A Scripta

   Lodestar, looking more like a Peacebringer than a superhero - because that was how Nate pictured him now in his mind's eye - advanced through the blighted area that was Nathan's memory.  It was a never-ending thunderstorm of fire and blasted lands, with small sparks of life shining like stars in the darkness.

As he "walked" the land grew brighter, softer, and soon grass appeared beneath his feet.  He saw the man in the center of it all, and quickly took a few steps to arrive at his side.  Nate had become the small pharmacist that he had been before taking the "concoction", and he was sitting on the ground, looking up at a very tall and big woman who was yelling at him:

"...and don't think that I don't know what you really wanted out of me.  You wanted my money, my father's money--"

"Nate," said Lodestar gently.

"--and you thought you could take over his business - what makes--" Suddenly she stopped, as if caught in a freeze-frame.  The dark haired man, wearing thick round glasses, turned to Lodestar. 

Lodestar knelt so he was at the same level.  Nate said quietly, "Is it time?"

"They need you to awaken."

He looked down, away, glanced up at the woman.  Lodestar followed his gaze.  "Lodestar," he said, "You know how when people go on long vacations, they need someone to feed their cats and start their car?"

"Yes."

"Can you do that for me?"

Lodestar put a hand on Nate's back.  "Of course, I can."

Nate smiled a little.  "You can take it out for a spin, but don't scratch it up."

Lodestar chuckled.  "I promise to take good care of it."  He tilted his body to look into Nate's eyes.  "What about Daisuke?"

Nate nodded slowly.

Lodestar nodded and the pressure on Nate's back faded as Lodestar disappeared.  Nate looked back at the woman, and said, "Tell me again, Denise, the last words you said to me before you dumped me..."

---------------------------------

"Wake him up."

The orderly said, "I'm sorry, sir, but Dr. LaPlaca has left str--"

The agent pulled out a gun and pressed it against Masonry's bicep.  "Wake him up the easy way or I'll wake him up the hard way."

"Put away the gun," rumbled a voice from the bed.  Masonry's eyes were still closed as he said, "Untie me, please."

"I need to get Dr. LaPlaca," offered the orderly.

"Do so, please."

The agent put his gun away with a leer.  "So, Mr. Greene, since when did you get telepathic powers?"

A bright white fluffy ball of light floated downward to land in the palm of Masonry's hand.  It brightened for a moment as it sunk into the hand and disappeared. 

The orderly returned with the doctor.  "Nate?  You're awake?"

"I am awake."  He opened his eyes, the burning white light emenating from them. 

"Lodestar," the agent sneered.

"Untie me please," Lodestar said to the doctor.

The doctor nodded, so the orderly began removing the restraints.  "Where's Nate?"

"In therapy."

The agent snorted.  "Hiding."

Lodestar sat up, pointedly ignoring the agent.  "My presence here is to keep the body alive and functional.  No more unless asked."  He turned his burning eyes on to the agent.  "I do not work for you or your organziation, Agent Perry."

"But that body does."

Lodestar smiled coldly.  He slapped his hands on his thighs, turned to the orderly and said, "I aym faimished.  What'sa guy gotta do t' git some'n t' eat, roun' these parts?"