"Diana." Hippolyta Queen of the Amazons addressed her daughter and heir. "We are not amused.

"Suddenly your face is all over the Patriarch World's global system of interconnected computer networks, you are seen on their television receivers, replicated in their printed works.

"When you left Themyscira as our Emissary to the outside world, it was a role we the Amazon's of Themyscira wished to be enacted in secret - just as we have long lived in secret, here upon our secluded Islands. Secure because Mankind was ignorant of our Paradise. Child you acted rashly – I fear you value your new found friends more highly than your sister Amazons."

"Mother." Diana was indignant. "What would you have me do – let another stronger unknown Patriarchy replace our human one? Does not our own ancient mysteries speak if Starro the Conqueror – the living death from beyond the stars?"

"That I cannot deny." Her Mother said.

Diana turned from the dias. her mother's throne, and to the Amazon's Senate, the court of the Monarch.

"Queen and Council. Why send me to the World of Men, if not to make the World of Men a better and fairer place?"

The Queen said to her. "Diana, I forgave your rebellion when you pledged yourself to the rite of Tournament, for that was a solemn oath – and oath's should not be broken. I respected your promise, and accepted the will of the gods when you triumphed, wept when the gods released upon you the fullness of their blessings making you all the more powerful, their chosen, the Champion of Olympus. Arming you with their strength and their magic.

"So daughter, I simply ask you to respect the oath we swore together when you left the Paradise of Themyscira to go to the Patriarch's world; that you would not fall into the trap Aphrodite set for me at the behest of Ares, for Hera consumed by jealousy wished me to kill Heracles, but Ares planned a different outcome – one that ne'er destroyed the Amazons forever."

Diana had not forgotten. She said. "I can't help the timing of my birth, I can't help that I wasn't around to witness first hand how Ares incited Heracles and his warriors to do what they did.

"But please don't lecture on my heritage – I wear my bracelets as a constant reminder of how Heracles's Army raped, pillaged and enslaved my people. Sometimes Mother, despite your protests to the contrary I think you wish I had been alive to see that shameful day."

The Queen shook her head angry. "Diana when your league of friends included mere human men, when your strongest allies were the Martian, the Homo Magi Zatana and the troubadour Dinah Lance, I was untroubled, I knew these mortal men, the Knight and Archer, would not turn your head or win your heart – but this one." Hippolyta summoned magically from the circular fiery pit of Hestia an image of the half naked Kal-El flying to her aid as Diana fought Starro the Conqueror.

"This Adonis reminds me of Heracles, save for the fact his powers exceed even a demigod. I fear they equal even yours Champion of Olympus - in all but name a god on earth."

"Mother I stand before the hearth of Hestia, here in the heart of Themyscira. I was born as an Avatar of truth, the embodiment of divine feminine. Empowered by the sextet of goddesses and the Earth herself. How can you question my resolve, or my judgement? I know what lies in the hearts, in the very souls of my friends, even this alien Kal-El.

"Yes perhaps this man is my equal in strength and power, but you cannot see what I have seen with my golden lariat. Mother I have looked into his heart, into his very soul. His ambitions and desires are also equal to mine, to see truth and justice done."

The Queen rose to this challenge. "Daughter these fine words are the very foundations of what can only be a growing admiration for this male. I am three thousand years old, I have seen the way Eros creeps into the heart, and how even the immortal gods can be seduced."

The Oracle Menalippe, lowered the hood of her green cloak from around her bronze locks. "Majesty – that maybe, I cannot yet see the future of this strange visitor from another planet with powers beyond those of mortal men, but Diana's truth is undeniable.

"The Alien Starro meant to seize an artefact of great power belonging to Kal-El's race. Yet I see another hand at work, one older still. Starro is but the servant of a more dangerous power. One from the shadows of time, a Patriarchy of galactic proportions. Diana had no choice – she had to stand with her friends or see Patriarch's World fall.

"We might wish it otherwise, but Diana is now known to the world of men, a new age dawns – one where we can no longer dwell in the obscurity of forgotten myth."

The Queen sighed and rested her head in her hands. "Then Oracle what does the future hold for us?"

"We must step out from the mystic clouds of Themyscira and take our place among the nations of this Earth."

"This is dangerous – it is unthinkable." The words came from a fellow Councillor of the Royal Court. General Philipus was Amazons chief military commander.

The Oracle did not disagree. "Yes it is all those things, but Philipus there is little point in arguing for continued secrecy – unless you would have Diana, who the world of men is calling Wonder Woman, deny her true heritage, deny she is an Amazon, disavow us in silence by not denying her sisters live? Because General they will ask her, both the men and women of the outside world will want to know who she is and where she comes from, and why she came to them."

Philipus frowned. She had no answer. Diana could not lie. Finally she said. "If we are to announce ourselves to their world it must be as a power equal in standing to any great nation recognised by their laws – they must understand we can defend our realms with powers beyond the ken of their mechanical and physical sciences."

Diana looked to her Mother. "My Queen – Mother, there is an organisation called the United Nations that holds the authority to recognise a country..."

The Queen interrupted her daughter. "Child it maybe that circumstances force our hand, but after three thousand years as the leader of our people I will not be hurried into any decision; but you must not be caught in a lie, answer truthfully – be not ashamed of your land, your people and our greater calling – that of peace."

"Mother I am proud to be an Amazon. The world will know me as your daughter, and a sister of Themyscira, by Hera I will see peace by truth and justice bless the sons and daughters of the wider world."

-'*'-

The President pushed across the Resolute Desk an issue of Time which displayed the red and yellow S crest on the blue chest of the flying man from Area 51. Bringing Sam Lane's attention to the symbol. "Some reactionary voices are publicly calling for a crackdown on the existing Metahuman community, but General we've been tagging and licensing the Meteor rock freaks for a generation now, and I'm not sure how more legislation; and, or, more money and agents in the field, is going to make a difference now.

"Mr President." Lane began. "Of course we're reviewing the situation, but I think you're right, a knee jerk reaction at this time would be ill advised."

"Good – so what are your initial conclusions?"

"Frankly it's pretty clear that we can't force people to register themselves as gifted, and that our current testing and analysis can't always detect or even accurately measure those gifts – if they were effective then an organisation of beings like this self styled Justice League would not exist.

"And while others amongst my own Staff would come down hard on these Red's; the Red-Letter Metahumans - I'm not going to fall into that trap either – this is the Twenty First Century, not Dr Strange Love, and you didn't call on me to be some pastiche of military clichés seeing Red's under the bed at every turn, and frankly a re-run of Joe McCarthy's House Committee on Un-American Activities would be counter-productive. People are already fed up with the counter terrorism measures that were introduced after 911.

"I'm sure Sir, that I don't need to tell you how the public has reacted to the Area 51 incident. The Press coverage, the popular cultural response has been to embrace the idea of these Super-beings as Hero's, and frankly I don't need a thousand dollar per hour shrink to tell me when you're faced with an unknown like that star shaped Alien thing attacking America, the idea that America has latter day gods on our side against that kind of nightmarish monster – has to connect. In short People want to believe in Angels."

"Fortunately they seem to be the good kind." Lane's Commander in Chief said.

"True, but we have to be prepared for the worse, but for now, well this is America Mr President, a nation built on the idea of individual freedom and responsibility – so the idea that persons – Reds – would selflessly step up to defend us, heck it's as American as Old Glory, and Mom and apple pie."

The President nodded. "You don't have to tell me that, the pollsters, and focus group managers, and my own instincts tell me as much.

"I mean look at these people." The forty fourth President said. "There is the one they are calling Wonder Woman, now she could be an angel – just look at her, equally she could come from the cover of Vogue, and this Superman, half naked, and then suddenly in all these primary colours, it is a marketing man's dream – the S crest, or whatever it is has gone viral, it's everywhere." He tapped the cover of Time.

"Then there is this 'Green' Angel, for example - I mean it might as well be magic and miracles all coloured green, I'm told the environmentalists are already rushing to adopt him as symbol."

Lane frowned. "Green is all that is good it appears – hell I've been wearing green and risking my life for this country along with my brother's in arms for all my life – I guess I wore the wrong shade."

-'*'-

Diana stood silently before great fire at the heart of Themyscira. The Queen and her Council had retired leaving her alone with her thoughts in this temple of government. Diana watched the eternal flame burn contemplating her future both at home and away.

From the depths of the fire the shadowy form of the goddess appeared, the first and the last, sister of Zeus, Eldest child of of Cronus and Rhea, first to be born and last to reborn. She held out her hand. In a heart beat Diana find herself transported to the heart of Olympus where a far greater fire burned in the hearth of the gods, here Hestia remained ever vigilant before her window on all things.

"Princess Diana, Daughter of Themyscira. Welcome to the heart of Olympus."

"Lady goddess." Diana knelt before her Olympian god-mother.

Hestia smiled, and bid to her. "Come sit by the fire, we await."

"Mistress Hera." Diana gasped as she saw the Queen of the gods, sat beside her sisters Hestia and Demeter of the Earth's Bounty, with them were Aphrodite of Love, Artemis of the Hunt, and Athena of Wisdom. Diana greeted each 'Potnia' whose favour bestowed upon her their godly power.

Hestia said to her. "Champion of Olympus we have brought you here to the Hearth of the gods – we have heard your meditation for every fire is as an alter to me, her flames are the light to my eyes – its warmth my hands reaching out from the heart of Olympus to where any fire burns.

"As I am Keeper of the Estates it falls to me to equip you for this new age, for I hold all godly clothing armour and equipment. When your god-mothers despatched our Herald Hermes to gift you the great and ancient weapons of the gods, reforged for the modern age, we did not give thought to your attire, because in the wider world we foresaw you dressed as one of them to live among them.

"But everything has changed."

"Why my Lady?"

Athena said to her. "We of Olympus have long recognised the power of colours and symbols, and after the attack on Earth by the thing called Starro the Conqueror, we have seen how these things still matter, even now in this strange modern age."

Aphrodite said. "In a moment an image can cross the world by means of science. When the Kryptonian Adonis arose proudly wearing his peoples crest, boldly wearing the strongest of primary colours, this image was seen everywhere. There is great power in that alien symbol of red and gold."

Athena agreed. "It is not wise the Champion of Olympus should pale in comparison."

Hera extended her hand. "Olympus wishes our Princess to wear our bold colours and bear our symbols." She gestured to Hestia, who from the flames brought forth garments, and said.

"From the Star-Maiden Astraea who Zeus embodied in the constellation of Virgo; Astraea the goddess of Justice, Innocence, and Purity comes this Zonen of Sapphire blue the colour of truth and loyalty, a girdle decorated with the Star Maiden's noble celestial gems."

Hera gestured to Zeus's favoured daughter. "Athena came forth the King of gods, fully-formed armed and armoured. Graciously passes to you first armour stained red by the blood of Zeus himself."

"From my father Zeus, at the hand of a titan's axe-hammer I was born upon the banks of the Tiphon by violence in blood." Athena said. "Wrought in gold upon the bodice is my Eagle Crest." She bowed to Hestia who from the fire delivered to Diana Athena's possessions.

"I give you my Helm, Aegis Collar and shoulder guards, my grieves, and greater vambraces." Athena explained, saying. "As the goddess of the Artisan, I have taken my blood red boots and decorated them with a white band for peace and sincerity that shall follow your every step."

Receiving the these ruby coloured tall knee high shoes from the goddess Hestia, Diana was overcome by this experience, and lost for words she accepted their generosity, bowing low before her god-mothers of Olympus.

So it was Wonder Woman fell back Earth armoured and ready for war.

-'*'-

"Clark I need to talk to you."

"What is it Diana." He said as he turned to greet her, turning from the blue coloured car. She recognised it as the vehicle he used in Metropolis before his true identity had been revealed. His father Jonathan looked up from under the hood. He banged his head on the metal, and cursed through his teeth.

"Oh boy." the younger Kent said. She felt his eyes dance across her. "That's quite a costume."

He held his hands up they were black with grease and oil, a burst of heat vision returned them to pristine skin. He cocked his head to one side, apparently thinking.

His pa resorted to an old rag, and he shook his head as he watched Diana and his son interact.

"What do you think." she asked him.

Jonathan whistled. "It looks like you're ready to fight a war or something."

"Is it really you?" Clark said as a lightening fast frown crossed his brow.

She took off her helm, perhaps she decided his enhanced vision could not see through the god forged visor. No Diana decided, he meant something else – was this warrior's attire her style? It was that very question that troubled her, she sought his frank and honest advice, she told herself. He was after all more in touch with the world than any of the league having just joined their world.

Clark lent on the wooden stall rail next to the blue car. "Okay I have to say that's so much better, now I can see your face, before with the eye slits and that vertical mouth slot, you looked intimidating. The magical fiery plume on top of that helmet doesn't help much either."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that, like Pa said, it's very olde worlde military kind of scary, the black and gold detailing on the helm and shoulder guards, that collar with more of the same, those stylised owls and snakes – they're Athena's animals right, like the stylised eagle." He paused adding. "The eagle is also the symbol of Hera and Zeus as I recall."

Diana closed her fists within her extended vambraces, she knew they were weapons in themselves. Sharp edged, protruding over the knuckles, another from behind her elbow.

"I thought as much." She told him.

"I left Olympus after receiving these things and returned to this realm, intending to show you my own colours and symbols, but the fates had other ideas.

"As I crossed the town beyond where you farm."

"Smallville."

"Yes, I saw a child run out into the street after it's dog, the animal made good progress, but the child stumbled out in front of a truck."

"I heard a horn sound." Clark noted.

Diana smiled. "Of course, I snatched the girl to me, and set her down to reunite her with her pet, the dog came to me without hesitation, but the child prized herself from my arms, her wide eyes were filled with fear, brimming with tears."

Clark nodded understanding what she saying. "I'm sorry Diana, I'm sure your magical god-mothers meant well enough, but plain to to see why your armour, magical flames and all, could be frightening – I mean that's not always a bad thing - I can imagine putting the fear of God, or event the gods into someone up to no good, but I guess to there is a balance be struck."

"You are right Clark, I was most concerned that my new appearance was frightening to this child. I have seen shock and awe often enough in the faces of those I have rescued, but never terror of me Clark, it was something I did not wish to see in the eyes of a child."

Jonathan said. "A gal like you shouldn't be covering a face like yours any road, with your eyes half the world would leap through hoops just for a smile."

"Dad." Clark laughed, while winking at her. He said. "but Pa does have a point. Covering your face – especially so completely, in western culture is something most people are uncomfortable with – it's associated with crime, and deceit.

"And my pa is right, Diana you are beautiful, and it would be a crime to hide your face."

"Perhaps." Diana said brushing the girdle around her waist and lions. "This was the Star Maiden Astraea's, a personification of justice she is often portrayed with scales in her hand." She looked at the two farmers. "I mean to say there must be balance found - as you said.

"Between being open and honest on the one hand, and strong and commanding respect on the other."

"Yes, that's what I was thinking. Equally there maybe occasions when this armour will be necessary, when we face something as strong as that Starro thing." Clark observed.

"Of course." She agreed. "There is a time and a place for everything."

Jonathan said. "A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Diana placed Athena's helm on the straw bale by her side. "It won't start a fire." She told the older Kent, his face asked the question as clearly as if he had shouted it.

With her helmet she placed the extended vambraces, and then exposed her white striped ruby boots, by removing the grieves. Next she unfixed the half moon collar plate which was joined with the blade tipped shoulders guards. These extended across her back over the scapula to the lower Corset Cuirass. Diana lifted this assembly from around her neck and clavicles, and placed it with her Helm.

"There. How do I look now." She presented herself, to the two men from Kansas.

Stood in the barn with her first gifts, the Tiara forged from the Discus of Apollo, the golden belt from which hung the Lariat of Hestia – her golden Lasso of Truth, forged from the Gaia's girdle, and the brackets crafted from the Aegis Shield of Zeus. She retained from her armour the blood red corset Cuirass with the stylised gold eagle, diamond set girdle, and her red boots. With the armoured collar and shoulder covers removed the upper half of her chest was exposed, Diana had lived in the Patriarchy long enough to understand the mesmerising power of cleavage.

"That is much more appealing." Clark said.

"What he says." Jonathan agreed, saying. "Yup, that look is a magic super power all in itself."

Clark shook his head evidently embarrassed by him. The older man chuckled. "Now kids I'm going to grab a coffee, in the house, with your mother Clark. Is Diana staying for dinner?"

Clark slowly shook his head. Diana sensed a seriousness descend upon him.

"I think we are needed Pa. Looks like you get to trial your new look right away Diana."

"What is it?" She asked him.

He reached into his car and flicked on the radio, to share the frequencies he was listening too. The news station anchor's voice came over the speakers. "Down town Metropolis is being rocked by explosions centred in the Luthor Corp Research facility situated in the old Metro-Port district."

Twin red gold and blue blurs left Kansas in the direction of the big Apricot.