Conclusion [Next Day]

[ISIS Foundation]

Lana sat in front of her monitors and admired how well the systems ran after the previous downtime. Thanks to Oliver, she had satellite surveillance and could serve as a back up to Watchtower. She'd also renewed several investments and cashed in other financial projects so that she and Clark had some back up. Definitely better than living in hotel rooms and at the Y! She smiled dreamily at how great it was to wake up next to her love once again.

A knock came from the door panel.

"Lana, hi! Hope you don't mind the company," Chloe greeted as she entered the area. She set down a couple of coffees. "Not exactly the Talon but it is great stuff."

"I'm sure it is," Lana assured her while taking a sip. "Mmm! I really needed this. And thank Oliver for hooking us back up over here."

"He's says you're welcome. Seriously, Lana, I'm glad you're back. Great to have my best friend back around again," Chloe expressed. "Just wish Lois wasn't over in Africa though."

"Any word from her?" Lana wondered.

"She emailed yesterday. She and Perry are doing all right over there in Nairobi. International journalism really has her enthralled. Uncle Sam's having a fit that she's over there. But you know Lois. Can't stop her. She even has this new guy she's crazy about!" Chloe reported. "Sounds kind of soon but she's trying to move on."

"Really? Well I'm glad for her. Hope he works out," Lana wished. "Now that Clark and I are back together, she needs someone too."

"You and me both. Oh, can you and Clark come by Watchtower later? The League's doing their big thing and we heroes are invited," Chloe declared with a grin.

"Any insight into that meeting?" Lana supposed.

"Didn't bring the helmet. But I predict a great future for the League. Hey, as Courtney says, it's about family. I'm just glad to have my sister back," Chloe quipped before giving Lana a hug.

"Me too," Lana agreed while smiling. It does feel great to be back!

[Daily Planet]

Even as the girls worked at ISIS, Clark headed for the bullpen at a hurried pace. He'd just finished up an interview for a feature story on the downtown revitalization project. Now he needed to finish it before Felicity Jones' 6 PM deadline.

Ironic choice of story given that Lana's return into his life had revitalized things as well. Not that things were a drag with Lois but well….Lana was Lana. No competition and no contest.

"Kind of expected to see you still mooning, Clark. Over Lois that soon?" Tess supposed.

He shrugged. "Lois will always be special but Lana's back." At the mention of Lana's name, he cracked a big smile.

She stared at him. "Really? Wow. Thought that she was like poison for you."

"We caught a break. She had the poison taken out of her system. We can be together again," he revealed.

"Good for you, Clark." And it serves Lex right! He can rot in Hell for all I care! "Well best get to that. Meet that deadline. And I can let Walker know about Lang too.

Despite her kind words and feeling good about the reinforcement, he still didn't feel right about Tess' words. What is she really up to?

[Nairobi]

Halfway around the world, Bizarro sat by himself by his new apartment building and looked up at the stars. After getting smacked out of Metropolis by Clark and Lana, he had little wish to stay and be harassed by every hero under the sun. So he left Metro and the entire western hemisphere for that matter.

Imagine his surprise when he discovered what he did in Africa…..

He smiled confidently as he'd assumed Clark's identity there. He got a job with Perry White on the international beat desk. He had a place to live and decent food to eat. Best of all, since the real Clark had gone back to Lana, he hooked up with a certain other free agent as well.

"Hey, Smallville! You set or what?" Lois supposed while tapping his arm impatiently.

"You bet I am. Have a good day?" He kissed her.

"Great." She didn't know how or why he was more romantic than ever. Then again, she didn't care either. They were both getting a new start.

And for them both, that was all they needed.

[Watchtower—Later that Night]

After meeting at the Planet and eating dinner together at a café, Clark and Lana got off Watchtower's elevator and were amazed by the changes to the headquarters.

Around the computers and tables, comfortable chairs, a couch and even a dining table could be seen. A few pictures hung on the walls. In the center of the room, a large meeting table like the one at the JSA's museum dominated.

"Like it, guys?" Stargirl asked. "We just had it delivered and set up. Kind of livens the place up."

"Imagine getting the Green Wonder to splurge on anything?" Hawkman groused from nearby.

"Hey! We're trying here. Maybe we could add the deep fryer too?" Green Arrow supposed from where he stood with Dr. Fate and Black Canary. "Hi, guys!"

"Looks great," Clark complimented. "Nice to see some of the way you used to have it before the computer came in."

"It is nice, isn't it? Stargirl suggested it to me when we were getting ready for the Icicle that night," Dr. Fate replied. "Anything for my friends."

"On that note, shall we call the meeting together?" Green Arrow suggested. They all headed for the central table. He stood at the head of it.

Around it sat Black Canary, Impulse, Cyborg, Aquaman, Byron Moore, the newer Wildcat, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Stargirl, Hourman, Clark and Lana.

"Welcome to the new Justice League, guys. Hell of a group we've got here," Green Arrow started. "Thanks to everyone for your help against Bizarro, the Kandorians and Doomsday. The world though needs more help."

"That's what we're here for," Zatanna indicated. "A hero's life is one of responsibility."

"With little doses of fantasy thrown in," Clark reminded her while giving his own girlfriend's hand a gentle squeeze.

"You bet," Lana agreed.

"Hey. Who's going to lead?" Stargirl asked. "Hawkman, please."

"I was going to nominate Clark," Hawkman indicated.

"For once, Big Bird, we agree. How about it, Clark?" Green Arrow concurred.

Clark sighed. "Guys, you all have more experience than I do. I could learn a lot from you all. One of the more senior people should do it."

"Clark, we're around to give advice. You're the best example and role model we've got," Hawkman asserted.

"We'll all follow you into Hell," Byron indicated.

"It's your destiny, Clark," Dr. Fate guilted him.

"I'll bet." Clark relented, "Okay. I'll do it."

"Gavel's yours, Dude. Congrats," Green Arrow announced as he swapped places with the Blur.

Clark took his place at the head of the table. He mused over what he had thought about the expanded league. But rather than a long speech, he said, "Thanks for your confidence, folks. I'll try and do my best as a leader. We are still a team. I am lucky to have such a great bunch of people around me for advice and support." He looked right at Lana pointedly as he said that.

She smiled back at him. I love you, Clark. I'm always going to be right here!

He beamed with pride. Maybe it wasn't all about the new speeches. Maybe he would need a new costume one of these days. But he had allies, a great base, all of the necessities and best of all, his love was right there with him.

When things go right, they go right.

For Clark, Lana and their friends, they had all of the elements to succeed at the war.

And that's what mattered most.

THE END