Issue #2
November 2009

"The Death and Life of the Greenwhich Guardian"

Written By Scott Redmond

The Avengers. The Fantastic Four. Spider-Man. Even Daredevil. They all shared one thing in common over the newest hero on the scene. They had front page coverage of their exploits. Every paper from the Daily Bugle to the Daily Globe had the heroes battles and dramas plastered to their pages. Page after page really. Yet there seemed to be nothing about the battle on the grounds of the college.

“You got to be kidding me.” Angrily Greg tossed the Globe edition onto the bed and forgot about it. The last few pages of the Bugle were looked through to see if it should follow the last paper’s fate. As the last page turned pay dirt was at last found. A small article beside an ad for women’s perfume and one for erectile dysfunction.

The article read of Swarms attempt to steal the high tech device from the campus. There were mentions of those lives in danger and the back story of the Nazi scientist made of bees. Then finally in the last paragraph there was mention of the hero that had come down to save the day. The hero that was clearly Spider-Man in another new costume… “Spider-Man!”

Astonishment painted the young man’s face as the paper crumpled in a balled up fist. After rushing into the battle and saving countless lives and the device, the reward was to be confused with another hero. What great luck. Gravity’s big break, was a big bust.

“Story of my life.”

The paper was all but forgotten as the blond haired college youth moved through the halls towards his class. The halls were still confusing even for the second day of school. The roommate he was assigned still hadn’t been seen, apparently keeping some odd hours as the bed had been slept in at some point. Perhaps he had been assigned a ghost roommate, the thought of which sent a chuckle through his body. Laughter helped.

The class room for Advanced Biology was packed, only a few desks remaining. Eying one, he moved forward through the crowd and managed to snag it before the other roaming students could. Settling into the cold plastic and wood piece of furniture, the sound of a giggle beside his face brought him back to reality. It came from the desk beside him. One look brought it to his attention that the giggler was the same girl he had been far from casually checking out the day before.

Blush hit his cheeks quickly, turning them scarlet red. She waved it off with a laugh. “I’m not laughing at you. Don’t worry. I’m laughing at the predatory nature of us all coming into play when it comes to securing even something like a desk in a frenzy. We’re closer to the animals than we like to admit. It’s an interesting dynamic, don’t you agree?”

“Uh yeah…I guess.”

“You don’t think that our territorial nature as a society mirrors many of the social constructs in place in the Animal Kingdom?”

“I guess I never really thought about it.”

“Ah, the more honest answer emerges.”

“Well I wasn’t really trying to be dishonest before.”

“You weren’t trying, but in that you were dishonest. It’s a common occurrence when the subject matter is not within the conceptual grasp of an individual. We grasp at straws in order to seem intelligent rather than admitting our deficiencies. Which is quite counter productive really.”

“Umm yeah, guess you’re right.”

Giggling again softly with a hand by her mouth, the same hand was extended a moment later. “I’m sorry, how rude of me. I’m Lauren. Lauren Singh. You are?”

Accepting the hand in a shake, Greg felt a bit better. “Greg Wallis. I just transferred in yesterday afternoon.”

The hand slid back up to her face as she tapped her index finger against her chin. “Hmm, from Wisconsin I believe? Am I correct?”

“How did you...?”

“I’ve studied accents before. From the slight variation in your speaking I determined you were from that area. Wisconsin seemed the logical guess from there.” Letting it sink in as he stared at her slack jawed, the laughter bubbled out from her lips. “Sorry couldn’t hold it anymore. I actually just saw the corner of your transcript there under the binder.”

Glancing down he noticed the yellow edge of paper sticking out with his home address. The blush was returning again. “Oh, yeah. Makes sense.”

As the Professor began to speak on the class size and not accepting any adds, the two turned back to the front of class. Soon roll was called and the syllabi were moved around the class for the taking. Engrossed in the speaking voice of his new Professor, it was easy to almost miss the piece of paper slid under his binder. A quick pull brought it to light and the phone number and name with a heart etched upon it. Another quick confirmation was found when turning to look at the attractive girl beside him.

Catching his eye, she smiled and winked before turning back to listen. As the number was stuffed into his pocket, Greg smiled even wider than before. The newspaper and it’s disappointment were forgotten as Lauren filled the brain. The day was definitely looking up now.

The constant sound of fingers hitting keys on the computer keyboard was enough to drive a person mad. Teeth gritted as Sean Nolan held his head aloft upon his elbow steadied arms on the desk. Every day it was the same thing. Tapping of the keys. The swish of the copy machine spitting out daily reports. Gossip around the water cooler about some inane reality television program. The loves gained and lost by the various co-workers. It was all static within his ears and mind. No matter how much it stayed the same, so did the fact that no one ever noticed shy quiet Sean.

The proverbial third wheel at all times, Sean almost blended into the wallpaper. Sitting at the desk for nine hours a day churning out finance report after report could do that. It caused incurable invisibility within a person presumably. No matter how much he tried there was just no getting ahead it seemed. If only they knew the life that was lived outside the confines of the Pinehurst Insurance Company building. If only they knew about Sean Nolan, otherwise known as the Greenwich Guardian.

Springing up overnight many years before, the Guardian protected the area surrounding his Greenwich apartment. Sure it was substandard and far from his dream home, but it did it’s part in his secret identity. Only in comics did the heroes live in swanky mansions with butlers, unless they were the Avengers. Well and the Fantastic Four. Maybe the X-Men too. All that mattered to Sean was that he was your average Joe superhero. A brand new Spider-Man of sorts. Down to earth and misunderstood by all those he helped save. Sure they cheered most times, but others they muttered about him as a vigilante and causing trouble to their perfectly structured days. If only the webhead and the Guardian could meet and compare notes. The experience that could imparted would be more than invaluable. It would be priceless.

“Sean, gonna need those quarter final reports on my desk by six.” The harsh tones of the floor’s foreman Daniel Karson broke Sean’s daydreams back to reality.

“I…but I have the night off Daniel…”

“Not anymore Sport. Donna and Dave called in sick. You’re covering their shifts. Come on Sean, not like you have anything to go home too, right?”

“No…course not.” The once content face sunk into near depression. The day had taken a downward spiral. Just another day in the life of a mild mannered insurance agent. A final glance out the windows at the night that was calling and he was back to the forms, everything else all bur forgotten.

Classes had passed by in a blur, one blending into the other pretty easily. Most of the information had never even reached his ears. Greg’s mind was focused solely upon the paper with a phone number within his side pocket. Ever since she had given it he couldn’t stop thinking about it. Never had a girl been so forward back home. All efforts had been on his part for naught every time. The lure of strong independent women that took charge was definitely a draw to New York. Thank God for scholarships to New York.

One barrier within the hall kept from entrance into the small cramped room. The door that proclaimed the room beyond to be the ‘Crash Pad of Greg and Frog’ upon the white board. Clearly this Frog had been within the room at some point that day. Perhaps even lurking within. Taking a sigh, Greg knew he had to get it out of the way. Avoiding the guy as if he was some plague was no way to make new friends. Riding off the high of Lauren’s attention, Greg felt like nothing in the world could take him down.

Pushing the door open brought on an onslaught of loud music. Clearly his rommate was in right that moment. It was really now or never. With a sigh the door was pushed all the way open to allow entrance. Sliding through, a hand closed the door again as eyes took in the sight of the bald headed young man bouncing along his bed while playing air drums and a guitar surprisngly well. So the illustrious Frog was seen at last. With a jolt the other young man realized the entrance and bounced to the ground before running over.

“You must be Greg! Hey, names Frog. But I bet you already knew that from the white board and the room plaque. Just in case, I am indeed the Frog listed there. Been waiting for you roomie. Totally was gonna meet you last night but I was at this kick ass party and got toally smashed and detained. Didn’t get in till the dawn and you were gone. But now you’re here, and we can talk. If I let you speak. Totally sorry dude. Zipped….now.”

Never had Greg met such a verbose person. Not sure what to say he laughed lightly. “It’s nice to meet you….Frog. I assume you like superheroes?” An errant finger pointed at the various posters around the room.

“Like them! I’m the greatest authority ever on superheroes. If they’ve even stopped a purse mugging I’ve got info on them. Ever heard of the Scarlet Winger?”

“Umm no…”

“Exactly. Stopped two muggings in Hells Kitchen before running up against the Kingpin’s men years ago. Dude was never seen again. His wings were found washed up downriver, but that’s never been substantiated. Oh what about the Rewarder?”

Knowing that speaking would just mean being cut off, Greg just gave a nod. Laughing, Frog surged forward in speaking. “Exactly. No one has. Guy lasted one night till he landed in the wrong bar and came face to face with Bullseye. Long story short he really didn’t survive that experience. Still don’t know what it was he rewarded exactly. Nor will we ever. This room is a shrine, no a copendium of all knowledge on super heroes and villains. Bask it the ambience my friend.”

“I can fell it, I suppose.” The time had slipped by and night was descending. Gazing at the clock over Frog’s shoulder, the mind began to whirl for ways to escape. “I’d love to talk more buddy, but I got to get this library book I borrowed earlier back before they close.”

The beief hurt look upon Frog’s face disappeared just as quick to be replaced by a smile. “No problem dude. I’m just gonna chill here for the night till later. There is an awesome party going down at the Omega Delta Theta Frat house. You want to come after the library?”

“Umm no, I think I’m gonna turn in early. Got a early class in the morning.”

“Oh…okay. I’ll see you tomrrow then roomie. Later.”

As the door closed behind, Greg slumped against it with a pained sigh. Sometimes being a hero brought great joy and happiness within, and other times it made one feel like the biggest tool in the world. Tonight was one of the latter.

The guilt of ditching Frog was still prevalent, but it was buried deep under the unbridled enthusiasm and excitement that moving from rooftop to rooftop on patrol brought. Greg felt free as Gravity, able to do just about anything. Stop crime. Call Lauren. Just about anything really. The night had been calm so far, so Gravity hadn’t gotten much use. It was a shame really though. After the last press a chance to show what a hero he could be was needed. Maybe he’d have to start marking crime scenes with some signal that told others who he was. Maybe burn a giant version of his chest logo onto a building or such. Shaking it off, he realized that was a stupid idea.

“Been watchign too much T.V Greg.” Landing upon a small ledge, eyes moved across the city. It was quieter than usual at night. For the city that never slept it was pretty desolate. “Maybe their sane and getting sleep. Like I should be.”

How he would explain an empty bed when his roommate eventually got back was beyond him. Hopefully the guy would be so drunk he didn’t notice or think straight. Either that or the library excuse saw the light of day again. “No time to worry anways. There has to be somone out there that needs help.”

As if summoned from on high, a loud explosion sounded in the distance. Smoke billowed into the sky and sirens began to wail. The signal had been given. A smile blossomed across the expolsed lower face, as the white clad hero levitated off the roof and towards the lower buildings below. Moments later the burning building could be seen clearly. Smoke billowed from the windows and flames licked around the corners. The sign across the top of the building read Pinehurst Insurance Company. The sign itself was covered with flickering flames and was close to breaking off and plummet into the croweds below.

Screams sounded out many of the windows, their occupants either hidden by the smoke or hanging out the windows with arms waving. Most had escaped to the lower level and into the streets. There were stragglers left that had no way to escape. “Looks like it’s show time.”

Eyes below watched as the white clad figure floating far above, darted inot the first window with a loud crash. Glass flew around, as the smoke dissipated somewhat. The gravemetric field surrounding his body saved Greg from most of the heat. Some seeped through the uniform, causing an arm to rise and wipe at a soaking wet brow.

The first hall taken proved to be a dead end. While the second was gone as most of the upper floor had poored into it. “Not a good start so far.” Muttering, eyes moved back to the third branch and he took off towards it.

A scream at the end of the hall signalled that someone was there to be found. The door burst open and the woman cowering upon the floor looked skeptical while also releived. Even in New York with super heroes around every corner, the common person still found it all unnerving or strange. No doubt the sheer amount of heroes scared them to some degree. “I’m here to help you ma’am!”

“No shit sherlock.” There was almost shock on his face as she stood up and glared at him. Well that was far from expected. Moments later Gravity descended with the irrate woman in arms. The paramedics helped her as she muttereed something about ‘damn supers always messing things up’. Cameras flashed and reporters yelled questions as he rose into the air once again. There was no time for the media. Just as the building was reached a red blur suddenly appeared within the window. Cheers rose from below as the figure was spotted. From the costume and the cheers it was easy to determine the figure was a hero.

“Hello fellow crime fighter! I am happy to see you here. I can use great help in this endeavor. Are you prepared to save the day?”

Greg stared blankly as the man’s energy caught him off guard. “Umm…yeah.”

“Very good!” A red gloved hand came down to slap upon the white covered back. “What is your name my friend?”

“Gravity.”

“I am the Greenwich Guardian! Come let us be of great service!”

As the red uniformed hero entered the building, flames crackled along the roof and grew higher. As the gravametric field grew around his body, Greg moved forward only to be driven back by a burst of flames. All around the building went up into more flames as an explosion rocked the core and blew off the top half of the building. Screams below could be heard as the pieces began their logical plummet towards Earth and those below.

Surging forward, sweat pooled upon the forehead as every last bit of energy was expended to move faster. With a concentrated effort the gravity between the masses and the debris was drmatically reversed. The debris seemed to hit something solid when they reached that point and rocketed upward dramatically. More sweat rolled down the face as with a last gasp he watched it all sail through the atmosphere and dissappear from sight. Releasing the forces, gravity was restored as he fell to the ground. The crowds cheered, as goggle covered eyes stared at the wreck of the building theat now served as the Greenwich Guardian’s tomb.

Epilogue I

The rubble settled far below ground level as dust filled the air. The Pinehurst building was almost nothing but a memory. The floors and walls were still structurally unsound as the city hadn’t been able to send anyone out to inspect them just yet. The fires were out, and once it was deemed safe the bodies would begin to be excavated. Groans echoed through the open air as the building tried to settle still.

A more human groan filled the air as debris were pushed aside. A hand snaked out and grabbed the ground, blood caked upon almost every inch. After the arm a body began to emerge. Gasping for air, the figure crawled forward. Blood poured from cuts all over the body, burns marring the rest. The face was almost unrecognizeable. Bits of red fabris were burned and melted into the skin, pain searing from every body part. Rasping, the husk that was once a hero began the long crawl from the building, dead inside. The Greenwich Guardian was dead.

Epilogue II

The footage of the save at the insurance building earlier in the day kept playing over and over on the large plasma television upon the wall. The clink of ice in a glass could be heard, as a firm hand gripped the glass and drank the contents down quickly. The glass was placed back as the footage began to play again. The reporters had cornered the hero afterwards, learning the name of their savior. Young and naïve. It was written upon the face, as much as could be seen that was. Just the way he spoke, he was young. Mallable. Moldable.

“Just the perfect choice.” The televison froze upon the image of Gravity as the dark figure smiled, ready to bring the young man in. The plan was moving forward, better and better each day.

Next Issue: Circus of Crime! Nuff’ Said