Far Out!

A New Year's Resolution

Scarlet sighed in contentment as she danced with Herb, swaying her hips in time to the music and staring up into her husband's foxy eyes. It was the New Year's Eve of nineteen sixty-seven and they'd been dancing, drinking, and socializing all evening at Madame JoJos, an elite villain nightclub in Soho. On the stage, a band of sharply-dressed musicians deftly played their instruments, belting out a lively jazz number.

Revelers packed the smoky hall, one lit by crystal chandeliers and candlelight. The women wore elegant, colorful dresses and sparkly jewelry, their cheeks rouged and their hair piled high. They cozied up to their tuxedo-bedecked partners at the tables and twirled with them on the dance floor.

Scarlet wore her rocket dress and usual accessories because not only was it one of her most elegant outfits, it was her best defense in the case of an attack while out on the town. Despite her empire having reached its peak and her reputation cemented as the greatest supervillain the underworld had ever known, she could never be too careful. Herb, on the other hand, was under her protection and could afford a more relaxed approached, as evidenced by the way he had paired his tuxedo jacket and shirt with his preferred style of jeans. It was one of the ways she knew they had made it in the world, namely by their ability to flout conventions instead of follow them.

The huge clock on the wall approached midnight. Mere minutes away from a whole fresh year of possibilities. It was time for Scarlet to share her new goal with him.

She stretched up to pull him closer and then toyed with the scruff of hair at the base of his neck, smiling as his lids dropped to half-mast at her touch. "Babe, I thought of my New Year's resolution already."

"Lay it on me," he rumbled, his hands sliding down to grasp her waist.

"Nineteen sixty-eight will be the year I get the crown!" She bounced a bit on her feet, unable to contain her excitement. They had discussed that particular plan before, but only now did she feel ready to execute it.

He grinned down at her. "Sounds groovy. Anything in particular you want me to build for the job?"

"Hmm, well, I was thinking about hiring someone else to do it, or a team of henchfolk. I don't want to tip my hand too soon about the...you know."

He nodded, knowing exactly what she meant without her having to say anything. She was going to conquer England, but for that campaign there was more to plan and of course the timing had to be perfect.

The music slowed and they adjusted their dancing accordingly. Herb appeared thoughtful. "I've got some items in the development stages. I'll show you tomorrow and you can pick out the gear you think would be best."

She squealed with delight and hugged him hard. "You're the best, baby! I can't wait to have that crown in my possession." She pulled back and looked up at him. "Our possession."

"As long as you're happy, I'm happy." He kissed her forehead, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Champagne!" cried a group of tray-bearing waiters in unison as they began circulating among the guests. They passed out flutes filled to the brim with the bubbly liquid.

"Ooh, it's almost midnight!" she exclaimed. Her grin stretched from ear to ear. The holidays were now among her favorite times, thanks to finally having someone to share them with. Though she and Herb had already attended a few New Year's celebrations, she still felt giddy about them. She had a lot of time to make up for where fun things like this were concerned, so she wasn't going to be shy about enjoying them.

They accepted the proffered glasses. While waiting for the nightclub hostess to perform the countdown, she leaned against her husband and slipped her hand around his waist. She was incredibly lucky to have this man, spoiling her as he did with his unconditional love and amazing inventions. She couldn't wait to launch their next venture and discover where it would take them. Someplace wonderful, she hoped.