Booster Gold: Say the Tragic Words

Opposite of Harm

"I'm Michael Jon Carter. Everyone's heard of me. World-famous hero Booster Gold! Time-traveller from the 25th Century, indispensable member of the Justice League. Radiant hair, charming smile, and more abs than an exercise video--"

"The human body only has six abdominal muscles, colloquially speaking, sir."

"---so, what are we doing on this roof, Skeets?" Booster said. His torso and headpiece were golden, with blue gloves, legs and a blue star offset in his chest. Next to the cropping of gray exhaust vents and air conditioners, his costume shone in the morning sun like a hood ornament.

"Central City Police Department, sir," Skeets said. He hovered in the air around Booster's head. Skeets, Booster's personal assistant, was a miracle of future technology. He could hover, think, and proclaim Booster's greatness. He also resembled a cross between a football and a drone. Setting him apart was an equally glittering shell. "Our subject starts his workday at 8:30 AM, and will be here in two minutes' time."

Booster picked up a cup of CC Jitters' coffee. The steam ceased floating from it a while ago. "Any ideas on how to heat this up?"

"A sufficiently low-powered pulse from your wrist laser should microwave the coffee, sir."

"You're a lifesaver," Booster said. After tapping a change, Booster took aim at the cup in his other hand. "Let me know when it's hot enough."

"Happy to help sir," Skeets said. He pointed at the cup of coffee in Booster's hand and hummed. His 'eyes,' which resembled an inset visor, radiated red. "There!"

Booster smiled as a whisp of steam floated up from the coffee cup, indicating the perfect temperature for an invigorating drink. He sipped it carefully and smiled. "Excellent work Skeets."

"Thank you sir," Skeets said. He waved in the air, approximating a head nod using his whole body. "I detect our subject has arrived in the building."

"It's showtime," Booster said. He gripped his cup and hopped over the ledge. Instead of a deadly fall, his flight ring ignited. As he lowered, Booster put his hands on his hips, stuck his chest out, and turned around to face the window. He wanted to reveal himself like the opening crawl of a classic adventure movie. Through the window, Barry Allen hastened into the CCPD Crime Lab, two minutes late. His arm held a bundle of paperwork, and he carried his own cup of coffee.

"Hey Barry!" Booster said. His voice boomed through the glass. Barry saw a flying man in a costume instead of an expected perfect summer sky. He reacted by jumping a mile, spilling papers across the room and throwing his coffee cup into the air. Before the coffee could splash onto the floor, Barry composed himself at super-speed. He made sure no one else was watching, reorganized his papers on the desk, and grabbed the cup out of the air. He placed it on the desk next to the papers with care, then zipped over to open the window.

"Booster! What are you doing?" Barry said. He waved the duo in. "It's hard to keep a secret identity when men in gaudy costumes are flying around!"

"My armor isn't gaudy, it's resplendent," Booster said. He set down inside the crime lab, while Skeets pushed the window closed wit his nose. "I'm here on a mission."

"You look like a cross between a boy scout and a disco ball," Barry said. He picked up his coffee and took a sip, recoiling from the taste. Back on the desk it went. "Anyway, what mission? Help with coffee?"