Page 13 of Pink Kryptonite, by Jeanster

CHAPTER 13: COMET

Meanwhile Supergirl had her work cut out for her as she fought crime during Superman's absence.

I wonder why he wanted to borrow my horse, she thought. Supergirl had thought it strange when Superman asked if Comet could accompany him on his trip back in time to the days of the old Wild West. Comet at first refused to go and insisted that Supergirl might need his help to fight crime. Comet was very protective of Supergirl. But Supergirl could see how much this favor meant to Superman, so she asked Comet to go along. Comet reluctantly did.

Superman figured a horse would complete his disguise to blend in with the folks living in Johnny Bart's time period. What better horse would there be to accompany him on this personal quest than one with super powers?

Comet waited outside the saloon while Clark was inside trying to decide how to get Johnny away from Haus and Little Jo.

"Hey, lookee up there!" shouted one of the townsfolk pointing upward. "Whooo-wheee!"

Comet glanced up.

Oh, great, thought Comet. Why now of all times? I'd better duck into that alley before someone sees me transform into a human.

It was a comet passing through the solar system.

"So it's settled," said Little Jo. "Johnny, you'll be our house guest for the next few days."

"Thanks," said Johnny. "That's mighty nice of you."

"Let's go," said Haus.

Clark watched the three of them get up and head outside. He got up and followed them.

When he stepped outside the saloon he noticed Comet was not there.

"Comet?" he asked.

"Pssst!" said a voice from the alley.

Clark turned and saw Comet in his human form, also known as "Bronco" Bill Starr, a rodeo trick-rider.

"Don't tell me," said Clark. "A comet passed overhead?"

Bill Starr nodded. "Can you get me some clothes before I'm arrested for indecent exposure?"

Clark quickly removed his duster and handed it to Bill. "Put this on."

He turned around and saw Johnny, Haus and Little Jo mount their horses. They were about to ride out of town.

"I have an idea," said Clark to Bill.

"Wait, Johnny!" shouted Clark. "Before you all ride off, I have a big favor to ask."

Johnny, Haus and Little Joe looked at Clark accompanied by a tall muscular handsome blond wearing only a long duster and no footwear.

"This is my friend Bill," explained Clark. "He was robbed of all his possesions, including his clothes. I loaned him my duster just now."

"Sorry to hear about your troubles there, Bill," said Johnny.

"Yes. Anything we can do to help?" asked Haus.

"That's the big favor I wanted to ask," said Clark. "Could you hire the two of us to work on your ranch in exchange for some clothes for Bill? I feel responsible for him, as he's here only because I asked him to come with me to town."

Clark realized he now had to make sure no harm came to Bill Starr because while in his human form Comet had no super powers. If anything were to happen to Comet, Supergirl would want a full explanation from Superman. A scenario played in his mind:

"Let me get this straight," said Supergirl. "Comet, while in his vulnerable human form, was gunned down by some outlaws while you were wooing your prospective boyfriend? Superman, how could you let that happen?"

Then Clark snapped back to reality.

Little Jo and Haus exchanged looks.

"Well, sure. Pa did say we were short of hired hands, so it should be no trouble," said Little Jo.

"Thanks! We really appreciate this!" said Clark.

"Where are your horses?" asked Haus.

Clark and Bill looked at each other.

"Those guys who stole my clothes also stole my horse," said Bill thinking quickly. "And they took Clark's horse, too."

"Darn shame," said Little Jo. "Well, Bill, you can ride with me on my horse."

"Clark, you can ride with me," said Johnny.

Clark beamed. "Thanks!"

He eagerly climbed up and wrapped his arms around Johnny's slender waist.

This is heavenly, thought Clark.

The five of them rode out of town.

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