June 17, 2005
Week 8 - Impossible Dreams, Prelude 1
Episode 5
Lamont leads Powell to a door bolted by a thick lock.
“This, Mr. Powell, is where I keep documentation of the doings of the heroes.” He pulls out a key and unlocks the door. They enter a large library room, packed with shelves filled with neatly stacked comic books.
“Wow!” Powell says.
“Contained in these manuscripts are the records of deeds that stir the heart. You must help me make these tales known! The public must know more of the sacrifice and nobility of the brave men and women who protect them!”
“Wow!” Powell says again. Several comic books from the late 30’s and early 40’s are spread casually on a table. “Wow! Whiz number two!”
“I have never understood why the media are not filled with tales of their doings… Superman saves the earth from Brainiac and the Times has not a word! The Fantastic Four prevent the conquest of America by Doctor Doom, yet the six o’clock news remains silent!”
“Action Comics number six!”
“But your fine journal, Fiddle and Burn! Fiddle and Burn is the exception! Fiddle and Burn understands what is truly important. That is why I allowed you here, to my sanctuary.”
“Mr. Lamont… Can I… can I hold some of these? Um... Can I read them?”
“Ah, Mr. Powell, I understand your desire. Unfortunately, it is not within my power to authorize such a perusal. There are secrets contained within these documents. Secrets that would cause grave harm to the heroes, were they to become known.”
“Wow! Detective Comics number thirty three! That’s the one where they first show why Bruce Wayne became Batman!”
Lamont freezes and his jaw drops. “You.. you… you know… you know Bruce Wayne is Batman!”
Powell laughs. “Of course! Clark Kent is Superman, Peter Parker is Spider-Man… why wouldn’t I know?”
Lamont clenches his fists. “Who are you affiliated with?” he demands. “Are you a villain? Are you with Hydra… or the Hand… or are you an associate of Lex Luthor?”
“Um… What?”
“Or perhaps you are on the side of good… Are you with the Justice League? The Avengers? Do you work for Oracle? You must tell me how you know these secrets!”