By Starmaster
It was nearly impossible to find a bar or restaurant that wasn't overflowing. On the days between battle rounds of the League War, more people flooded the nearby cities than lived in them. Participants and spectators alike bustled through the local retail businesses, overflowing streets, and public venues, creating a heightened murmur of conversation and activity that couldn't be dulled.
"This probably makes Comic-con look like a tea-party," Starmaster commented to $uperMac, HowlingMoon, Man-Force, and Knucklehead as they walked down the busy street. After fighting their battles yesterday, each of them needed a bit of R&R away from the non-stop training and practice fights they had endured for weeks prior to the main event.
"I hope Director Nova gave some degree of notice to these people before bringing the stadium up," $uperMac replied. "I'd rather fight the Legion alone than deal with this crowd when announcing that the city's run out of toilet paper."
Starmaster chuckled in agreement. "Without a doubt. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
The five of them wormed their way to a downtown tavern recommended in a local travel guide; Hammer's Bar and Grill. They found it up a short street, off the beaten path. A rustic, fieldstone building with well-lit outside seating and hints of mesquite BBQ lingering in the air, the eatery gave off the medieval charm of a open-air festival. A short line of patrons waited at a podium just outside the front door. Some were obvious heroes from the League Wars, wearing their costumes or logoed t-shirts bearing their league emblems. Others were dressed casually as if it was just any other ordinary day of the week.
"Welcome," a young woman greeted Starmaster's group, handing them a handful of paper menus. "We're moving as fast as we can, but it's going to be about fifteen minutes before we have a table for five.
"How do you know were together?" Starmaster asked. All the members of The Star Force were wearing their street clothes, trying to blend in with the average patrons.
"Call it my super power," the girl responded, flashing a quick smile as she brushed her hair back. "Take some time to look over the menu and I'll be back to get your order."
As she turned to speak to a couple in the line ahead of them, $uperMac nudged Starmaster in the small of his back. "I think she's flirting with you."
Stepping aside, away from his friend's prodding, Starmaster ignored the comment. He handed each of his companions a menu. "Dinner's on me tonight, but don't go too crazy."
Nearby, an alarm blared. Collectively, heads from one side of the dining area to the other spun in response to the clarion call to action.
A man and woman raced up from around the corner, holding hands and stealing concerned glances behind them. She looked at the girl at the podium before crying out. "The bank. One of the walls just melted away. I think someone's robbing the bank."
All around them, men and women stood up and threw their napkins on their plates. Starmaster grinned at his gathered teammates. "I think some tables are about to open up, or would you rather go do what we do best?"
Starmaster knew he didn't need to wait for an answer. The looks on their faces said it all.
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