It had been 2 months since Jessica Benton told off the people who were going to re-start her career. She sat at a desk covered in papers and her phone was ringing non-stop. “I’ve got to hire more staff….and soon.” she thought. In the 2 months since her agent Murray Spaulding warned her she was committing career suicide, Starlight Records had gotten off the ground and Jessica had called in some old favors. She had an entire cd of new material almost finished and requests for appearances were pouring in.

“Have you ever wanted to visit Portugal?” Murray Spaulding asked as he breezed into Jessica’s office.
“Murray, I don’t have time for a vacation--no matter how badly I need one.” Jessica huffed to her agent. Murray had really come through for her in the past few weeks. She was already slated for an E! True Hollywood Story, an appearance on all the late night talk shows, a Cosmopolitan cover, as well as interviews galore. It seemed she had a new generation of fans along with those who were craving nostalgia.
The tall Australian chided, “Not a holiday Jess. Your mate Scott Trevor got you a gig as the musical guest at the Miss Universe pageant. It’s in Portugal this year and he has made sure you get to present Miss Philippines with a plaque for her assistance in the new Starlight House she helped open in her country.”
“That is totally awesome!” Jessica replied, realizing how dated she must sound. “Tell Scott I’ll do it as long as my pay is donated to the US Veterans fund.”
“You got it. Do you have time to sign some press releases?” Murray asked.
“Sure. What do you say I call it a day. I’ve been here since 7:30 and I’m starving.” Jessica asked the young man.
“Sounds good to me. You’ve been working so hard. I didn’t think you could pull this off, but you did.” Murray said with a smile.
Just then there was a loud crash in the lobby. Jessica and Murray raced to see what had happened. Floating in mid-air was a man in a white and black costume. He had the receptionist, Lucy, by the throat and had ripped her blouse and bra.
“Jess…who is that?” Murray asked.
“Murray, get out of here and call the police. Tell them to contact the Titans.” she said, not taking her eyes off the intruder.
“Yeah, stud. Why don’t you do that?” the floating man said as he raised his hand and fired a bolt of light at Murray. The bolt was bright and hurt Jessica’s eyes. It hit Murray square in the chest, knocking him back into a potted plant. His clothes were singed and smoke poured off his body.
“Don’t worry doll, I didn’t kill him. He’ll just have one heck of a sunburn when he wakes up.” the familiar looking man said.
Jessica knew who the man was. It was Dr. Light, but she wasn’t sure if it was the original or some new version. She quickly changed into Jemstone and clenched her fists.
“AH! There’s the hot kitten I came to see. I guess I don’t need my hostage anymore.” Dr.Light said as he snapped the receptionist’s neck. “That’s the trouble with you women…so weak and fragile.” he snarled as made an obscene gesture with 2 of his fingers and his tongue.

Jemstone fired off blasts of pure light, which seemed to distract the homicidal villain. “I don’t know why you came here, but you’ve made a big mistake. You just killed an innocent woman….and don’t you know me? I killed the Toyman, so I’ve got no qualms dealing with trash like you.”
“Ah yes, Toyman. All washed up when you killed him. You did him a favor. I was washed up too….until I saw you on TV. You made me feel things I haven’t felt in years. When I’m done with you, you’ll be begging for more!” Dr. Light chuckled.
“Pig!!!” Jemstone knew Dr. Light could be dangerous and was hoping the ruckus would alert the police.
“Come on, baby…give it to me, let‘s not make this any more difficult.” Dr. Light sneered as he lowered himself to the ground and dropped the dead receptionist. Jemstone was so angry that she charged at him, determined to beat him with her fists.
Suddenly he was gone as if he vanished into thin air. Jemstone realized he was a light manipulator and had probably turned invisible. She turned around slowly and scanned the reception area. “Maybe if I use my powers to bend the light around me, I can see him.” she said as she raised her hands, generating a low beam of light.
“Simple carnival trip, girl! Do you think you can find me like that?” came the voice of Dr. Light. Jemstone felt a kick in her stomach and doubled over. Dr. Light was still invisible and she couldn’t tell which direction his voice was coming from. While she was holding her stomach, she felt a blow to her head and dropped to the floor. All she could hear was a hacking laughter and then felt a sharp kick in her lower back. Before she could raise herself, she felt multiple blows to her face.
“Concentrate, Jess….do something to buy some time..” she thought as she felt a hand unzipping her costume.
“You see, my little lollipop, after I saw you on the news I got inspired. What a better way to score one for the super villain community by going after the upstart that killed one of our very own? I wasn’t always a joke you know. Before that cow Zatanna….before all that….I was a brilliant scientist. Over the past weeks, I was able to tap into light itself…it took years off my body and I can manipulate light any way I see fit” he said. Dr Light was kneeling over Jemstone and she could smell his hot, rancid breath on her neck.
“Is that so, doctor? Why don’t you turn around and tell Zatanna how big and bad you are now.” Jemstone mused. She was able to create an illusion…an illusion that Dr. Light wouldn’t see through…..she hoped.
Dr. Light seemed to be put off by ‘Zatanna’ and it was the break Jemstone needed. She began to radiate all colors of light. She sent them after Doctor Light and used the rays to pummel him. By then the illusion had faded and he was able to fight back.
A crowd had gathered outside Starlight Records and wondered what was going on, as the light show produced by the fighting pair was spectacular.
“We’re evenly matched!” Jemstone thought as she took to the air. Dr Light was right behind her as she flew in a zig-zag pattern. He was firing away behind her, each bolt putting holes in the walls. She flew into the recording studio.
“Trying to get me in the mood with some music? Don’t care for this new music and I don’t need it, baby. I’m always ready for action.” Dr Light hissed. Jemstone landed at the mixing board where she had laid down tracks the night before. He came at her with all of his might and knocked her down. “I’m going to love breaking you.” he said as he licked her cheek. His hands were all over her and Jemstone had never felt so repulsed in her entire life. She began to panic. What Dr. Light had in mind wasn’t just frightening to Jemstone as a super heroine, but as a woman. “I WILL not let him to this to me!“ she thought as she tried to keep Dr. Light from unzipping her costume.
“Oh yeah! Fight, FIGHT!!!“ he shouted.

Jemstone looked around, trying to find something--anything to defend herself. There was a remote control within reach. Maybe if she could reach it and hit the music, it would be loud enough to distract Dr. Light and give her a chance to get the upper hand. He didn’t see the remote in her hand nor did he see her press a button. Jemstone’s heart was beating so hard and her pulse was racing. She hit the button turning on the music. It was loud for a moment and then got even louder. The glass in the studio shattered as did all the windows in the building. Dr. Light suddenly stopped groping her and grabbed his ears and screamed. Jemstone kneed Dr. Light in his most sensitive area, not quite sure what was happening.
“You idiot!!! Stop….my eardrums are going to burst! AAAGHHHHHHH!!!!!!” the villain shouted. The music was loud….so loud Jemstone couldn’t think straight. She then realized the stress of what was happening to her caused her to be able to manipulate sound waves. She had never been able to accomplish this feat in the past, but realized that light and sound are often on the same wavelength.
“You know what they say about rock music…if it’s too loud, you’re too old!” Jemstone couldn’t believe she said something so clichéd, but it fit.
She used her newfound powers to make the music so loud that a special frequency was needed to hear it. She then manipulated the music into psychedelic light and aimed it at Dr. Lights head. By now, blood was pouring from his ears and nose. “You bit….” he shouted as the light hit him with such force that brought him to his knees. Jemstone stood as the colors swirled around her. Once she was sure Dr. Light was down for the count she let her body relax and the music and lightshow stopped. By then, Starlight Records was swarming with police officers. Dr. Light lay unconscious. His body had reverted back to that of an elderly man and his body swam in the now too big uniform. Special police agents put the villain on a stretcher and carried him out.

Later at Los Angeles Memorial: Jessica Benton made her way to Murray Spaulding’s room. His skin was bright red and she couldn’t help to think he looked so pitiful with his sunburn.
“Jess! Come on in.” he said with a dry voice.
“Murray, I am so sorry you got mixed up in all of that…I’m so glad you didn’t get hurt worse or killed…like poor Lucy.”
“I’m no worse for wear, although he did singe my chest hairs, he did.” Murray said looking up at Jessica.
She laughed at the Aussie’s sense of humor and was glad he seemed to be nonplussed about the entire event.
“Now, while I’ve been here I’ve already called US Weekly, OK! Magazine, and E!News. In a way, this is good….more attention on the cd and the fund you’ve set up for Lucy’s children. I talked to your accountant and donations are already pouring in.”
“You shouldn’t be working from here! You need to be resting!”
“It’s nothing, I’ve had worse sunburns than this growing up back home. Now, I’ve got you booked tomorrow morning on Good Morning L.A. to discuss what happened and to talk about your cd. I know I didn’t discuss it with you first, but I hope it’s ok.”
“You know what Murray? It is ok. “I think everything is ok now.“ she said with a warm smile.


Epilogue: Several weeks later Jemstone’s new cd was out in stores. It was selling well and insiders predicted her second single would propel the singer into the number one spot. At a San Diego record store, several people were looking at a display of Jemstone cds as well as Jem Greatest Hits cds.

SPROING SPROING SPROING!!!!! The patrons turned and saw someone who looked like a European clown enter the music store on a pogo stick. His laughter filled the store. “HOOOOOO HAAAAAAA!!!!! I made it! I made it in time!!!” he shouted as he threw a cologne bottle at the crowd. Fumes quickly filled the store and everyone, except the bizarre man known as Wildcard, passed out. “Look at all of these Jemstone cds!!! And their mine! All mine!!!” He filled up a giant sized cosmetic case with all of the Jemstone cds and hopped back on his pogo stick. “Never let it be said Wildcard is a cheapskate!” He chuckled as he bounced to the cash register. He then produced a large wad of Monopoly money and left it by the register.





“That should cover the damages! Maybe the store owner can buy Parkplace….or even Boardwalk! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!” he laughed maniacally. He bounced to an alley to a waiting van that was a lurid shade of both lime green and magenta. There was a huge plastic flower on top and the interior looked like a sleazy casino. He unwrapped a Jemstone cd and inserted it into his cd player. As the music filled his gaudy vehicle, he produced the latest issue of Cosmopolitan that featured Jemstone on the cover. He kissed it and started laughing. “Soon, my precious Jem! Soon we’ll be together! Again!! Just like old times! Showtime Synergy and all that!!! HOOOOOOOHOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”