A/N: Alright not a lot of action in this chapter but I needed to get things a bit more established. It's a hard job to try to mix these two universes. I hope that I'm doing alright. Also I'm fairly new to the DCU the only title that I've really followed is Batman so I hope I understood the whole meta-human stuff. If not please try to be gentle when you tell me otherwise. Anyway thanks for reading!

Chapter 2

A Super Symposium

When S.T.A.R. Labs announced that it would it would be hosting one of the worlds foremost geneticists to have a symposium on genetic mutation, Perry White, editor and chief of the Daily Planet sent his top reporters to cover the story; saying that the recent "mutant phenomenon" would make it big news, worthy of a great reporters like Clark and Lois Lane Kent.

Clark however knew the truth. It was more of a lack of other big news that made this news larger than life. Which suited Clark just fine. Usually when there was some huge impending story in the Daily Planet it meant that someone had been in a major accident, or there had been an attack of some kind. These stories almost always ended with Superman appearing and saving the day. So when weeks would come where there would be no such incidents it always made Clark happy, even if they didn't make for great stories.

For Clark Kent not only reported the Superman stories, he lived them. He was the Man of Steel the sworn protector of Metropolis and right now having nothing to do, save sit and watch a genetics symposium thrilled him to no end. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said about his partner.

"Perry owes us big for this one." Lois said after yawning for the umpteenth time. "I still find it hard to believe that there is nothing else going on that we couldn't be working on."

"It's better than those old home making assignments that you used to get." Clark quipped causing Lois to give him a scowl and hit him in the arm playfully.

"I sometimes I wonder what it is I see in you Mr. Kent." She said with a mischievous smile. The two reporters spent a few seconds locked in each others gaze before turning their attentions back to the scientist who was making an introduction to the key-note speaker.

"…he has been one of the foremost geneticist since the field really began to take root. Always a pioneer, he was one of the first scientists to address the mutant question and remains the number one scholar in that field. In addition to that he is a symbol to disabled people everywhere…ladies and gentlemen may I introduce to you Professor Charles Francis Xavier!"

There was an enthusiastic round of applause from the crowd which, consisted mostly of scientists and reporters. As the clapping continued Clark could see a bald man in a wheel chair being wheeled forward by a tall attractive red head. As the man reached the podium it was lowered electronically until the microphone was in a suitable position and he could be seen by the crowd.

"You'll pardon me if I don't get up?" the man who had a passing resemblance to Lex Luthor said good naturedly, causing small chortles from the crowd, Xavier then smiled and cleared his throat somewhat, causing the audience to simmer down, with their full attention he then launched into his lecture starting with the word "Mutation…"

Xavier began by speaking of the history of genetic mutation and how it had played a part in the origin of man, and cited various cases of mutation in both the animal and human kingdom's. After a lengthy discussion of the mutation of white speckled moths in Great Britain, he continued to the beginnings of the sudden leaps that mutation had taken in the very short span of fifty years, almost perfectly coinciding with the atomic age. The professor stated that though nuclear radiation may account for some of the developments in the phenomenon the grand cause of what created the "mutant gene" still remained a mystery, some even claiming that it was natures way of advancing the human race. Xavier next spent a large amount of time lecturing about human-mutant relations and other current events involving mutants, including the failed sentinel program.

Clark lowered his eyebrows as he heard of this remembering vividly how he as Superman, had talked the President of that time, out of sending sentinels to Metropolis and other cities such as Gotham, and Keystone, as these cities already had trusted superheros to patrol and protect them. Clark had never liked the idea of giant mechanical monsters flying through his city and attacking a member of it's population for simply having the wrong set of genes. For his part he had not seen too many mutant in Metropolis. He knew that there was a small mutant population there, but they never seemed to cause much trouble and definitely not enough to cause him to see them as a threat.

Finally Xavier finished his lecture and the floor was opened up to questions from scientists and reporters alike. Soon the Professor was answering questions left and right about mutant issues ranging from how many mutant existed and how could one detect one, finally a question was asked that caused Clark to sit up straight and listen more intently.

"What is the difference between mutants and other super-powered individuals such as meta-humans?" a t.v. news reporter asked.

"A very good question," Xavier responded sounding somewhat like a teacher who was pleased with a pupil, "and a very relevant one considering that Metropolis has a 'super' example of a meta-human."

The geneticist's reference Superman was not missed on the crowd and there was a collective gracious chuckle as Xavier smiled upon them before continuing.

"First of all the term "meta-human" is very broad one indeed. It has come to include virtually anyone who can manifest powers beyond that of normal men. It can refer to a human being or human-like being, that for whatever reason is gifted with powers beyond that of mortal men. They are often the result of scientific research or in the case of your Superman not human at all. However true meta-humans are very similar to mutants. A meta-human in the strictest sense is someone who is born with a meta-gene, a gene that acts as a defensive mechanism and can activate a latent superpower in times of danger. It is a recessive gene and is incredibly rare, there are only a handful of true meta-humans.

"Mutants on the other hand are individuals similarly gifted with powers but rather than receiving them through scientific or other means they receive them through birth having the gene that manifests itself at puberty. Where as the meta-gene as stated is recessive the mutant gene is far from it For this reason meta-humans are not viewed with the same type of suspicion that mutants have attained. Meta-humans are often the result of mankind actively trying to better itself or human nature trying to defend itself. It is not viewed as a replacement for humanity. Mutation is the more mysterious phenomenon of nature changing mankind and is unfortunately viewed by some as a separate species that seeks to overthrow humanity"

Clark nodded his head, Xavier's explanation made sense, though he knew that the assumption that all meta-humans weren't treated with some suspicion, was false. Clark admitted that he was thankful that the majority of mankind looked to him with hope rather than fear. The symposium went on with a few more questions until finally Xavier informed them that the time had expired and bid them all a good day.

"Aren't renegade and terrorist factions of mutant, such as the Brotherhood of Mutants and the X-men proof that mutants are indeed a menace?" came a final question from the crowd as the Professor's red-headed assistant was preparing to wheel him away.

Clark watched as Xavier let out a sigh of annoyance, stopped his assistant and turned to face the reporter who had made the query. Again Xavier looking like a teacher only this time one that was angered by a students inability to grasp a very simple concept, "Sir," he said, "with all due respect that is not a fair question, going back to the discussion of meta-humanity and mutants, to say that two groups of mutants prove that the whole species means us harm is like saying that the existence of the League of Doom is proof that the Justice League is bent on the destruction of mankind."

Once again Clark nodded his silent approval as he watched the Professor being wheeled away only stopping occasionally to shake hands with various scientists and reporters who wished to speak with him. Clark found it odd that Xavier never had to signal to his assistant to stop but rather she seemed to know automatically when he needed to speak to someone. The more he watched them the more his curiosity was peeked, he had been both reporter and superhero long enough to recognize when something was out of the ordinary, and the pair before him was anything but.

Before he could think more upon the subject his thoughts were interrupted by Jimmy Olsen who had been up front taking pictures of the lecturer. "I got a picture of Xavier with the head of S.T.A.R Labs!" he said, "That'll be the shot that you'll want."

"Thanks Jimmy," Clark said before focusing his gaze again on the professor and his assistant who were just leaving. For a split second he swore that the assistant had looked directly at him and sensed his curiosity. But he dismissed as soon as the pair were gone and the Director of S.T.A.R. labs announced that if anyone wished to meet Xavier they would have their chance the next day at a charity banquet being thrown by Lexcorp, where Lex Luthor himself was going to give a donation to Xavier's cause and all other proceeds would go to Xavier's Institute for the Gifted.

Clark was suddenly thrown on high alert. He had not known that Luthor was involved, and was highly suspicious of any "philanthropy" that the millionaire super-genius might practice. What would Luthor want with Xavier? He wondered. Though he was certain it was no good. If Perry didn't assign him to the charity banquet then he would personally demand to go.

"Let's get out of here," Lois said grabbing his arm, "Though I have to admit that wasn't as boring as I thought it would be. That Xavier guy sure brings up some good points."

"Yeah," Clark admitted allowing himself to be led out by his wife. As they reached the last row of chairs, the disguised man of steel stole a quick glance up front somehow trying to catch a glimpse of anything that might help him figure out Luthor's connection to the days events. In doing so however he felt himself bump into someone who was trying to get out of his seat.

"Watch it bub!" a gruff voice came causing Clark to look down to see its short owner, who sported one of the most interesting hair cuts he had seen. Pointing upward on either side of his face, with long sideburns running down his face almost meeting at he chin.

"I'm sorry," Clark bumbled in his usual fashion, yet looking the stranger up and down. The reporter decided that the man was most definitely not a scientist, as he was dressed in a leather jacket and had slightly torn jeans. It only took a second to realize that the man he had just bumped into was not alone. There was another who sported shiny red sunglasses and a woman, obviously of African decent who had a long mane of snow-white hair.

"Hey," Lois said tugging at his arm. "You coming?"

"…Yeah," Clark replied after a moment staring at the trio that were now talking to each other and couldn't help but feel that they were somehow connected to everything else he had surmised. It had definitely turned out to be a very news worthy symposium. At the very least newsworthy of Superman.

As Lois led him out of the conference room, Clark began to go over with her his impressions of the symposium and the strange feelings he had about it's speaker as well as the others he had seen.

"Maybe we should look a bit more into it." Lois said, her journalistic fire igniting, "There could be a 'real' story here after all."

"But where would we start?" Clark asked, doubting very much that he would just be able to find Xavier's name on the internet.

"You can start…" a low voice came from behind them.

Clark knew exactly who it was without turning around. Not only did he recognize the voice but it was something that always unnerved him every time it happened. The owner of the voice was the one man on earth who could actually sneak up on him.

"You can start by asking me." Bruce Wayne said.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

"So what did you think of it?" Xavier said smiling as Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine entered the room. The last of the three lighting a cigar and reclining in on of the lavish armchairs that their hotel provided.

"If you ask me Chuck?" Wolverine said with a mischievous grin, "Jean would have been better for P.R."

"The lecture was very good Charles," Storm said genuinely, then giving Wolverine a semi-annoyed glance as the mutant put his feet up on a desk.

Cyclops remained quiet with his hands in his pockets, his head slightly lowered deep in thought. Something was not sitting well with Xavier's second in command, and unfortunately he could not keep it to himself as he was in a room with two telepaths.

"Don't be so paranoid Scott." Jean said sensing her husbands thoughts, "Not everyone is constantly trying to organize a lynch mob whenever we come into a new city."

"I know Jean," Cyclops responded stoically, "It just seems too good to be true. One of the wealthiest men in the world contacts the Professor and suddenly makes him a huge secret offer, asking him to come to one of the biggest cities in the nation to speak before one of the finest companies of genetic scientist ever assembled. All while he has us stay in the most expensive luxury hotel he can find and then throws a party in our honor to top it all off. You can't help but be a little wary."

"Your quite right Scott," Xavier said approaching the other mutant, "The fact that Lex has yet to make his offer to me should only put us more on guard. That's why I brought most the team here. There is something going on, I'm sure of it and this something will most certainly involve mutants, otherwise Lex would have no interest in me. I want everyone on their toes tomorrow night, that will be our best chance to unravel this riddle, but until then we need to try to stay out of trouble. The last thing we need to do while we are in Metropolis is arouse the suspicions of a certain superhuman."

"You mean Superman?" Wolverine said taking a puff on his cigar, "You don't think that this city's boy in blue will want to tangle with us?"

"I don't know if he will…but I definitely don't want us to tangle with him," the Professor replied, "We have had precious little contact with meta-humans, and I don't want to even consider how a confrontation with the most powerful one of them all would turn out."

"Don't worry Chuck," Wolverine smiled, "We'll play nice. No one will ever know that we're here."

"I should hope so," Xavier said turning his wheelchair and looking into the sky, "When the others are back I want to have a conference."

"Do you think that Metropolis will need the x-men?" Cyclops asked

"Need is not the question Scott," Xavier said, "I wonder that if we do have to fight, if Metropolis will want the x-men."

A/N: How am I doing? Reviews work wonders for the soul. The next chapter we find out what Batman knows, plus Luthor meets Xavier for the first time. BTW if anyone has any characters that they would like for me to include from either universes I would thrilled to hear them.