Previously: An orange clad fat man overheard the Sooner coaches badmouth the OSU Cowboys. Bob Stoops brought a threat to the safety of quarterback Sam Bradford to The Justice League.
------------------------------
Location: Storm Chasers Lair
Gary England takes charge as the Justice League considers the threat to Sam Bradford. After reminding them all that Coach Stoops wants to keep this quiet (for fear Al Eshbach will make a federal case out of this--and the last thing any of them wants is the Justice League of America crowding their turf), he suggests the members brainstorm about who would have a vendetta against the Sooners, or even Bradford specifically.
Lauren Richardson pipes in first. "Someone affiliated with the University of Texas would have to be at the top of the list."
"That's a good point, but investigating that would be out of our jurisdiction," Gary reminds her. "We'll have to consult with the Texas chapter of the Justice League. I'm sure that won't be a problem considering all the free time they have when the President isn't in Crawford."
Doug Sauter is next: "OSU has to be next on the list of suspects."
Gary looks puzzled. "I can't understand you through that mustache."
"He said, 'OSU'," Smokin' Joe Burton translates for Sauter.
After brief consideration, Gary turns to Bryant Reeves and gives him an assignment. "Doug has a point. Country, I need you to go with Lauren up to Stillwater. You get her access to the VIP's there, and she can use her powers to find information."
The mammoth seven footer exits with the svelte television reporter as the brainstorming session continues. Wayne Coyne jokingly suggest aliens and Val Castor reminds Gary that Bob Stoops' was convinced that PAC-10 officials were somehow involved. Several other bad ideas are offered before Wayne Coyne ask sincerely:
"I'm just throwing this out there to see if the cat will lick it up, but is it possible that there are people associated with the OU program that might have a stake in seeing them lose?"
"Your alien idea had more chance of being true," Smokin' Joe teases. "Anyone that ever wears a crimson baseball cap is brainwashed into believing that the Sooners winning at college football is a matter of national security." There is some hesitant laughter from members of the League until Gary quiets the room.
"It isn't out of the realm of possibility for that specific reason," Gary reminds them. "Someone who thinks it is that important is liable to do something crazy. Heck, I'm even guilty of it. Remember the snow storm last Winter? I spent more consecutive hours on the television than Dan Rather after the World Trade Center went down. When you're obsessed with something, you sometimes forget to look at the big picture. On that note, everyone get out and investigate your theories...except for the alien thing. If you have something promising, get Val on the Gentner. In the meantime, I'll take care of assuring Sam's safety. Stay with me and I'll keep you advised."
------------------
Location: The Shannon Miller Parkway
A small Jeep Wrangler travels rapidly toward Stillwater, the roof bulging where the passenger sits.
------------------
Location: Limey Dragon Games and Hobbies in Midwest City
Sitting next to a large sign promoting "2003 Heisman Trophy Winner, retired NFL player, and former superhero", Jason White signs autographs. A line extends out the door. Suddenly, the store's proprietor bursts out of the back room.
"Can I please have everyone's attention? I was just watching News 9 and Gary England is saying he saw power flashes near here and we need to take tornado precautions. If everyone would please follow me..." He motions the crimson clad mob toward the back of the store. Many of the older autograph seekers marvel that the clouds outside lack a menacing look, but the wiser among them point out that they should do as Gary says. As Jason White puts down his sharpie and begins in the direction of those seeking shelter, he is stopped by a man wearing a suit and a Bob Stoops mask.
"Anyone ever call you the White Lantern?" he asks.
"Once," White confirms. "That's how I get to call myself a former superhero and get these shows at comic book stores."
With everyone else in the store in the back room, the man removes his mask to reveal it is Gary England. "Well, it's time you earn that designation. I've got an assignment for you."
-----------------------
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater
Coach Mike Gundy takes a meeting with Big Country and Lauren Richardson.
Gundy: How can I help you guys?
Richardson: Well, coach, sources tell us that there is a plot to sabotage OU by kidnapping Sam Bradford.
Gundy: Are you kidding me? Where are we at in society today?
Richardson: That's a good question.
Gundy: Here's all that kid did! He goes to class. He is respectful to the media! He's respectful to the public! And he's a good kid, and he's not a professional athlete and he doesn't deserve to be kidnapped.
Richardson: We agree. I'm not sure how to say this delicately...would there be any benefit to you if the Sooners were to lose on Saturday?
Gundy: Am I suspect? That's garbage! And a person who would accuse me is garbage!
Reeves: Calm down, coach, we haven't ruled out anybody yet. But, there are people who would think you might be involved.
Gundy: That ain't true! (He takes a deep breath.) Fine. No, I don't think it would benefit me at all. In fact, it probably helps me if they win.
Richardson: How so?
Gundy: If they win, maybe Michigan makes a big play to get Stoops as their coach. Then, maybe by brother Cale is his replacement. I was a better quarterback than him, and I'm a better coach than him. That could shift the balance of power in Bedlam.
Reeves: That would be nice.
Richardson: Well, in that case, can you think of anyone who might want to see the Sooners lose?
Gundy: Now that you mention it...
--------------
CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR PART 3
