Is there any cross-browser way to invoke a JavaHelp applet from JavaScript?

What I want to do is have text on my web page that is clickable (A element), and when the user clicks on the link, I will launch my JavaHelp applet.

If that isn't possible, is there anyway to make the applet's button be transparent, and then use CSS to position text behind the applet? My goal is that I want to keep all of the text on the web page under CSS control, and I would also prefer to use a help link instead of an actual help button.

Of course if there are other creative ways to do something similar to what I'm trying to do, that would rock.