The worker wiped a rag across their forehead, staring down at the stove. A variety of dishes were all cooking, in miniscule portions. Just in case, they had been told. If one doesn't take the bait, offer them something else.
They glanced over at the bottle on the counter. Since its delivery two hours ago, it had been emitting a dim glow, slowly changing colors as time passed. At the moment, it was leaving a bluish circle on the wood, pulsing faintly.
The worker took a deep breath, grabbing the bottle and adding a few drops to each of the dishes. Each time the liquid hit, it would flash a different color- first teal, then red, then yellow, blue, purple, and so on. The smell was strong, unfamiliar. It stank of chemicals, but also living things, in a way. The worker didn't know. All they were to do was deliver the doses.
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"Free samples! Sir, would you like a free sample?" A man in a black apron stood in front of a good truck, holding a platter of what looked like bits of chicken.
Arya turned, raising an eyebrow. "Uh.. sure?"
They took a piece of food, popping it into their mouth. Other than being a little crunchy, it wasn't bad. The man smiled at Arya as they walked away, thinking nothing much of the man and his little food truck.
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Phoenix walked up to the food truck before the man could even grab his attention. "Yo, the sign says free food. Where would I get that?"
The man smiled, holding out a cup full of french fries. "Free samples, first come first serve. Would you like one?"
Phoenix smiled, grabbing a fry and popping it into his mouth. "Not bad. Thanks."
"Of course," the man said, returning the smile. "My pleasure."
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Kendrick walked down the street, hands in his pockets and eyes on the pavement in front of him. He nearly collided with the man, who almost spilled his tray of kabobs on the ground. "Oh god, I'm so sorry. I- I was just-"
The man smiled, shaking his head. "It's quite alright. Would you like one? We're having free samples today." He held out the tray.
Kendrick shrugged, taking one of the little kabobs and eating it, tossing the stick in a garbage can by the food truck. "Those are pretty good. Sorry again for almost ruining them!"
The man just smiled at Kendrick. "And I told you, it's quite alright. Have a nice day!"
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"Gotta head home, take a shower, maybe watch an episode of Flash with Abi.." Marcie muttered as she jogged. "Gotta make dinner at... Oh hey, samples."
Marcie stopped in front of the food truck, peeking in the window. She was about to leave as the man walked out, carrying a tray with little cups of chili arranged on it. "So sorry, I just finished this batch. Would you like a free sample?"
She thought for a moment before taking one of the little cups, dumping the bite into her mouth. "...this is actually good. Think I could grab another one of these for my sister? She loves this kinda stuff."
The man nodded, looking almost too eager. "Of course, of course. Just a moment, I'll get you a bowl to go. Free of charge."
Once he had arranged the food for her, Marcie thanks the man and continued her jog, heading home to deliver her surprise.
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"Free samples! Come get a sample- pineapple, fresh off the grill! Hello, would you like a sample?"
Kailani had been watching the strange little man for about a minute now, amused by his failed attempts to attract customers. Eventually, she walked up, giving him one of her signature smiles. "Oh, do you have free samples? May I try one?"
"Of course, miss!" The man held his tray out for her. "Grilled pineapple, today. Seasoned with our specialty."
She nodded, taking a piece of pineapple and popping it in her mouth. Kailani wrinkled her nose, but did her best to hide it with another smile. "Tastes great! It's a shame more people haven't been trying it..!"
The man nodded, smiling at her. "I'm glad you enjoyed. I should actually be closing up soon- business hours only run so long, I'm sure you know."
Kailani nodded, already turning to walk away. The man had left a bad taste in her mouth- not just from the food. If she had stayed just a moment longer, she could have heard the man's message:
"All the doses have been delivered. Project 5 has begun."
YOU ARE READING
Almost Heroes
Science FictionWhen five people are gifted- or, in some of their eyes, cursed- with superpowers, it's quite a trip seeing them try to help people. None of them know what they're doing or where their powers came from, all they know is one thing- this is gonna be fu...
