Static Shock Issue 6: Identities
By Calvin Burrell
So this morning, I had to get up bright and early, get cleaned up and get out the house. Ordinarily this would be a bad thing, but not today. Today I get to meet my idol, Augustus Freeman the fourth. Most people my age don't really look up to major corporate lawyers but I've got a lot of respect for the guy. He's always ready to step in and help the people. He paid for most of the community centre my pops runs and he's gonna be there for the tenth anniversary of its' opening. Dad named the place after Augustus Freeman the first, an escaped slave who dedicated his life to freeing others. I grew up hearing all sorts of stories about him and everything he did. Some of the stories made him sound like a 19th century superhero. The present day Mr. Freeman might not be a superhero, but rumour is he's acquaintances with Icon, which is close enough.
He paid for most of the community centre my pops runs and he's gonna be there for the tenth anniversary of its' opening. Dad named the place after Augustus Freeman the first, an escaped slave who dedicated his life to freeing others. I grew up hearing all sorts of stories about him and everything he did. Some of the stories made him sound like a 19th century superhero. The present day Mr. Freeman might not be a superhero, but rumour is he's acquaintances with Icon, which is close enough.
"Virgil!" Sharon yelled from downstairs to her little brother, still checking himself out in the mirror. "Get your butt in gear or we're gonna be late!"
Virgil rolled his eyes as he adjusted his tie for the final time. He kept the shirt he wore as Static underneath his suit, just in case. It was an extra layer, but in the cold winter weather that was exactly what he needed. He strapped on an old watch his mother had given him before she died. He took a moment to look at the watch then grabbed a backpack as he headed downstairs, before his big sister could yell at him again.
"Finally!" Sharon said with her hands on her hips. "What took you so long? What's with the backpack?"
Hmm, should I tell her it has the rest of a certain high volt hero's outfit? Nah, better lie.
"I might go to the library after. To...study. And y'know, for someone who usually takes over an hour to get ready for anything you shouldn't be throwing stones," Virgil said snarkily.
"Whatever, little bro. I still can't believe I have to drive you. You'd better not make a mess in my car," Sharon looked annoyed at the idea. Their father had gotten a ride to the community centre with Augustus Freeman IV himself. It was a quick, last second change in the plan and neither Sharon nor Virgil were lucky enough to be able to tag along, which left the responsibility of getting there in Sharon's lap.
"Like you and Adam don't make a mess in there already..." Virgil grumbled but quickly changed his tune after the look Sharon gave him. "What I mean to say is, I'll be the cleanest darn passenger you've ever seen!"
Sharon snorted and grabbed the keys for the car. Virgil followed behind her, making sure the door was locked.
Sure beats walking...
The two siblings sat in the yellow sedan as Sharon drove through the Dakota streets. She was singing along with a song on the radio, much to Virgil's chagrin. He slowly reached out to change the station but she swatted his hand away.
"You know the rules. I drive, I get to pick the radio station," Sharon said.
"Yeah but what rule says you have to add backup vocals?" Virgil said sourly.
"S'not my fault you don't have your license yet. You could at least try to do the driving test,"
"Yeah, yeahhh," Virgil replied. He didn't see a need to learn how to drive since he could just fly wherever he wanted, but Sharon didn't know that.
"If you're scared, I could give you some tips. Number one, no crashing..." Sharon began with a smirk.
"I'm not scared. I'm just...busy," Virgil interrupted her with a half truth.
"Mhmm..." Sharon moved on from the topic as soon as a new song started. Soon the two had arrived at the Freeman Community Centre. A few people had arrived already, including a news reporter and her cameraman.
"Big crowd this year," Sharon pointed out as they exited the car.
"Sure is. Let's go find Pops," Virgil said as he slung the backpack over his left shoulder. The two went inside the building and found their father in his office, along with the tall figure of Augustus Freeman IV and a young woman about Sharon's age.
That's Raquel Ervin, she works for Mr. Freeman. I think she's his assistant or something. She and my sister get along well, but she doesn't seem to like me very much...It could be all those times I tried to flirt with her. It was ages ago, before I started seeing Daisy, but... That's probably it.
"Hey kids," Robert said, cheerfully addressing his children.
"Hi daddy!" Sharon walked over and hugged her father.
"Glad to see you both again," Augustus said in his deep voice. He shook Sharon's hand then Virgil's. The young man had a grin on his face.
He's so much taller in person...
"You're right on time, we were about to start," Robert said. "We were just waiting on-"
"Mr. Hawkins?" a quiet voice and a knocking sound interrupted him. A young girl with pale skin and light, almost white hair stood in the office doorway. "Everything's ready for you and Mr. Freeman outside,"
"Thanks, Maureen. And just call me Robert," Robert said to the girl.
"Right...Okay," the young nodded shyly, apparently intimidated by all the eyes on her.
I'd heard Maureen Connor was helping out around here. Pops needed an extra hand and since I'm so busy with school and superhero stuff, I couldn't make it. When I first met her, she was homeless and staying in an old cable car company repair depot. I helped her out as Static when she almost created another ice age. She looks like she's been much better off since then. And if the chill in the air is any indication, she's still got her cryogenic powers. Hopefully she has them under control now.
Virgil gave Maureen a smile and she returned it before blushing and looking down. She stepped out of the way as the others exited the office and then followed silently with her hands buried in her pockets. Outside, a podium was set up before rows of seats. Virgil spotted Richie up in the front row and grinned. Maureen slipped away to avoid the crowd as Virgil sat beside his friend.
"Hey man," Virgil said. The two of them shared a quick fist bump.
"What's up, bro?" Richie replied. "Lotta people here today,"
"Yeah, I noticed. Speaking of, where's the gang?"
"Hmm...well, I saw Frieda and Daisy around here somewhere. Adam said he was gonna be late and Dusk said she had something to do, whatever that means. I didn't hear from Shenice. Haven't seen her in class much lately either..."
"I thought that was weird," Virgil nodded, thinking about his friend's absences. "The queen of overachieving ruining her perfect attendance record? We should go to her place and see what's up after this,"
"Sounds like a good idea. I'm worried about her..."
"You and me both," Virgil added. The two continued to talk as Sharon and Raquel sat down beside them. Augustus stood at the platform with Robert behind him and cleared his throat as he began to speak.
"Good morning, citizens of Dakota," Augustus said over a microphone. "It warms my heart to see all of you here to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Freeman Community Centre. As we reflect on history this month, I think back to the lessons my great-grandfather passed on. Lessons about helping your fellow man and standing up for what's right against a corrupt and oppressive system. This community centre not only represents togetherness, but also a-"
He suddenly stopped and looked up at something in the sky. The people turned to look and saw a flaming object plummeting to the ground. Some people cried out in fright when they realized it was going to land close to them. With a mighty crash it slammed into the parking lot and crashed through several cars before coming to a stop. A dark, black liquid seeped out of a crack in the object and some curious people approached it as the dust cleared.
"No!" Augustus' eyes suddenly lit up with worry. "Don't go near that!"
His words went unnoticed as two tendrils reached out from the pool, forming solid spikes that pierced the two closest people. As they fell to the ground, the liquid coalesced into the form of a large humanoid figure. White eyes formed on its head as the lower half of its face contorted into a terrifying grin.
"Arnus!" the creature yelled as Augustus in a gurgling voice. It charged forward, barrelling through the crowd. It leapt at Augustus and grabbed him, wrapping the man in its form. The two were vaulted back by the tackle and crashed through the community centre's wall before the eyes of the stunned crowd. There was panic and screaming, including Sharon who was looking around for her now missing little brother.
"Virgil! Where are you!?" She yelled.
"He said he was gonna see if Daisy and Frieda were okay," Richie lied quickly, covering for his friend.
"Raquel's gone too!"
"Huh..." Richie hadn't even noticed the other girl missing, but all he could do was shrug.
Good thing I've practically grown up in here.
Virgil was inside the building, having snuck in. His knowledge of the layout helped him get in without anyone seeing. He opened his backpack, pulling out his blue jacket as he quickly got changed. He was about to put his mask on when he heard a voice behind him.
"Oh...no way!" the voice said. Virgil turned to see Maureen standing there with a shocked expression at catching him maskless. "You're...you're..."
"How long have you been standing there?" Virgil asked, hoping she didn't see him getting dressed.
"I just got here...I stayed inside while Mr. Freeman was giving his speech and then I felt the ground shake so I was coming outside...What happened? I saw some thing and now you..."
"Look, Maureen, I'll explain later, okay?" Virgil quickly said as he put the mask on. He could hear loud crashing from around the building as the thing that attacked Augustus was moving around. "Whatever that thing is, I've gotta take care of it. Do you think you can cover up the hole it made in the wall? Ice it over so no one can get in?"
"I...I think so," Maureen nodded nervously.
"Good," Virgil gave her a quick pat on the shoulder as he got on his disc. "I believe in you!"
After his quick words of encouragement, Static flew off down a hall. Maureen stood there, feeling where he touched her and looking strangely giddy.
Now where are these guys? Sounds like that ooze is causing some serious damage. It's clearly not afraid to kill and I don't know how much Mr. Freeman can take...
There was a sudden boom that got the young metahuman's attention.
Sounds like a good place to start looking...
Static burst into the indoor basketball court to see Augustus in the middle of a crater and the figure standing over him.
"Kali'kak! How are you here...?" Augustus said through a pained groan.
"Surprised to me?" the figure, Kali'kak said. "I'm sure you thought you saw the last of me when you sentenced me to isolation on that prison planet. I would have attempted escape sooner had I known you were here among such a primitive species. I will bring them the gift of death at my hands, one by one. And they will come to know me as Oblivion!"
"Hm. I see that other than your new name, you have not changed. Then I will not feel bad about doing this!" Augustus raised his hand and a light blue blast of energy shot out, engulfing Oblivion and sending him flying against a wall. Then a red costume and large, flowing, green cape began to form over Augustus' torn clothes.
Did he just...He...But then that means... Augustus Freeman IV is...Icon!
...I think I know how Maureen feels.
Static flew over to Icon, who seemed to only now notice the young man was there.
"Need a hand?" Static crouched and offered a hand to help Icon up, which the older man gratefully accepted.
"How are you at keeping secrets" Icon asked.
"Pretty good," Static replied with a smirk. Neither of them saw a spiked tendril headed their way from where Oblivion landed until a purple shield appeared around them.
"You two might wanna keep your eyes open!" said a young woman in a brown jacket who had just arrived and had her hands outstretched.
"Your advice is noted, Rocket." Icon said as she landed beside him. All three turned to face Oblivion as he finished repairing himself.
"All of you then!" Oblivion shouted with more laughter. "Oblivion comes for you all!"
Icon and Static moved at the same time when Rocket dropped the shield. Oblivion was struck by electricity and positron energy blasts at the same time. He roared as pieces of his form were blown off. The murderous villain then attempted to weave around the blast but was stopped by a kinetic energy shield from Rocket. The shield wrapped around him and flew up, slamming Oblivion into the roof then back down into the ground. It faded, leaving him apparently stunned.
"Good job," Icon said. "Static, Oblivion is made of a ferrofluid. You should be able to-"
The man was interrupted for the second time that day. This time, by a thin tendril that stabbed through him. It had come from a small trickle of black liquid that reached under the heroes and back to Oblivion who grinned wider.
"This human form of yours is weak, Arnus! I will enjoy destroying it!" Oblivion laughed.
"No!" Static and Rocket shouted at the same time. Purple energy shot from Rocket's hands, joining Static's lightning in pushing back Oblivion.
"You cannot step me, children!" Oblivion yelled as he tried to push forward. The blast forced him back further near a vent and his liquid form spilled inside it to escape.
Rocket quickly went to Icon collapsed body to check on him. Static stood close by, worried for Icon and for when Oblivion's next attack would come.
"Is he..." Static began.
"He'll be okay, he just need a few minutes to heal," Rocket answered, frustration on her face. "He said something about a 'ferrofluid'...I don't know what that is. Some kind of alien goo?"
"Not alien. As far as I know," Static shook his head.
People think Gear is the smart one out of our team, and he is. But I was a straight A top student long before I was Static.
"Ferrofluids are fluids that..." Static trailed off, trying to remember. Then he suddenly snapped his fingers, making a small spark. "Fluids that are affected by magnetic fields! That's it!"
Before Static could voice his plan, Oblivion burst out of the ground behind the two heroes. He formed a massive fist that would've slammed down on them had they not moved quickly. Multiple tendrils split off his growing form, forming hammers and blades that swung at Static and Rocket. Static took to the air on his disc, while a field of purple energy wrapped around Rocket, allowing her to fly. The two dodged and weaved but it couldn't last forever.
"We need a plan!" Rocket yelled.
"Keep him contained for a sec!" Static yelled back. "I got an idea!"
Rocket nodded and made a large shield around Oblivion. There was strain on her face as he pounded on it. Meanwhile, Static looked around as if searching for something, then his eyes came to the watch on his wrist.
Sorry, Mom. I need something metal and I don't have time to find anything else.
Static took the watch off and held it between his hands. Burst of electricity came out from the space between his closed palms as he charged up the watch with massive amounts of electromagnetic energy.
"Anytime now!" Rocket said as the shield started to fade.
"Now!" Static said is response. Rocket dropped the shield and Oblivion charged forward. Static threw the watch right into the centre of Oblivion's body. The magnetic charge in the watch pulled Oblivion's body towards it and he screamed in defiance.
"Nooo!" Oblivion yelled as he felt his body being pulled together into a ball of fluid. He reached out with one last desperate swipe, but his hand was pulled into the sphere. The ball was then motionless, except for a few ripples on the surface.
"How did you do that?" Rocket asked, with a grin.
"Well, you know...science," Static answered.
I'll brag about this later. After I make sure Icon's okay.
The two of them hovered down to Icon's side as he was getting up. Rocket went to help, but he shook his head.
"I'm fine," Icon said, looking at his torn clothes. "No permanent damage was done,"
"Except to your suit," Rocket said. "And more importantly, the community centre,"
Virgil looked around, seeing the remnants of the battle.
And that's just in here. The whole place must be a disaster.
"This place is more than just a building, Rocket. It will endure. In the meantime, we need to inform Chief Barnsdale of what happened here, and find some way to safely contain Oblivion until The Cooperative can move him off planet,"
"Uhh, the whatnow?" Static asked confusedly.
"It's a space thing," Rocket answered quickly.
"Right...Space thing," Static said, pretending to understand.
A space thing, she says. Whatever that means. Like I need more mysteries in my life...Speaking off, Sharon and Pops don't know where I am. I'd like to stay with Icon but I better get back to them. Before they worry and I get a lecture.
"Well, it's been real but, I gotta go," Static said as his disc floated under him. "But, maybe we'll run into each other again some time?"
"I'm sure we will," Icon said reassuringly. Static grinned and flew off. Meanwhile, Rocket was giving Icon a look.
"I know he's good, but you already have a partner," Rocket said.
"I'm aware of that, Raquel..." Icon replied.
"Better be," Rocket said with a smirk.
Outside, Virgil was back in his civilian clothes, standing before his father and Sharon. His dad looked relieved while Sharon was clearly agitated.
"You had us worried sick, Virgil!" Sharon yelled.
"I'm sorry! I got lost in the crowd with all the confusion," Virgil replied apologetically.
"I'm just glad you're okay, son," Robert said as he put a firm hand on his son's shoulder.
"What about you guys?" Virgil asked.
"We're fine. Some kind of ice barrier appeared after that thing went inside with Augustus. It didn't come down until the police arrived. No word on Augustus yet..." Robert said, summing up the incident from the outside.
"I'm sure he's okay," Virgil said confidently.
Meanwhile, Maureen was watching them all through a window from inside the building. The police had overlooked her as they came in. That was fine, she was used to not being noticed. It didn't even matter now as her focus was on something else. Someone else. She blew on the window, creating frost on it. She used her finger to draw a heart around her view of Virgil. She sighed dreamily and rested her head on the frosted window.
To be continued...