Over the last twenty years, much of US law enforcement had reduced or eliminated SWAT teams as their functions were taken over by local super teams. The pseudo-military nature of SWAT operations had never sat well with a lot of civilians, so turning those missions over to the supers was popular. This move also restricted … Continue reading Chapter 20 – Special Weapons And Tactics

Despite advancements in materials technology over the past few decades, superhero costumes still ran the gamut between stylistic and functional. The line wasn't always clear; for example, most people would consider Flawless Form's gi to be a functional choice, but there were plenty of other options that would provide similar coverage and freedom of movement. … Continue reading Chapter 19 – Imminent Danger

It took very little time to locate the Kowalczyks by rewinding my View to just before they left the warehouse and riding along. Mikey was hunched over with his head between his legs the entire car ride, and Old Joe periodically rubbed his back and murmured something. Buzz and Big Joe were having a much … Continue reading Chapter 18 – Power and Responsibility

I didn't find out until later that Flawless Form's physical enhancements were limited to healing and invulnerability; his powers included no super strength or speed. That's why what happened next was surprising, because despite Big Joe's speed, he was entirely outclassed. In films, martial arts are dramatized - broad, sweeping motions into stylish poses - … Continue reading Chapter 17 – Hot Pursuit

One of my Dad's most overused sayings, which I've noticed Paris repeating since she was promoted to homicide: "It's not the crime; it's the cover-up." Watching the Kowalczyks following their encounter with Refraxx, I understood just what they meant. Big Joe hunched over the distinctive blue motorcycle as he drove it away from the warehouse. … Continue reading Chapter 16 – In Transit

I'm not a physicist; I know just enough to recognize my own ignorance on the subject. For example, I know that powers are called 'omicron aberrations' by some scientists, and that they are believed to be caused by vibrations within a 'gauge field' with 'half-integer spin' (generally thought impossible until the discovery and later exploitation … Continue reading Chapter 15 – A Battle in Newark

Despite their ridiculous size and visible opulence, locating a particular property in the Hamptons can be surprisingly difficult. Manors are often recessed a mile or more from the road, make copious use of landscaping features and tree cover, and follow no uniformity in spacing and construction. A celebrity or mogul who chooses to purchase a … Continue reading Chapter 14 – The Hamptons