They had remained corrupted after the woman who cursed them lost to the Sentinels. Now, they served another master but they were still under the magical cloud that robbed them of their true natures.
Atoman said, “I don’t know who you are but those muscles won’t match my atomic bursts for long!”
Strongman grunted as the glowing man rose into the air. He merely tackled him and continued to pound away as Atoman’s inner energies increased ominously.
Topper and Silk circled warily as Ragman and Yankee Girl did the same. None of them rushed into battle but studied the others carefully.
Finally, Silk moved with lightning-like agility and kicked Yankee Girl in the face. She spun around and connected again with a second kick. The blonde rolled aside and nursed her wounds but did not give up the fight. She dodged another attack and then tried to close in on the sultry Chinese woman who remained just out of reach.
Suddenly, a whizzing sound filled the air and Silk whirled around to catch a dart fired at her back by the yellow and black costumed Yellowjacket! She flipped forward and hurled it aside. She was disdainful of such weapons. She preferred to rely on her own superbly skilled body and mind. Silk ignored Yellowjacket. She trusted her allies would occupy him and her uncanny awareness of her combat environment proved accurate once more as Spider Queen swung down on a narrow line and kicked the dart gun out of his hand. Unlike the silent but deadly Silk, Spider Queen smiled broadly and made jokes as she fought.
“You’re just lucky I didn’t call a SWAT team!” she said as she ducked under Yellowjacket’s fists and clipped him with an uppercut.
He slammed his head into her face as he moved toward her. She gasped and rammed her knee into his stomach. His costume offered him protection and she found herself reeling as he grabbed for her.
She fired a gooey substance from her shiny wrist bracelet and it covered his face and obscured his vision.
She took advantage of this weakness to battered him with both fists and finish him off with a kick that lacked Silk’s own grace but equaled her power!
Yellowjacket collapsed and she swiftly bound him with a thicker form of her adhesive.
“Insect themed villains are so passé!” she joked.
Meanwhile, Silk had managed to knock Yankee Girl out with a precise blow to her head.
Topper and Ragman grappled nearby. The two men were strangely similar and yet equally different. Topper was immaculately dressed while Ragman wore a tattered suit. Yet, both men were heirs to heroic traditions. Topper’s grandfather had been the original Topper while Ragman’s father and grandfather had both been “mystery men.”
They were almost matched in terms of their fighting abilities. In truth, Ragman may have had the edge but he and his allies just might have been resisting the spell that motivated them to do evil. There was no obvious sign of this resistance unless it might have been found in the tiniest hesitancy or a small tendency to pull their punches.
As the two men silently wrestled across the plaza in front of the skyscraper, their allies fought on.
The brawny Antaeus approached Pied Piper but the petite blonde was too fast for him. She gave a small squeal as she ran from the huge man and then calmed herself down and blew on her golden pipes!
The music struck him like a concussive force but his magical invulnerability protected him and he cornered Susan Prentice against a fountain.
She adjusted her instrument and the music resumed but this time it was softer and caused her foe’s eyes to glaze over. He tottered over her as she crouched down and played furiously. Finally, to her relief, he fell flat.
“Putting him to sleep was my only chance since his body seemed resistant to physical trauma!” she decided.
Ragman had knocked Topper to the ground and was choking him! Before he could finish off the dapper dressed hero, Topper broke his grip and knocked him cold!
He smiled and noticed his partner Silk was watching and had been ready to intervene if needed. She was a truly valuable ally! He knew at times he fought all the harder just to avoid letting the superior skilled fighter down.
“How did I do?” he said.
Silk said, “Capable as always but lacking finesse!”
Topper winked at her and said, “I’ll do better next time!”
Meanwhile, one level above the plaza on a balcony overhead, Strongman was fighting onward even as Atoman’s atomic energies surged around them like a nimbus that illuminated the night sky
Atoman laughed and said, “Atomic energy is the future. You’re a relic from the Stone Age! How can you hope to beat me!”
Strongman refused to quit and as he connected with one last punch, Atoman staggered backward and collapsed. His glowing body dimmed and he remained still.
“Maybe, I’m just too stubborn to know when to quit!” said Strongman.
At that moment Silk pointed to a prone figure laying in the shadows beneath the decorative shrubbery that lined the plaza.
“It looks as if he was caught in the blast Atoman generated,” she said.
Strongman bounded over and said, “It’s Norio Sato! He must have been struck by some of the rubble caused by those energy bolts! Why would he be here?”
Spider Queen said, “Sato hated you because his father devoted so much time to your company and spent little time with his family! He wanted to ruin you out of jealousy!”
Norio Sato groaned and spoke softly, “No! I did resent my father for his neglect but I am only here because I fear how far his devotion to duty will carry him! I came here …. I followed him!”
Strongman said, “What are you saying?”
At that moment Mr. Sato walked into view and bent down over his injured son. As tears filled his eyes, he said, “My son knows that in my desire to protect you and the company that has sustained my humble family for so long, I have been responsible for the thefts from other companies. My desire has only been to seen Van Norton Industries thrive at any cost. To that end I have used company resources to equip some unworthy individuals to serve me and in doing so protect your company!”
Strongman said, “Sato, I don’t question your loyalty but your methods go against everything I believe in. Are you telling me that you paid these costumed losers to rob and sabotage my corporate rivals?”
Mr. Sato said, “Yes. I also used company funds to finance the development of other agents. You never paid attention to the running of the company and thus, the shame must rest solely on my shoulders. I only acted to enrich you and reward you for hiring me so long ago! Perhaps, I have failed you and failed as a father as well!”
Norio placed one hand on his father’s narrow shoulders and said, “No. I was equally wrong to be so bitter!”
Suddenly, Spider Queen dropped down from above and said, “I think he will recover. His injuries don’t seem life threatening! I’ve called the paramedics!”
Mr. Sato nodded and said, “Thank you, young lady.”
Topper said, “Strongman, if your company did finance a bunch of Action Villains, our work is just beginning!”
Silk agreed. “He is a man of honor. We will help him find these felons and make things right!”
Strongman nodded slowly. “Yeah, if my money paid for a bunch of punks to hurt other people, then I’ll make things right if it takes every last cent!”
“Sato, you’ve been so wrong. I’ll find a way to help you too. I don’t know exactly what to do but we’ll find the way together if you’ll cooperate!”he said.
Mr. Sato nodded and said, “I suppose I deluded myself into thinking the ends justified the means. Had I thought hard enough I would have realized your true character and how you would never see profit as being more important than honor.”
Pied Piper said, “What about your minions?”
Spider Queen said, “We will help the cops take them to jail. That light show blondie put on will soon bring the police here!”
Mr. Sato said, “I fear I have more to atone for since I imprisoned a hero known as Stardust II. I sought to tap into his awesome power. In fact, we must hurry if we are to prevent a tragedy. My scientists have been using the stolen technology to tap into his might. This very night they planned to test the energy accumulating harness!”
An explosion shook the street and a gleaming figure lumbered into view! The humanoid glowed brightly and loomed gigantically over the city! Sirens filled the night as frightened men and women fled from the massive being.
“Great Scott! That’s Stardust! I saw his photo in a Barcelona paper. You’ve turned him into some kind of monster!” said Topper!
5
Topper turned to Mr. Sato and said, “Can you change him back? Is it possible to drain the energy from him?”
Sato said, “I do not know. My scientists were conducting the experiments. I am sorry!”
Spider Queen said, “Okay, I’ll play Fay Wray while you figure out what to do!”
She fired her webline and struck the enlarged and maddened Stardust II on one leg. She swung upward and continued to fire the lines until she had encircled him. He ignore her and merely continued to move forward as the others like Topper and Silk helped ordinary citizens escape from his path.
Strongman raced forward and bounded up to crash into the gleaming giant. He struck with full force and sent Stardust crashing backward.
He struggled to find a way to gain some leverage as they fell but even with all of his strength he could only topple down with the confused hero of Spain.
“He’s mindless! I can’t blame him for this rampage. I guess all that stored up energy was like a drug to his body! He’s high on solar power or star power or whatever fuels him!” he said.
Pied Piper ran forward and darted over obstacles until she could reach the chaotic scene. She played her pipes and the music soothed the behemoth!
“It’s working just like it did with that other brute!” she mused.
“He is calmer but the energy is still in him!” said Strongman.
He managed to shift his own weight until he could carry the giant hero over his head and leap away from the city.
“I hope dropping him into the harbor will cool him down!” he thought. He started to dive in the water when a blonde woman in a blue tunic and silver sandals flew into view. She carried a silver bow and matching arrows in a quiver across her back. She was stunningly beautiful.
“I am Diana the Huntress! I have not walked this mortal realm in many decades but I have returned because I know I am needed! The Oracle at Delphi told me that I would play a vital role in the defense of those in need and successfully oppose evil in this world once more!” she said.
She walked gracefully over to where Strongman stood with the glowing Stardust and she placed one hand on the Spanish hero’s body. He stiffened for a moment and then slowly his glow dimmed and he returned to normal size.
“What happened? Where am I?” he stammered.
Strongman smiled and said, “Tokyo. You’re in Japan and you’re going to be fine! I have a feeling we all are!”
Diana smiled back and said, “I was able to reach his heroic heart and restore him through the magic of Olympus. I would join your band of champions! You remind me of many other heroes I knew in past eons!”
Strongman said, “Lady, you got a way about you! I’d be glad to have you on my team!”
He looked at Stardust II and said, “If you can fly as fast as I’ve heard, you’d be a perfect member too. I bet you could get to America from Spain in minutes if you wanted to!”
Stardust said, “Sure but would you please tell me what’s going on?”
Strongman smiled and said, “Kid, it’s a long story and it’s far from over. You see, I got a lot to do and you and others like you could be a big help to me!”
Later, Strongman strolled through the streets of Chicago with Diana.
“Mr. Sato was behind all of this. He meant well but he did a lot of harm. His son is going to recover and I’m determined to make up for any wrongs Sato did with my money in the name of loyalty to my company. For that matter, I hope somebody can help those costumed types he hired as well. Topper said they were heroes at one time. If they can be restored or reformed, I’ll pay for it. I have a lot to figure out!” he said.
Diana said, “You are starting from a superior position since you have a true heart. You are a hero!”
Strongman shrugged and said, “I’m going to do my best! That’s a promise!”
The End