Chapter two:
Smiling, Maggie 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 bit rarer to find someone who is grateful for the sacrifices that people like Maggie 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 Maggie's turn in line. However, before she could go up 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 Maggie's hand.
Oh, this? Maggie brings the 72nd issue up. Yeah, I don't care about the Fantastic Four. And their movies are cringe and not worth watching. But this particular comic book is important to me though. Maggie said.
Oh? Jack quirks up an eyebrow. And why's that? He asked.
Maggie gets an excited look on her face. Because, this is one of the few times we meet the One Above All the father of all of creation and you don't hear about him much and the focus is more on Earth and it's protectors. I figured there must be more to her, so I wanted to ask Stan Lee about her while also asking him to sign the page where the Incredible Hulk meets her. I know this incarnation of the character is more of the opposite to Jack Kirby, but it still seems appropriate, you know? Said Maggie.
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 her's. Heck, a being like that inside the Marvel MCU? I wish I could be the One Above All. Maggie looks back at the line. Ah, sorry, Jack, I need to go, it's my turn! Maggie said.
As Maggie 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 Maggie, who's standing in front of Jack's best friend and colleague.
Jack places his gloved hand on Maggie's shoulder as she gets her comic book back from Stan Lee, and before he can ask his question, Stan Lee says, this one?
Maggie 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 Maggie. 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, dirty, chewed up pencil. He then reaches under the table and brings up a blank sheet of paper. As 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. Maggie starts to panic a bit. Just what is going on? The only thing Maggie can hear is hers, Jack's, and Stan Lee's breathing. As the elderly celebrity drops his old pencil down onto the page, a word escapes his lips.
Excelsior.
Maggie's consciousness fades to black as her body turns into motes of light until it disappears entirely.
Thanks Stan, as always, Jack Kirby says as he walks away and fades into nothingness.
See you in a few years, Jack. Says Stan Lee, and life returns to the convention hall.