Megalopolis

The flight was awkward. Buddy, now as Copycat, and Bryan, as Zero, sat in silence as the squad's transport/fighter jet's predetermined course took them towards the city. Copycat hadn't had many experiences with Zero so he didn't know if Zero would trust him or not. And it seemed kind of weird to just blurt out, "Hey, do yo hate me?"

The long silence was finally broken by an operator from the shield control tower coming over the radio. "State your business."

Zero answered. "This is ILOST Skyraker-13. We are coming to assist with the escapee manhunt."

"Skyraker-13, this is Megalopolis Shield, you are clear. Please proceed to Alpha Gate."

Zero took the controls and maneuvered the jet to the gate's location. A section of the honeycombed energy shield plates dropped allowing Zero to pilot the jet through the protective force shield.

"Skyraker-13, this is the local PAWS commissioner, Roger Cliff. We appreciate you coming to aid us. A landing strip has been set up at the following coordinates..."

Copycat's attention started to drift as Zero and the commissioner followed protocol. He still couldn't get last night's events out of his head. He tried to put it aside because he was now on a mission, and a distracted hero is a dead hero, but it just kept picking at him.

"Find the Gate," a voice suddenly whispered.

"Huh? Did you say something, Zero?"

"No. We'll be landing soon."

"Activate the Gate," the voice whispered.

"Don't tell me you didn't hear that," said Copycat.

"Hear what?"

"Someone just said something about activating the gate."

Zero lowered his slivery face plate just so he could raise an eyebrow at Copycat. "You're probably just hearing things. Transbeings with super-hearing always have trouble their first time in Megalopolis; they pick up all sorts of weird chatter."

***

Zero and Copycat were greeted by the commissioner upon leaving the transport.

"Thank you for..." The commissioner and officers stopped mid-stride once they saw Copycat. "Oh," said Commissioner Roger Cliff. "Uh, I see you brought the copy-cat."

"According to the International League of Super-Transbeings Artificial Intelligence system, Copycat and I have the highest probability of success. That is why we were chosen for this particular case," said Zero.

"Oh...um...well, I suppose I should fill you in on the latest grid check-ins." Cliff and the officers turned back towards the building. The commissioner waved forward in an "after you" gesture. Zero and Copycat started towards the building. The commissioner suddenly held up a hand blocking Copycat. "Not you. We have some news reporters in there. No need to make a sensitive situation worse."

Copycat looked to Zero for help.

"Stay out here, Copycat," said Zero.

"But..."

"We'll only be a moment."

***

Copycat brought up the holographic digital clock again and paced. "'Only a moment.' Right. It's been twenty minutes." Copycat groaned as another minute ticked by. "This is ridiculous! I should be in there! I am the prince of Tektix. [Tech-ticks]"

The sound of static followed by a crackling voice suddenly hit Copycat's ears. "We've spotted the suspects by Val's Bar."

Copycat started towards the building to let Zero know what he'd heard, but stopped. Why should he tell? Maybe if he caught the escapees, they'd finally accept him.

Copycat went airborne and flew towards Val's Bar. He took a moment to enjoy the view. Up in the air seemed to be the only place he could get some peace. Up here were just birds, planes, and the occasional flying superhero. He spread his arms for a moment taking it all in and then returned to his pursuit. A second later, he hovered near the bar.

He narrowed his eyes to focus his vision. He didn't have x-ray vision; it was more like...life vision. Since he could copy the abilities of any living thing, his vision (if focused) could pick out living things. So he could "see" the people playing pool in the bar, but not the bar table—or the pool cues for that matter (thankfully, he can see clothes). Sadly, his life vision didn't pick up the two escapees. He landed in the alley by the bar; he'd have to search on foot.

The lights from the businesses flickered and rats scurried around Copycat's feet. He could hear the dripping of water and the smell of week old food and other things best not thought about. Finally, Copycat spotted a young man facing the wall. He had the look of someone who might regular the area.

"Excuse me," said Copycat.

The man turned. Copycat let out a gasp. The man's eyes were completely black. Black veins emanated from his eyes. Drool trickled down his chin. He was alive...sort of. The sound of a cruel chuckle made Copycat turn. Behind him were the two escapees.

One mocked a bow. "Your majesty, what an honor. Do you like our work?"

"You're...you're Tektrons [Tech-trons]?"

"Oooh," said one mocking a shiver. "Prince Budmore knows us."

"What did you do to this man?" Copycat asked.

"Nothing that any Tektron couldn't do. You've even done it. We just took it to its next step."

"The copy ability. But how?"

"How do you think you copy someone? That scan we do takes a bit of the person's essence. Normally, it's not enough to harm anyone. But, imagine taking it all. The victim is alive, but there's not much upstairs."

A mild pain hit Copycat's head as a memory came back. A memory regarding the worst criminals on Tektix. "Soul-eaters." The two criminals smiled gleefully at the name. "How could you?"

One of them pointed an accusing finger at Copycat. "You are the one to bring this about! You stopped the Gate of Eden from completing its mission! It was supposed to transform this mud-ball into a new Tektix. But you sided with the humans."

"Traitor!" screamed the other as flames exploded from his mouth.

Copycat quickly shielded the victim with his body. The flames engulfed Copycat. His durable skin protected them, but it wouldn't last forever.

Slowly, flames began to burn Copycat's skin.

_____
If you enjoyed this chapter, I have eBooks featuring my other characters available for purchase at many fine online retailers (such as iBooks) under the name Joe Rover.

Until the next Copycat chapter...