Flying through the city as Brightspark one of the new heroes is always a thrill. There's nothing quite like the rush of wind against my face and the freedom of soaring above the streets below. But, I have to admit, there's one thing that always bugs me about being a superhero—the cape.

Sure, it looks epic when I'm gliding through the air, billowing out behind me like something out of a comic book. But in reality, it's more of a nuisance than anything else. It gets caught on things, tangled up in my legs when I'm trying to land gracefully, and don't even get me started on the times it's gotten suck in car doors. Not fun.

But hey, every superhero needs their trademark, right? And if that means putting up with a pesky piece of fabric fluttering around behind me, so be it. At least my armor more than makes up for it.

Not only does my armor help me control my gravity-controlling powers, but it also looks pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. It's sleek, it's stylish, and it definitely turns heads. I've lost count of the number of times I've caught a glance from a passing lady as I zip by. Maybe the cape isn't so bad after all if it helps me catch a few admiring looks.

So yeah, while I might grumble about the cape from time to time, when it comes down to it, I wouldn't trade being Brightspark for anything. Well, maybe for a cape that doesn't get caught on every passing flagpole, but you get the idea.

With my sparkling new armor, I soar through the sky, the metallic sheen of my armor catching the sunlight as I glide above the city. Unfortunately, control calls and I have to go and be seen stopping crime. Below me, the scene unfolds—a bank robbery in progress. My heart quickens with the urgency of the situation as I tap the communication device in my helmet to connect with Control, my boss.

"Control, this is Brightspark. I've arrived at the scene," I announce, my voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Control's voice crackles through the receiver, filled with determination. "Brightspark, we need to act quickly. What's the situation down there?"

"There are armed individuals inside the bank, but they haven't harmed anyone yet," I report, my gaze fixed on the building below. "I'm assessing the situation, but I don't believe a breach is the best course of action."

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost feel Control's frustration. "Brightspark, we can't afford to let this situation escalate. Lives are at stake."

"I understand Control," I reply, my mind racing as I consider my next move. "But if we breach the bank, the robbers will be killed by the drones. I don't want to risk innocent lives if they have helpers inside the bank."

There's a moment of silence before Control responds, his tone grudgingly conceding to my point. "Fine, Brightspark. Hold your position for now. We'll come up with a plan."

Relieved that Control has agreed to my approach, I relax slightly, floating in the air above the bustling city below. But as I wait for further orders, a grumble in my stomach reminds me that even superheroes need to eat.

"Control, while we're waiting, could you arrange for some Chinese dumplings to be delivered?" I request, a hint of amusement in my voice. "I could use a snack up here."

There's a chuckle on the other end of the line. "Sure thing, Brightspark. Just remember to stay focused on the task at hand a drone is on the way."

"Of course, Control," I reply with a grin, my attention returning to the bank below. A few seconds later a drone flies up and passes me a meal. With patience and determination, I'm ready to ensure that justice prevails without unnecessary bloodshed, all while enjoying a delicious meal of dumplings in the sky.

I hover in the air, my power armor casting a radiant glow against the backdrop of the bank's facade. Below, a person my face recognition software identifies as Garry stands defiant, his aged frame trembling slightly as he clutches the ray gun in his hand. Surrounding him are his companions, Glen Archer and Janice, their faces etched with worry and determination. "Garry, please," I call down to him, my voice amplified by the speakers in my helmet. "There's no need for violence. We can find a peaceful resolution to this."

Garry's eyes flicker with defiance, but there's also a glimmer of fear hidden behind them. "I can't go to prison, Brightspark," he rasps, his voice strained with emotion. "Not at my age. You know what they do to old folks in there."

I nod understandingly, empathizing with Garry's fear. Since the cutbacks, they have begun chaining the old to beds. "I hear you, Garry. But there are other options. We can work this out together, without anyone getting hurt."

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Garry hesitates, his grip on the ray gun loosening ever so slightly. "I just... I don't know what else to do, Brightspark. We lost everything in that damn hurricane. We're just trying to survive."

"I know it's been tough," I reply softly, my heart going out to Garry and his companions. "But there are people who can help. Let's find a way to get you the support you need."

As Garry considers my words, I activate the comm link in my helmet, calling for a negotiator to assist with the situation. I step back from the bank, giving Garry and his companions space to make their decision.

I wait patiently outside, my gaze fixed on the entrance, hoping for a peaceful resolution. In moments like these, it's not just about stopping the crime, but also about finding compassion and understanding for those in need. And as Brightspark, that's a duty I take to heart.

Control's voice crackled through the comms, all business as usual. "Brightspark, we need you to take out those robbers immediately. Neutralize the threat."

I frowned, furrowing my brow behind the mask. "Right, but can you be a bit more specific? Like, are we talking about a gentle tap on the shoulder, a stern talking-to, or..."

There was a pause, and I could practically hear Control's frustration through the static. "Brightspark, just do what needs to be done. Stop them by any means necessary."

I blinked, taken aback by the severity of the order. "Wait, any means necessary? You mean... like, take them out? Permanently?"

Control hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly confirmed, "Yes, Brightspark. You need to eliminate the threat. That's an order."

I shook my head, disbelief washing over me. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! I signed up to be a superhero, not an executioner! There has to be another way!"

But Control was adamant, refusing to budge. "This is not up for debate, Brightspark. You have your orders."

I gritted my teeth, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. As a superhero, I was supposed to protect and serve, not take lives.

As control begins to scream at me, Captain Miller hit me up on a secret channel.

"Hey, Brightspark!" he says, sounding all calm and collected. "Hold your horses, buddy. Those smart old codgers are using drones to shuttle the loot to their lair. If we wait it out, they'll probably just give up."

I nod to myself, thinking Miller's got a point. But just as I'm about to chillax and enjoy the show, Control butts in again"This is control get in their and kill those old ****** or i swear i am going to go to your house and bend your father over a chair and **** him until he can not sit down"

So, I do what any self-respecting superhero would do—I dial up Miller on the official channel for a little chat. Once its on the official channel Control will get into all sorts of trouble for giving me a kill order.

"Hey, Cap," I say, trying to keep it cool. "Got a bit of a pickle here. Control's all gung-ho about me taking down the bad guys, but i think there might me multiple civilian casulties. What's the deal?"

Miller chuckles on the other end, like he's got it all figured out. "Listen, Brightspark, I know it's a mess, but trust me on this one. Wait until i have spoken with the mayor, and then we'll swoop in for the grand finale. It's all about strategy, my friend."

I grin beneath my helmet, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Got it, Cap. I'll hang tight and wait for orders. Thanks for having my back."

With Miller's sage advice ringing in my ears, I settle in for the long haul, watching as the thieves play their high-flying game of cat and mouse. And sure enough, once the last drone zips off into the sunset, the robbers emerge from the bank with their hands up, ready to face the music.

As I touch down to join the party, I can't help but feel grateful for having a Captain like Miller in my corner. After all, being a superhero isn't just about punching bad guys it's about trying not to kill the old people who have lost everything.

Once the robbers had dropped their cheap ray guns I secured them carefully with some of those plastic zip ties and let a couple of the flying the drones do their job. I zoomed back to headquarters, the wind whipping through my hair as I landed gracefully in front of Captain Miller's office. As I approached the door, I couldn't help but overhear the shocking news crackling through the radio—Billy, the control officer who had ordered me to take out those bank robbers, was dead. My stomach churned with unease as I processed the information.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door to Captain Miller's office, trying to keep my cool despite the turmoil swirling inside me. Miller looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable as he gestured for me to take a seat.

"Hey, Cap," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos raging within me. "I just wanted to touch base about that whole bank robbery situation. You know, with Billy giving me those orders and all."

Miller regarded me with a knowing look, his eyes flickering with something I couldn't quite place. "Ah, yes. Billy's orders," he replied cryptically.

I resisted the urge to press further about Billy's untimely demise, knowing that some questions were better left unasked. Instead, I focused on the matter at hand.

"I followed your advice, Cap," I continued, trying to keep my tone casual. "I held off on taking out the robbers like Billy ordered. But now that he's... gone, I can't help but wonder if I'll be in hot water for not following through."

Miller leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he considered my words. "Brightspark, you did the right thing," he said finally, his voice firm. "I'll make sure nobody gives you any trouble for following my orders instead of Billy's."

Relief flooded through me, grateful for Miller's unwavering support. "Thanks, Cap," I said, a weight lifting off my shoulders. "I knew I could count on you."

As I left Miller's office, I knew Miller had Billy killed. But as I had not had to kill three old pensioners I was happy, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand—keeping the city safe and sound, one heroic deed at a time.

Miller looked at me with a twinkle in his eye "Some Chinese food was delivered here. I guess you did not have time to take possession of all your food. Remember flying is not exercise so lay off the Chinese food. No one wants to see a fat superhero."