Mid-Manhattan Library

The Skyguard and the Science Pirate looked similar; even without knowing their history, you could tell they were, or had once been, a team. Visored helmets and long cloaks, each wearing the remarkable inventions of the Science Pirate which had enabled them to protect Manhattan from the air. He was the brains – as his chosen moniker reflected – and the Skyguard was the brawn, although in truth they were pretty evenly matched. But each acting alone, people weren’t sure. How could the Skyguard maintain his arsenal of amazing equipment that had been designed and built by the Science Pirate? And how could the Science Pirate counter his opponent’s battle plans and tactics?

He turned and walked out, running the Skyguard’s words around his head. Left the city? What did that mean? He shook his head, unable to process the statement. Because you couldn’t leave the city. The city was the Empire State, and it was…well, it was impossible to leave. No, not impossible. Inconceivable. The concept, alien in nature, rattled around Rad’s head. You couldn’t leave the city, because the city was the Empire State, and there wasn’t anywhere else.