RADIO ON THE ROAD

FIRST STOP: PLANET KRYPTON

Planet Krypton
        This is a very spacious place. The first thing that seems obvious is the vast amount of
space. The room spreads outward and along the floor moving toward the back of the restaurant. To
the left and right are numerous tables each covered in delightful red and blue tablecloths. In
the center of each table also sit what appear to be Bulletman and Bulletgirl salt & pepper
shakers. The lighting here is excellent and the room seems to glow with a sense of magic. The
jukebox in the corner seems to be playing a great selections of modern and golden-oldie tunes.
        In the background the waiters and waitresses are dressed in very fanciful and realistic
costumes. The giant skylight above lets in a warm amount of sunlight and the place is very
cheery. In there are many display cases, but what is mostly relevant are the neat little models
hanging from the ceiling. Over one table is what appears to be some sort of rocket and what
appears to be the Batplane. Hanging in the center of the room is also what appears to be a model
of the earth, except that it's square. This quirky item is one of the more eccentric.
        In the corner is one of the nicer tables which seems equipped to deal with at least 7
seats. The table is coated with a big, blue tablecloth which has the Superman emblem on it. As
well, the nearest other table. Other tables are draped in similar fashions, but none seem as
nice. The stairs to the upstairs area lead up and around, passing all manner of paraphernalia.

The door closes behind Billy Batson as he enters.
	A rather unremarkable boy, at first glance. Billy is in his early teens and rather
scrawny, with black hair that looks shorter than it really is thanks to a natural wave. The manly
cleft in his chin seems out of place considering his otherwise unassuming demeanor.
        A longer look suggests there may be more to this lad than first appears. He is wearing
olive green Dockers with a military style cloth black belt clasped by a simple steel buckle.
Black and white sneakers look fresh out of the box. His button-down white shirt is hardly visible
beneath the voluminous blue and white baseball jacket he's wearing, but the white tab collar
still pokes out a little at the top. A cap of matching colors is stuffed in one pocket.

Michael Carter comes out of the back. He is in one of his nicer suits. He looks nervous. "Did
Lois show up yet?"
	His pearl white smile is the first thing you see and though his skin, seems fairly smooth
there is also a roughness to it. This man is fairly built as his frame shows and he looks like
one of those older Athletes who is just starting to adjust to a less strenuous life. His light
blue eyes look up to you and he smiles. The collar of his light blue shirt, fits nicely into his
brown, casual blazer and he wears a nice pair of khaki pants that show of his nice form. His feet
are covered in casual black socks and work boots, yes, he's really going casual.
	His wrist has a strange looking metallic device on it, must be one of those sports
watches and he seems to sport a gold ring on his right hand with the symbol for (L*) in the
center. He seems almost like a movie star, but he could be some kind of athlete, or former
athlete. He looks up, his wavy blond hair, letting an occasional lock drop into his eye.

Billy Batson is smiling as he walks in and he waves. "Hi, Mister Carter. This is my crew," he
adds, gesturing to the two men behind him. "Johnny and Nash."

Michael Carter is dressed in a very casual suit. A nearby waitress looking like Wonder Woman
smiles. A girl in the back dressed like Robin, giggles and waves. Michael Carter nods. "Um ...
hey, great. You'll forgive me, my PR agent Lois Lane hasn't arrived yet."

Billy Batson blinks a little in surprise. "Lois Lane is your press agent? Wow, what great luck.
Do you think she'd mind sitting in. I'd love to ask her a few questions. WHIZ has been trying to
book her for months!"

A skinny man with a goatee, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, begins setting up microphones and other
electronic gear in a corner of the club.

Michael Carter smiles. "It's a part time thing. Her work comes first, but yes, she helps me. I
couldn't function without her. She's the inside ear on all my 'outside' problems." He smiles and
rubs his chin, thoughtfully.

Lois walks in the door behind the crew, waving casually to the hostess setting up for later. She
catches the tail end of that comment, and smiles faintly. "Nice to know, Mike."

Michael Carter looks over at Lois. He nods. "You know what I mean."

Billy Batson turns to see the new arrival and he's obviously a little star-struck. "Miss Lane!"

        You see before you a slightly taller than average woman, about 5'7" tall, with
raven-black hair whose silky strands just brush lightly around her face and to the nape of her
neck in the back. Deep blue eyes are set evenly in her oval face, expressive and intelligent,
watching the world with a mixture of amusement and cynicism. A determined jawline gives
indications of JUST how stubborn this woman can be, but yet her smile is quick and ready for
those she considers friends. She has a firm, well-built body, muscular without being bulky and
strong without sacrificing the softness of her femininity. Though she exhibits a determined and
savvy journalist to the world, she can also be quite charming and witty, easily shifting from one
persona to another.
        She seems quite at home in a pair of navy blue slacks that taper at the ankle with a
suit-jacket that matches it. An ivory blouse buttons up beneath the open jacket and a delicate
gold chain encircles her throat at the collar. She wears a gold watch on her wrist and a
beautifully cut engagement ring of some very unusual, sparkly gemstone in a silvery-gold setting.

Michael Carter says "I'd like to think we work as a good team." He notices Batson. "Well, looks
like who is going to be getting most of this interview.""

Billy Batson chuckles at that and then shakes his head, a little embarrassed. "Oh no, Mister
Carter. My listeners want to know all about Planet Krypton and I'm hoping to get some great
stories out of you. Don't worry about that!"

Lois chuckles quietly, slanting Michael an amused look. "Hey... it's almost nice to be the
celebrity around for a change." She holds out her hand to Billy. "Pleased to meet you. Bill, is
it? Please, call me Lois." She's not treating him like a child but as an aspiring journalist.

Billy Batson shakes Lois' hand and says, "Ma'am, not even my manager calls me Bill. But I
appreciate it all the same. Billy is great." He looks round to see if the crew is ready.

Wonder Woman slaps one of the Fawcett radio guys and stomps off in a huff. The fella looks up
with a sheepish smile, shrugs, and goes back to his equipment. "We're about ready for you," he
says.

Michael Carter nods and looks up. He's really sort of nervous. Not at all the type you remember
from the past. People change. Seems Booster has. "Billy, would you like something to eat or
drink?"

Lois grins. "Then Billy it will be." She turns and eyes the slapped one thoughtfully, and moves
to perch on a stool. She's mainly here to observe and answer the questions Mike wants to dodge,
to her mind.

Michael Carter smiles and takes a seat near Lois. He sits on the stool next to her and then waits
for instructions.

Billy's grin is infectious. "If you'd put a cheeseburger in the oven for after we're done, sir,
I'd really appreciate it. We have food in the trailer, but it doesn't compare to the real thing!"
Finding a seat, he opens a portfolio and takes a tape recorder out of his coat pocket, setting it
on the table. "First I want to thank you for agreeing to this interview, Mister Carter. And Lois,
it was really considerate of you to agree to sit in as well."

Lois smiles. "No problem. It's a novelty to be on the other side of it." She winks at Billy, and
settles in to listen.

Michael Carter adjusts his wireless microphone. "It's our pleasure Billy." He smiles. "We
wouldn't pass this up."

Billy says, "Mister Carter, you appeared pretty much out of nowhere, saving the life of President
Reagan and then soon joining the illustrious Justice League. Since then you've been a solo hero
and also operated with the Blue Beetle, created Booster Gold International, Extreme Justice, Blue
and Gold Express, Planet Krypton and now the Outsiders. That's quite a list for a man that no one
had heard of before a few years ago."

Michael Carter covers his mouth. . o O (Damn.) he looks at Lois. He nods. (Yes, it is quite a
list.) He smiles. "Well, I'm going with what I've been saying for a while now, on these matters.
Everything before the creation of this place and the Outsiders was preparation..." he pauses. "I
was a selfish person before. I don't want to be that person again."

Lois smiles faintly. She motions to the bartender for a drink, and clearly she's a regular here -
he brings her a Pepsi without even asking what she wants. While she sips from it, she studies
Billy and his crew idly.

Billy scoots forward a little and rests his elbows on the table. "So how are Planet Krypton and
the Outsiders different -- less selfish, maybe -- than the organizations you were affiliated with
in the past?" Though his questions are probing, Billy is friendly and not at all hostile. He
seems to be trying to get a feel for you.

While Michael tends to some restaurant business, Billy looks over to Lois and grins. "Miss Lane,
everyone wants to know what its like to be a reporter for the Daily Planet, watching the world
get saved four times a month and writing it down for millions of readers. Can you tell us a
little about it?"

Lois says quietly, "I don't think that's quite what he said. In no way are we implying that the
Justice League is a selfish group. The Outsiders simply have a different charter. Where the
League deals with global and occasionally interplanetary threats, the Outsiders deal on a more
local and international level." She isn't hostile, simply clarifying the Outsiders' role. "Planet
Krypton is a separate entity altogether. It's a restaurant." When Billy questions turn her way,
she listens and then replies with a faint smile, tainted by some sadness. Too recently, she was
doing horrible things during the attack of the Horsemen - creating stories. "Well, working for
the Daily Planet has been a wonderful opportunity. My editor gives me good latitude to follow u
on stories that interest me, and you're certainly right that I've seen a large number of
metahuman battles. It can be scary, but I find it quite exhilarating."

Billy asks, "Maybe you could talk a little bit about the story that earned you a Pulitzer Prize?
Did you know it was going to be big when you started to follow the leads?"

Lois shakes her head negatively, her laughter quiet. "I had no idea what would happen. As I began
to follow the clues - and if anyone tells you research on stories is fun, let me disabuse you of
the notion immediately. It's the worst kind of legwork there is - I started to get hints that it
was big. Really big. The bigger the story is, though, the more careful you have to be in pursuing
it. Anything you do wrong can blow your story out of the water. And many times, like in this
instance, it can potentially get you killed. I enjoyed the story, but those who were exposed
weren't so happy about it." She glances toward Michael for a moment, checking his progress. "The
best hint I can give anyone about writing a good story is to have facts at hand. It was a tiny
little clue that I happened upon and a leap of logic took the story."

Michael Carter comes back and sits down. He looks at Billy. "I hope Lois made my words make
sense."

Billy is clearly interested in the investigation, and asks a few more questions about the nature
of the story, how it was received by the Planet staff and by the newly-exposed subjects. The
'potentially get you killed' aspect of the adventure makes for especially colorful material, as
danger and excitement always spruces up an interview. When Michael returns Billy smoothly changes
his focus back to the official subject. "Absolutely, sir. A lot of heroes are motivated by a
desire to be better people than they used to be. Maybe you can tell us what you mean when you say
you were a selfish person before."

Michael Carter says "I was a childish, selfish person. It cost me a lot of things. It cost me my
sister's life." He looks at Lois. "Someone asked me -- if a hero does the right things for the
wrong reasons, is that person a hero." He rubs his chin. "Yes. And no." He looks at the camera.
"I'm not that Booster Gold anymore."

Billy nods. "And the Outsiders are a part of this new outlook? Maybe you could tell us a little
about the organization and what you had in mind when you founded it."

Michael Carter says "I wanted to help people who couldn't be helped by conventional means, I
wanted to somehow do some good for many of the selfish things I'd done in the past. I also will
help those who need help."

Billy nods. "Can you tell us about one of your recent cases? I'm sure all the folks at home would
like to hear about the kind of adventures you and the Outsiders have had."

Michael Carter rubs his chin. "Most recently, we relieved a very prominent businessman, who
essentially was effecting Genocide."

Michael Carter looks at Lois. "Lois reported the first case." He smiles. "Ishiguro Takamura, was
his name and thankfully, he lives in exile now." He smiles at Lois.

Lois grimaces faintly at the memory. "He was certainly a sicko."

Billy watches the both of you during the exchange and then says, "Some folks -- notably some
mystery men from the Golden Age -- have accused you of using Planet Krypton to 'cash in' on
superheroes in general. Is there anything you'd like to say to that."

Michael Carter lifts his eyebrows. He seems kind of calm. He wasn't aware he'd been under fire.
"Well, as they recall, BGI gave a million dollars to charity on the opening."

Billy nods happily and grins like the school boy he is. "I remember! Captain Marvel was there and
he wrestled with Superman! That was a heck of a party, Mister Carter!"

Michael Carter closes his eyes partially. . o O (Thank god someone remembers.) He smiles. "Yes,
well, I think I'll let Lois field the rest of my answer."

Lois laughs softly and takes up the slack. "I think the best way to answer that is that Planet
Krypton is meant to honor those who came before. Yes, it's a little bit of marketing, but its
profits go into accounts that can be used to assist those who have lost property or loved ones to
metahuman battles. It is meant to be a reminder to the world that heroes try very hard, and
deserve all kinds of recognition... and by drawing attention to their good deeds and assisting
when innocents have been hurt in trying to save the world, Planet Krypton is attempting to make
sure that the world knows all heroes remember those obligations."

Billy continues to smile happily. "A lot of the theme restaurants like Planet Hollywood, World of
Blues, and the Hard Rock Cafe are falling on hard times these days and many have closed. I hope
that isn't going to happen here!"

Michael Carter nods. "Fortunately not, Billy. We've been doing quite well, as a matter of fact
business has been steadily increasing. And we're prepared--should it start to decrease."

Lois smiles at you both, checking her pager as it goes off. "I'm afraid I have to take this.
Enjoy the rest of your meeting. Billy, I enjoyed meeting you." She waves and heads for the door.

It was a real pleasure, Miss ... I mean Lois." <ahem> Billy looks a little flustered and then he
continues with the interview.

Michael Carter leans and gives Lois a hug. "See you for lunch tomorrow?"

Lois hugs Mike and grins. "You got it."

"For much of your career," Billy asks, "you've been partnered with the Blue Beetle. But I don't
see him in news stories or press releases concerning the Outsiders."

Michael Carter pulls his jacket tight. "Blue Beetle, is my best friend. Sometimes, I think I
trust him with my life over any others." He looks at Billy seriously. "He's busy working his way
through his own problems." He bites his lip and looks up. "There's no love lost between us--and
if he so chose to be a member of the outsiders, he would be welcomed with open arms." He looks at
the camera. "I miss him, but our lives can't be planned, as super heroes, its sort of like
someone is writing our stories. Our friends come and go . Like players in a play. Like curtain
calls and entrances. Sometimes, it's like they will never return and then they will--like magic.
It's our lot in life. It's not a lot--but it's life."

Billy chuckles at that, and nods in understanding. "I'm sure a lot of ordinary people feel the
same way, Mister Carter. Not just superheroes. Is there anything else you'd like to add before we
wrap it up? The microphone is yours."

Michael Carter looks at the camera seriously. "Sometimes the law, which is put in place to help,
only hinders. There are some cries for help that are silenced by those voices too weak to shout
for help, and there are some that suffer in ways people can't imagine, with no recourse and no
hope. The Outsiders can help and will help. We never break the law, even when some laws are
unjust. We hear your cries--when nobody else can." He looks back at Billy. "That's all I have."

Billy nods soberly. "Thank you, Mister Carter, for your time and for your thoughts. This is Billy
Batson for WHIZ Radio, signing off." Another one of the techies flips a switch and then nods to
you both. Billy turns off his tape recorder.

Michael Carter extends his hand to Billy, warmly. "Thank you for this time."

Billy grins and stands. "It's really been my pleasure, sir. It's been a long time since I was
here and frankly I'm really looking forward to one of those Big Red Cheeseburgers."

A waitress appears dressed like Mary Marvel. She smiles. "One, Captain burger on Marble Rye." She
smiles. "You'll love the Fawcett fries."

Michael Carter says "You sure, you wouldn't like a man of beef steak?" He smiles warmly.

Billy blinks a little at the waitress. .oO(Holy Moley. She's a little ... more developed than the
Mary I know!) "Er, no thanks. The burger would be great!"

The waitress smiles and gives him the bag. She whispers. "Carrie Kelly over there thinks you are
cute." She smiles and sort of sashays to the kitchen. Yes, very well developed.

Billy blushes furiously and tries to cover by looking at the various hanging models from the
ceiling. "Wow, a Supermobile. I haven't seen one of those in ages."

Michael Carter nods. Other waiters and waitresses bring food for the crew. There's a lot of food
given out. Michael nods warmly. "Listen, um, this is an email and 800 number. Could you put it at
the end of the report so people know how to contact the Outsiders if they wish or need to." He
looks serious. "I really want to help people now. More than I ever did before."

Billy turns back, very attentive. "Oh, you bet, sir. I'd be happy to do that. Are you folks based
here in Metropolis?"

Michael Carter smiles and looks up through the ceiling at the great green globe, which is
secretly a holographic entrance to the mysterious base of the outsiders. "Oh, We're _around_." He
smiles warmly looking at Billy.

Billy ahs, sensing that this is a secret. "Gotcha. Well, if there's anything I can do to help,
sir, all you have to do is ask. Um, Nash? Do you have any more of those cards the station made up
for me? Neat." One of the assistants hands over a business card with Batson's name and
on-the-road phone number. "This tour is supposed to last a few weeks. After that it will be back
to Fawcett for me." He sounds disappointed that the tour ever has to end.

Michael Carter nods and touches Billy's shoulder. "It's going to be a great tour, and I think
we'll find a way to use you." He smiles. He seems pensive. He nods. "It was a great honor."

Billy waves a hand in the air. "Oh, I'm just a radio kid, sir. You're a millionaire -- a Justice
Leaguer with your own superteam! But I appreciate the compliment, all the same."

Michael Carter pauses for a moment. "Billy..." He passes a piece of paper to him. He looks
serious for a moment. "A few years back a business man named Derek Powers opened a company on
Gentech in Fawcett, will you look into it for me?" He seems serious.

Billy takes the note and his expression is serious. "Derek Powers," he repeats, putting the name
to memory. "Sure I can look into it for you, Mister Carter. If he's got a genetics firm in
Fawcett its probably in the Gernsback neighborhood. No problem. But ... it may take me a little
while. Is that okay?"

Michael Carter nods. He looks at him seriously. "Yes. Thank you Billy, I won't forget this."

Billy waves as he heads out of the restaurant. "You can thank me if I turn up anything! And in
the meantime, great cheeseburger!"

Michael Carter slips the card in his important rolodex. He disappears into a crowd of superheroes
bringing food for the road crew.

Somewhere on the thirteenth floor, the Benefactor starts to make a file on one Billy Batson.

Fade to Black.