KRYPTONITE
A/N: This is a songfic based on what could have been going through the Stages mind after Hogan confessed his feelings toward Klink had changed during Act 1, Scene 4, Chapter 20 of Theater of war. I do not make any claims to any of the characters in the story. Written with permission from E.M. Seifert.
The Stage pondered what Hogan had said as he waited for him to retrieve the canteen of water and salt tablets. It had appeared Hogan had finally stopped seeing people as objects or tools to be used but as human beings. Was this the moment Stage had long waited for, for Hogan to grow up?
"It's about time you started seeing the bigger picture and see people as human beings and not tools." Stage reached up with his good arm, removing the mask.
Hogan fell backwards in shock, dropping the canteen on the floorboard. "What…How…Why…I don't understand? You're the Stage? You can't be!"
"I do wish you would stop your babbling, Colonel Hogan. It's not you," said the Stage. "Let me explain."
"I took a walk around Europe to ease my trouble mind.
I saw the truth behind their slogans and their rhymes
I watched my country float to the dark side of the moon
And I felt there was something I had to do, yea
"Then I met someone who could help me win this fight
Except he betrayed me and that just wasn't right
I could take the insults ever now and then
As long as he'd be my friend in the end
"If I go crazy will you still call me the Stage?
If I'm alive and well will you be there holding my hand?
I will keep you safe with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
"You called me strong you called me weak but still your secrets I did keep
You took for granted all the times I never let you down.
You stumbled and bumped your head and if not for me you'd be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground
If I go crazy will you still call me the Stage?
If I'm alive and well will you be there holding my hand?
I will keep you safe with my superhuman might
Kryptonite"
The Stage glanced briefly at Hogan before he swallowed the salt tablets and water. No, Hogan isn't ready yet to learn my secret. He still has much growing up to do.