Clanging along the superstructures catwalk I reached Judy in seconds, long enough for Von Boom to get the gear-bird’s engine cycling to warm. Sparks flew as I skidded past Judy just far enough to turn and slice her ropes with one swing of my utility blade, a move that still took long enough for Von Boom to start the blades turning.

“You impetuous, lovable idiot,” Judy shot me with a smirk. I felt her hand on my chest as she kissed me quick on the cheek. Her other hand smacked me playfully on the other cheek before she darted away into the plume of steam and dust from Von Boom starting to lift off. I would have followed more quickly, but that girl was a sight to behold from behind at full sprint with a gun in her hand.

Impressed, worried, and more than a little embarrassed I watched her wobble in the combined gusts of Chicago wind, our air speed, and the gear-bird’s back wash as she took aim, unleashing a jet of fire from my flash gun.

Two problems solved, one crash landing to go.