Location - Government Agency - Morning"So, you stopped the bank robbers?"
"Yes I did. That's what heroes do, right?"
It was outside the bank, less than thirty minutes after the incident. Reporters had gathered, since they had probably been on their way since the bomb first went off. The police had come, and Stardust had carried the captured bank robbers to the proper authorities. Several people had gathered, finally getting a chance to see the new government made superhero who had been briefly mentioned in the news a week ago. Now not only was the news vastly more interested in the strange boy, but he'd done something impressive.
"Well, yes. But are you aware that you managed to capture seven members of the dangerous Scorn Gang?" The reporter pushed the mic against Stardust's face, and the alien boy took a step back to breath.
"Well yes, that was seven members, right. I mean, their leader got away." He wasn't going to lie. After all, it seemed so meaningless to let somebody escape. Scorn could hurt other people!
"Yes, but that was because hero Hotshot got in the way, right? He was fighting Scorn, and you were stopping the robbers."
"Well that is accurate, but it's honestly not hi-"
"You heard it here folks. The new hero, Ziggy Stardust, no civilian identity, managed to subdue the seven members of the Scorn Anarchy Gang. While at the same time, veteran hero Hotshot failed once more to capture the reoccurring crook. Which only begs the question. Is it time for Hotshot to let the new kid take over, and hang up his cape? More at ele-"
The TV clicked off, leaving Ziggy alone with Agent Mother in his room. It was comfy enough. A single bed, a nightlight, not that he'd need it, and a selection of government mandated books. Which was pretty much everything, but anything that may seem the bit anarchist or pro-rebellion. Ziggy didn't mind. He understood the fear. But he would always like to read that Hunger Games books he heard about a few times.
"Why did you turn it off?" Ziggy said, not even turning to look at Mother, who had been responsible for turning the TV off.
"It's not productive." She said, looking to the superboy. "You're getting frustrated. You don't think it's fair that they twisted your words. Get used to it. The media isn't your friend. You either control them, or they control you."
"But why would they do that? I mean, he's a hero too."
"Being a hero is a popularity contest. The news networks love it when heroes fight. When they're running around and competing. It makes for good news when the new guy out plays the old guy. New blood is good for the body." Mother said, looking at Ziggy as she spoke. "You may not like it, but the government wants a hero to champion them. If they can, they'll push you as the next big thing. You'll be the greatest hero as far as the media is concerned."
"But I don't want to push Hotshot out." Ziggy sighed, finally standing up. "I'll go through a training exercise. It'll clear my mind."
"Before you go, consider this. Hotshot isn't going to quit just because you outdid him the once." Mother said, still sitting as Ziggy made his way to the door. "More so than ever, he'll be doing everything he can to prove he's the best hero around. I want you to avoid him. I don't need you fighting another superhero. The top brass won't like it."
"I'll try." Ziggy said, but he wasn't sure if he could keep that promise. After all, it seemed this Creep organization was being active. He'd have to face them most likely. And if he was going to face them, he expected Hotshot would too.
