September 6, 2005
Week 19 - Impossible Dreams 6
Episode 2
Powell and Lamont stand in front of a large shed in Lamont's back yard.
"This is my central base of operations," Lamont says. He turns a key in a padlock that seals a rusty metal latch. The door swings open and they walk in. "Welcome to the Coyote Cave!" He flips a switch and a naked bulb turns on. The shed is dusty and cluttered. From one wall hangs several carpenter's tools. In a corner, on a rickety desk, is an old computer and a radio.
"Um..." Powell says. "Very, uh, nice..."
Lamont nods. "Now... If you are to be my ally in the never ending war against crime, you must be furnished with the proper tools." He steps toward a wooden table by the far wall and reaches for a thick workman's belt. "I prepared this for you yesterday."
"Oh... uh, what is it?"
"It is your utility belt." He points to the side. "Notice this hook? From it, you can hang your weapon."
"My... my weapon?"
Lamont reaches into a milk carton under the table. He pulls out a metal frying pan and holds it up to Powell. "I have studied you, Mr. Powell," he says. "I know that you possess the same talent as Daredevil's nemesis Bulls Eye... the ability to turn ordinary household objects into deadly tools of combat. It's true, this is but an ordinary frying pan, but I observed you weld it against the minion of the Arachnid Queen..."
"You mean, that spider?"
"Indeed. You utterly crushed it. That is why this will be your weapon. And that is why you will be called 'Pan Boy'!"
"Oh, um... About that... I was wondering if, maybe, we could change that name..."
"'Pan Boy' describes your abilities perfectly. There is no need to change."
"But... 'Boy'? I mean... I'm twenty four years old."
"Ah!" Lamont nods. "You're concerned it makes you seem juvenile. I understand. When Dick Grayson reached maturity, he faced the same doubts about the Robin identity. But I fear we have no choice. After all, we can't call you 'Pan Man'!" He laughs.
"Uh... Why not?"
"Come now, my young friend! That would be ridiculous!"