Episode 32 -- The Investigation

The Obese American stared across the table at the mayor he had once opposed. This time, though, Mayor Goombah seemed humble and sincere -- almost quiet. With great reserve, the "Happiest Mayor on the Planet" explained to the superhero the great political predicament that he was now in. The huge man across from him seemed confused.

"So, you think someone is slamming you intentionally? Do you have any proof?"
"Proof?" The mayor was indignant. "I would have called the Supreme Court if I wanted to prove it. I need you to help me investigate."
"Alright, but I'm doing this my own way. I'm not answering to you or to the city of Lost Wages, and I'll make public whatever I discover."
"Fine. Just speed up the process."
Mayor Goombah waved his hand dismissively, being ever-conscious of the fact that reporters from the Reused Journal were observing the conversation closely. With that, the Obese American stood, unfurled his cape, and darted off with the swiftness of the sword of justice.

Answers began to reveal themselves almost immediately. A search of local blogs revealed a pattern in the language of the posters, leading our hero to conclude that many of the rumors about Mayor Goombah were being circulated by the same individuals posting under various assumed names. After putting pressure on the webmasters of the blogs by threatening to jump on them with great ferocity, the Obese American learned that the newest anti-Goombah blog was being funded by the same entity that also sponsored a political coup several years back.

"Where is this going to lead?" His brow furrowed as he pondered the mystery. The American paced back and forth down the Strip, muttering to himself as though he already had the answer. The more he walked, the more people noticed him, and the more they noticed him, the more they followed him. Soon, over one hundred people were roaming the streets. Oddly, each of them mumbled to himself as he did. All at once and in concert with one another, they stopped moving. A single thought came to the collective, blocking out all other considerations. Just as that thought was coming down out of the ether and into their brains....

BANG! A shot rang out. Then another. The people screamed at once, then scattered in all directions as though they had all been hit. Suddenly the Obese American found himself without allies in the street. On the north side stood twenty members of a street gang, armed with guns and knives. To the south stood twenty members of a different gang, similarly armed. With a great yell, the two small armies brandished their weapons and charged forward -- our hero trapped between them. At a time like this, he could only think one thing: boy, was he hungry!

NEXT: Honeymooners in Wages