DarkLight Redemption: Post-Human Universe - Book One

Chapter Two

Secret identities are a surprisingly rare commodity these days, but I've managed to keep mine intact. My choice of costume helps since my mask offers nearly complete facial coverage.

It's constructed of a spandexy space-age material that covers the top of my head to my nose. It extends down my neck as well, just leaving my mouth and jaw exposed. I haven't shaved for a couple days, so I've got a decent amount of scruffiness happening. But that's hardly a distinctly identifiable feature.

The eye holes are pretty wide, but lots of people have blue eyes. I'd once considered an open-topped mask so I could work the whole hair-dramatically- blowing-in-the-wind thing. But dirty blond hair coupled with a strongish jawline, six-foot-tall athletic build and blue eyes does form a decent Wanted poster.

Since you asked, my costume is two pieces: top and bottom, long sleeves and pants. I wear gloves, too, because if you can't keep your fingerprints to yourself, then you can't keep a secret identity.

Color scheme is charcoal gray with midnight blue trimming. The mask and the symbol on my chest are both blue. The symbol is an eight-pronged crystalline compass. I'll be honest: It doesn't really mean anything -- I just thought it looked cooler than a stylized DL. Get it? For DarkLight?

Yeah, I thought it was lame, too, which is why I went with the other thing. Anyway, no cape for me, though I was tempted by the thoughts of it billowing badassedly in the wind. But it really wouldn't serve any purpose besides getting in the way.

Unlike many other Post-Humans, my costume is neither spandex nor leather. It's not skintight because, while I'm in pretty good shape, I've hardly got what you'd call a herculean physique.

Truth is, I did try a full costume made out of the same material my mask is made out of. But I sweat through it in ten minutes, and it bunched up in all sort of uncomfortable crevices.

So I go with a nylon/canvas hybrid. It looks good on me, and I've got a full range of motions, so I'm happy with it. That being said, I fold it up and drop it in my duffle bag before making my way to Weston Tower.

I put on a suit because I'd look just a suspicious going to a meeting with Drake Weston wearing a t-shirt and jeans as I would wearing my costume. He does have several subterranean entrances to the building, but they're generally saved for emergencies.

After signing in at the lobby desk, I'm escorted to Weston's private elevator and sent up. They don't bother sending security up with me since I've been here plenty of times before.

Weston has some contingency plans in place in this building since -- while he may be the most powerful man in the world -- he's still just a man. This is why every light in the building emits an energy signature that interrupts the powers of any Post-Human under them.

He sold the technology to the government a few years back for a couple billion dollars. It's mostly used by P.H.A.T.E. for imprisoning captured supervillains.

One thing you have to hand to Drake Weston is that he knows how to play all the angles. I'd respect the man even more if he weren't a power-hungry megalomaniac.

When the elevator doors slide open, I'm met by a pair of the most beautiful big green eyes I've ever seen. Once I get past them, I take in a view of short red hair, pale skin and tall, lean gorgeousness.

She smiles at me, and we nearly bump heads as I'm leaving the elevator and she's getting in. Pretty smile, too. This is the kind of girl that could get me in trouble, especially if she's got business with Weston.

I manage to grunt out half of a couple of words. Think I was going for either "Pardon me," "Excuse me," "I'm sorry" or "My bad." Naturally what came out sounded like "Perdexmesorrbad."