Hourman: Issue #2
1961:
The word "Ivytown Mid Theatre" shines above a white marquee in blue neon light. Here a young couple exits the theatre wearing hippie-like clothing. The man has an arm around the woman who is eating from a bucket of popcorn. The air is dark and inky, only lighted by the glow from the theatre and streetlights. The sidewalk is dark and spotted with shiny puddles from a recent rainfall. Upon the ground the couple steps atop a discarded wet newspaper. The only wording that can be seen on the newspaper is its title "Ivytown Inquirer" and the large print headline of "Vigilante???". The couple turns the corner and begins traversing down a dark alley. Before the couple, a man pointing a small silver revolver appears from behind a large dumpster.
Mugger:
"Stop right there! Don't move! Money! Give me your money. Now!"
The man presents his wallet and the woman turns her purse as to empty its contents all at once. All move their views in unison to a fire exist stoop above them. Unbeknownst to them an oddly attired man descends quietly from above; but from the opposite direction of their gaze. Hourman stands directly behind the would be mugger, visibly angered. He wears dark yellow, black, and crimson trim. His face is covered by a large half mask and the shadow produced by the black hood which continues into a long cape. The mugger turns around quickly and tries to raise the pistol toward Hourman's face. His attempt is thwarted as Hourman grabs his wrist, and the mugger drops the gun with a loud snapping sound reverberating in the alley. The mugger then attempts to punch with his free arm, which is easily blocked. Hourman drops the now broken wrist, and snatches the mugger's collar only to align his face for a fierce haymaker punch. Blood spurts with a single tooth as the mugger deflates onto the ground in an unconscious lump. The couple still there, shocked into paralysis, eyes wide and jaws agape focused on the hooded figure. Hourman stands under the sterile glow of a nearby neon light, hands clenched, and focused on the ground.
Hourman:
"Get a police officer. Always remember this; life can be forever changed in a mere hour, minute, or second."
The Present:
Nightfall shadows most of Tylerco's large complex, save a few lights along the perimeter. The tall primary building stands dark, except one large brightly shining window on the top floor. In the large office, Rick stands before the bay window staring out at the night. His jacket removed, tie loosened, and his sleeves are pushed up to his elbows. On top the desk the tattered "MIRACLO" file sits opened, and his computer screen displays the search results for a "Terry Carter". Rick squints as he struggles to focus, it looks as if a shadowed man is standing amongst knee high grass on the desolate, dark beachside. The figure seems to be looking directly at Rick, sending shivers down his spine. Rick abruptly steps back in fright as it appears as if this undefined figure points directly at him. Rick glances back only to see an absent beach and as he returns to his chair the two way radio squawks loudly.
Handset:
"Sir?"
Rick:
"Go head Jakeem."
Jakeem:
"Your not going to believe this but we found something...inside a very, very old safe in the former laboratory...it looks like a map...with directions to...well it looks like another lab...somewhere near the beachside...it's actually underground...this map only has this odd quote headlining it..."A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life*"...
1961:
Rex stumbles through the darkened cave, his hideout. He removes his mask and lets it fall onto a nearby table top. He sits in a large backed chair behind a long table. On the table multiple screens and radios sit turned off. Rex pulls back the hood of his Hourman guise and opens a drawer under the table before him. He shifts through the contents of office supplies and several newspaper clips in reference to a vigilante. He finally finds his photograph of Beverly and tenderly places it on the table. Rex opens another drawer from it he produces a half filled bottle of whiskey and a large silver revolver both of which he places on the table before him. He also reaches into the drawer and brings out an orange tint pill bottle, which he opens and lets the small white tablets splay upon the table top. His gloved hand then reaches for three of them and he swallows them with a swig from the whiskey bottle as he stares at the now fading photograph of his lost love.
Rex:
"I would do, give anything...anything to go back to that day. I miss you Bev...
Voice:
"You may be ready."
Rex stares around quickly and confused. The voice seem to come from everywhere and Rex then stares incredulously at the whiskey bottle in his hand.
Voice:
"Oh I'm not some drug induced figment of your imagination. No. I've been watching you for a very long time."
A red haired man wearing a black jumpsuit with crimson gloves and boots emerges from the shadows of the underground hideout.
Degaton:
"Call me Degaton. I need your help, we have to stop Extant."
That would be the second issue, you can find the first somewhere on this site.
*that is a Charles Darwin quote.