Neferkheperura and the Legend of the Golden Pharaoh
Authored by
Michael J. Costa
Edition:
1.0
(if Akhenaton and King Tut returned as superheroes in a future life):
NeferKheperura and the Legend of the Golden Pharaoh - By Michael J. Costa, © 2014:
Excerpt:
Four Hours Later,
Michael Beshter's Apartment,
New York, USA
Was it wrong to bring Vivian back to his living space? His identity
was safe for now. Michael and Vivian dined in that night, via room
service in a secure room. A common delight: NY Steak, mashed potatoes
with gravy, and a melody of fresh veggies with a fine white wine from
California was the main course. Dessert was a rich chocolate Mud Pie,
served for two. Afterwards, Michael showed her his various framed
College papers, some Degrees, and a trophy for first place in a College
Kung Fu tournament. These he had brought over from his original home
some 2 Miles away, much to the approval of his sister.
Vivian
educated him about her background and social life. She was born in Las
Vegas, Nevada to a civil engineer and an office secretary, both of
European descent. She graduated with honors from a private university
before moving to New York, where she was employed as a Fashion Designer
for the last 14 years. Her choice of apartment coincided when the
Museum moved in several floors above her. Her neighbor is a local
Nightclub owner, so her social life revolved around learning to dance
and filling beverage orders from patrons.
While teaching Michael to dance, Vivian realized the time. "Oh my, it's late... I have to feed my cat, you know," she said.
"I can call my driver," Michael reminded her. "It won't take up much of your time."
"Really? Oh that would be so cool," she said. "Michael?"
"Yes?"
"I just want to thank you for everything, really. You've been a
great Host, and friend," Vivian said. "Um, by the way, why is there a
red light focused on your back?"
"What red light?" he asked.
"It's coming from your window," Vivian noticed. Suddenly two loud pops
hit the glass from behind them. Vivian thought a champagne bottle
exploded until her right hand felt some liquid drop from his back. Then
she screamed.
"MICHAEL!" she yelled. "You've been shot!"
Michael Beshter collapsed to the tiled floor, with her holding onto
him. He inched towards her, whispering something. "Get my ring. It's
in the front pocket of my blazer,"
Hysterical, Vivian searched frantically for the correct pocket. "I found it!"
"Quick, hand me it," he said in pain.
"What's a ring supposed to...?" she asked.
Michael placed the ring on his right third finger, and then rubbed it
until it lit up like a light bulb. He rubbed his back with it. The
blood disappeared as did the rifle pellet. Vivian backed away.
"What the Hell just happened?" she said while cowering from the window.
Michael started to stand up, and then reached for his cell phone and
pressed 996*.
Panels fell from the ceiling, blocking all windows
with bullet-proof armor. The back bookshelf wall rotated around on an
invisible turn-table, revealing a set of mannequins wearing Flight Suits
with the Green Stones on them. Three computer terminals popped into
place, all active. And a chair emerged from the floor, with console
components on the arm rests. A camera fed images to the view screen of
the surrounding area as the female-voiced computer gave instructions on
audio.
Michael Beshter groggily walked to the station and was
seated. He removed a tube from the side of the chair and placed it into
his mouth, drinking slowly. It was medicine for a post-traumatic
gunshot disorder. His Flight Suit was visible to Vivian, as she
investigated his equipment, and then turned to him with her mouth gaping
open in astonishment.
"Oh my God, you're that guy..." she said.
Michael briefly kissed her face, and then started programming.
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