(Becoming the One Above All.)

Chapter two:

Smiling, Katie appreciated the elderly gentleman's sentiments. Prior Service men and women may not get treated as badly as they used to after Vietnam, but in a city like New York City it's a to find someone who is grateful for the sacrifices that people like Wanda have made in service to the country. So, Jack saying that meant a lot.

The odd duo made small talk for a while. Soon it was time for Katie's turn in line. However, before she could go to her idol she got stopped by Jack.

Wait a bit, been meaning to ask you. What's so important about that Fantastic Four comic you have? You seem to treasure it. But from what we've been talking about it doesn't seem like you particularly care for the Fantastic Four that much. Jack asked, looking at the comic held carefully in Katie's hand.

Oh, this? Katie brings the 72nd issue up. Yeah, I don't care much about the Fantastic Four. Susan Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm are one thing, but Reed Richards... I don't like much, and those movies are cringe and not worth watching. This one is special though. Katie said.

Oh? Jack quirks up an eyebrow. And why's that? He asked.

Katie gets an excited look on her face. Because, this one of the few times we meet the One Above All the Creator and you don't hear much about him the focus is more on Earth and it's protectors. I figured there must be more to him, so I wanted to ask Stan Lee about him while also asking him to sign the page where the Fantastic Four meets him. I know this incarnation of the character is more an homage to Jack Kirby, but it still seems appropriate, you know? Said Katie.

Jack frowns a bit. What more to the character do you need? He's omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Kind of hard to really put a finger on that sort of being don't you think? Even worse to try and have a story surrounding him or her. Replied Jack.

Well, uh, it's just there isn't a character in the Marvel universe that doesn't have a story and I wish I could experience his. Heck, a being like that inside the Marvel universe. I wish I could be the One Above All. Katie looks back at the line. Ah, sorry, I need to go, it's my turn! Katie said.

As Katie scampers off giddily, Jack laughs at his young friends antic's. Indeed, it just might be. Jack said to himself.

At this his eyes seem to glow for a split second before being replaced by his normal look. After a few minutes, he walks towards Katie, who's standing in front of Jack's best friend and colleague.

Jack places his gloved hand on Katie's shoulder as she gets her comic book back from Stan Lee, and before he can ask his question, Stan Lee says, this one?

Katie looks at her new customed friend curiosity. Does Jack know Mr. Lee?

Stan Lee looks up surprised. He takes his trademark aviator sunglasses off and points them at Katie. You sure Jack? Asked Stan Lee. Jack nod's and Stan Lee shrugs. Alright, but you will have to explain it to her. Stan Lee takes out a pencil from his pocket, a worn out, chewed up pencil. He then reaches under the table and brings up a blank sheet of paper. Ah he places it on the table, the whole convention center seems to quiet as if someone is turning the volume dial down on a stereo. Once the paper hits the table, it's eerily silent. Katie starts to panic a bit. Just what is going on? The only thing Katie can hear is hers, Jack's, and Stan Lee's breathing. As the elderly celebrity drops his old pencil down onto the page, and a word escapes his lips.

Excelsior..

Katie's consciousness fades to black as her body turns into motes of light until it disappears entirely.

Thanks Stan, as always, Jack says as he walks away and fades into nothingness.

See you in a few years, Jack. Says Malcolm Wheeler Nicholson, and life returns to the conventional hall.