Being a Hero in Panopolis means living the high life: parties, money, influence, even reality television. And I'm one of the most powerful Heroes in the city. I have plenty of fans, a manager who looks out for me (after himself), and a job that pays the bills. I should be enjoying myself.

Unfortunately, the downside of my superpower means I can't touch anyone, which tends to puts a damper on things. I probably don't deserve all those perks anyway, since I'm working in secret with two of Panopolis's biggest villains to undermine GenCorp — my main sponsor and the company that controls what gets through my force field.

I obviously don't trust my corporate overseers, but they've hired a new scientist who actually seems interested in helping me. Dr. Mansourian might have the answers to all my questions — not to mention a starring role in most of my dreams — but he's hiding something big. If I let him have what he wants, I might not live to regret it.

Then again, the way things are going in Panopolis these days, I might not live either way.