The Quarter Men Origins... Northwind

The Quarter Men Origins…

Northwind

-----------------------------------------------------

From the four quarters of Megaburgville City…

Champions were chosen to protect the capital from evil threats…

Four became the heroes the city needed…

Together…

They are…

The Quarter Men!!!

-----------------------------------------------------

I couldn’t get packed fast enough. No matter how quick I put my socks into the suitcase my only thought was about that plane ride down to the capital.

My name is Sebastian Flores. I’m an Airling with the ability to manipulate the air around me and use the wind to fly. Each Airling has a different method of flying. My parents can manipulate sound waves, others have telekinetic abilities, and guests are required to wear flight harnesses. I’m actually one of the last air manipulators.

Each citizen of the four quarters of the capital has his or her own unique ability. Only Megaburgville City citizens have remained normal.

Decades ago the world split itself up and ultimately decided on five areas. Megaburgville City is in the center. It's the capital. To the East is Sonicopolis. To the South, Witchville, formerly known as Goblinville. On the West coast rests Velo City. And to the North is my city, Skyburg.

Skyburg is built higher than most mountains. The city rests on metallic poles that are elevators to the city. They're quickly becoming obsolete since the planes and trains back and forth to the city were completed. The capital decided that the vehicles are faster and ultimately safer.

“Eureka,” I said. I decided on one last check under the bed to find my other blue sock. And found my other blue sock. It’s been missing for months.

I stand up and the bedroom door swings open.

"Once we get the team together I want them to have time to try and get to know one another," said Bree Troyer into her phone. "They will on Tuesday. So far they’ve only known each other through the briefings.”

Bree is a young woman with more success than most people her age. She dresses in suits and ties like a man, but make no mistake, she's all woman.

"I'm staring at the potential leader right now. Huh? Oh, he's wearing a t-shirt and jeans,” Bree says with a giggle.

“No. Odd colored socks. Even his sneakers don’t match,” she continued while looking me over. “He’s cute but nothing to write home about."

I give her a funny look and she blows me a kiss. Breanne Troyer, aka Bree, is the mayor's right-hand woman and liaison between the capital’s new protectors and the government. She's here to make sure that I have everything I'll need for my new career.

That includes the technology that’ll give an edge in a fight.

-----------------------------------------------------

- Flashback -

-----------------------------------------------------

Guards in protective gear lead me to a room with nothing in it. The design was similar to Bespin from Star Wars Episode 5. Remember that part of Cloud City where Luke and Vader had their fight before the pig people froze Han? Yeah, that’s what this room looks like. A little more decoration maybe, a few potted plants, and a piece of artwork by some Chinese woman named Yin Fan, but definitely where they froze Han.

I’m wearing something that resembles a green screen suit like a stunt double wears in the behind the scenes videos from movies and TV shows. Around my neck and on my shoulders rests a device that resembles something that a football player would wear, but made of metal and more advanced than this world should probably have.

The guards place me in the center of the room and leave. Scientists on the other side of the window receive the go-ahead from Russell Knight.

Russell Knight is Megaburgville City’s most respected businessman. There’s a rumor he’ll run for mayor during the next election.

Knight Corporation has become the world's leader in technology. The device I'm wearing will enhance my natural ability to exhale. I can now breath outward with enough force to push a car across the road, sideways.

At Russell's insistence, I show off my ability to fly. He pushes a blue button on a console and I go straight up. Panels open on the wall near the ceiling. Gun turrets extend and aim at me with laser sights. They follow my flight path. I'm dodging paintballs being shot at me and soaring through a series of hoops. Some of the hoops are on fire for a little dramatic effect.

I pull out my police issue revolver and fire at a series of holographic targets. They disappear as the light from the pistol hits them. The pistol is actually an advanced piece of technology that emits a pulse of light instead of a bullet. The light has two settings. Setting one is a mild shock. Setting two is a massive pulse that can take down a bear.

Then one of the scientists pushes a series of buttons. Behind me, a set of tables and chairs catches on fire. I put away the pistol and turn toward the fire. I take a deep breath and exhale. The flames are out and the tables and chairs are destroyed as they smash into the wall.

-----------------------------------------------------

- Flash forward -

-----------------------------------------------------

I'm at the new headquarters. From now on when I go to work I'll be entering a room that looks like it could easily be Taarak Nor from Deep Space 9 but on Earth.

The other team members are here; the speedster, Silver Volt, our second-in-command, Echo Man, and our mystical hero, the Crimson Foxbat. I was chosen to be their leader. To the world we are… The Quarter Men!!!

​​XL

#ShortStories