(An ordinary Comic Con.)

Chapter one:

October 9th 2021:

The Javitz Center is bursting with energy. The line in the morning went up and down 34th street. It's the last day of this Year's New York Comic Con. People dressed as their favorite characters from every conceivable fandom parade around to get comic books signed, pictures taken, attend artist/ writer's panels, compare costumes, purchase merchandise and collectibles, as well as hang out and connect with fellow fan's of the same work. It's a magical time.

However, this New York City Comic Con is different than usual. People dressed as Spider- Man, Super Man, Black Widow and many other beloved DC and Marvel characters can be seen with mixed emotions on their faces, excited, yet also despondent. Looking at them you'd think that someone just told them that their favorite grandmother was about to die but was also leaving them with her entire fortune after she passed away. If asked about it, many would agree with that sentiment, especially those who live in this city that never sleeps.

The reason for this occured two days ago. It was announced online that this would be a beloved icon's last convention in his birth city of New York. The man who has given all Marvel fan's so much of his time and energy as well as being a co-creator of so many of the more well known characters in the Marvel Universe. Stan Lee is having his last panel at this location today, this afternoon, in fact. Right now though, the man every comic book fan adores can be seen chatting and signing autographs from behind a white plastic table with the upcoming Marvel studios movie poster Spider-Man no way from home blown up behind him.

One New Yorker can be seen in line to get the man's signature, shuffling in place nervously but gingerly holding a limited edition copy of Fantastic Four #72. Her deep blue eyes looking over the others ahead of her in order to see how long it'll be until it's her turn. A cough from behind startles her. She turns around to see who wants her attention.

Hey tall girl, what's got you so impatient? It's not like you can make the line move any faster.

Embarrassed, the woman scratches the back of her long brown hair as she looks down to acknowledge the older gentleman. He must be around five ten? Five nine? Maybe 70 or 80 year's old. And dressed as Thanos, the Mad Titan, of all people, completed with a replica of the infinity gauntlet and purple makeup. It's kind of a odd choice of character for an elderly person to dress as. While keeping up with the rest of the line, the brown haired woman responds.

Sorry, it's just, I've always wanted to meet him again since the first New York City Comic Con I went to and I don't want to miss him. I mean, it's his last one, y'know?

Thanos shows a knowing smile.

I get it, believe me, but doin what your doin ain't gonna help at all. By the way been meaning to ask you... who are you cosplaying as? Thanos asked, gesturing to the woman's attire. You can't be dressed as Black Widow, you're too bulky for it... Scarlet Witch? That'd fit, but you don't have her mask on. Said Thanos.

Huh? The woman looks down at her red jacket, and black jeans. Oh! No, sorry, I actually couldn't really afford to make a custom this year. So, it's just me, unfortunately.

Ah, Thanos nod's. No worries young lady, we've all been there. By the way, name's Jack. And you are? Jack extends his non gloved hand out for a handshake.

Taking Jack's hand with the one not holding her most prized comic, the woman replies, Katie Taylor, but you can just call me Kate, nice to meet you. Nice Thanos custom, by the way.

Jack grin's, Thanks, made it myself. Took a while to get it right, though people keep telling me I'm too old for this stuff. If I had a build like you and maybe twenty or so years younger I'd probably be able to pull it off better. Replied Jack.

Now it was Katie's turn to smile. Nonsense, just say you're a Thanos where Doctor Strange used the Time Stone to accelerate your age and you're good to go! Katie said.

Jack showed a bemused expression and chuckled as the both of them kept waking forward in line. Yeah, that'd work, if I didn't have the time stone already in the infinity gauntlet that is. Jack told her.

Ah, I guess you're right. Then how about a Thanos that's an extra few years old? Katie asked him.

Again infinity gauntlet. With the stone's, Thanos wouldn't need to age like he normally would. Plus, his races longevity doesn't work like most others, he'd look the same clear up until the day he died. Replied Jack.

Hmm, then you're a Watcher who is a fan of the Titan? Katie asked.

Nope, if there were a Watcher that was a fan of Thanos he'd have his title revoked. Though they're supposed to be neutral, they favor good over evil. The only outlier in the Watcher's is the simpleton that watches Deadpool exclusively. And the other Watcher's barely tolerate him because Wade Wilson is usually doing good. Replied Jack.

Katie and Jack continued chatting about comic's, and how to resolve Jack's cosplay identity, and their favorite characters for a while. All of a sudden a trio of cosplayers dressed as Super Man, Captain America, and Green Lantern walk by, distracting Katie for a few seconds while Jack gives the young woman a smirk. Though, after a bit it becomes more annoying than funny. Jack snaps her back into reality.

Hey now, they're cute alright, but there's no need to stare that much. What would your boyfriend think? Jack asked her.

Startled, Katie hastily waves her hand in front of her face. Eh!? No, no, no. I don't have a boyfriend. At least, not anymore. Replied Katie.

Jack's eyes widen slightly in surprise. Really? Big girl, like you don't have a boyfriend? Well, I'm sorry, to hear that, what happened? Jack asked her.

Ah, well after I got out after my last tour I found out that he left me, so I moved back to Queens for a while. Katie shows a self deprecating smile. He said he couldn't stand me being away all the time and that I wasn't able to give him what he needs. He's married now with a kid on the way... Katie told him.

Ah jeez, I'm sorry, shouldn't have brought it up. Wait a minute. Got out? Last tour? Your a veteran? Jack asked her.

Hmm, I wouldn't really classify myself as a veteran. It's not like I was in the full twenty. But I did a few tour's with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion in Afghanistan. Some of my friends that served with me would say that anymore who deployed and saw the desert is a veteran, but personally, I think the guys who stayed in and continued their service after being in that hell are the real veterans. But anyway, after that, well, like I said I got out and back home. Replied Katie.

So, what're you doing now? Jack asked her.

Not a whole lot. Living by myself and going to school to get a degree in nursing. Bill won't pay itself, you know? But mostly I'm just reading comic's and watching TV and movies. Replied Katie.

Hey, no shame in that. And thank you for your service. Jack said.

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