Chapter Twenty-Eight

"The Light and the Darkness"

New Haven Retirement Home

The brochure for New Haven Retirement and Rehabilitation Home shows clean, attractive rooms, recreation areas, a beautiful dining area with mouth-watering food, along with helpful, smiling employees. It has all the luxuries and comforts one would want in their golden years of life. Visitors were pleasantly surprised that the actually facility lived up to the brochure. It was everything you could want for your elderly parent or relative when it came to a retirement home.

What couldn't be shown in the brochure or felt by the casual visitor was the overwhelming sadness of the place. It wasn't unique to New Haven. Every such facility had it. It stems from the simple truth that no one really wants to acknowledge the people in these facilities are dying. The golden years are a nice way of saying the last years.

Wander off the carefully guided tour and this reality smacks you in the face. This is end care. None of the residences are checking out and walking out those doors again. The staff tries to make them as comfortable as they can, but everyone understands why they are here.

The patient in Room 714 is close to the end.

The shell of the man he used to be lies on the hospital bed, tubes and wires connected to his arms, heart and nose. Machines monitor his breathing and weak vital signs. The staff has been informed it's only a matter of time for him. Most days he slips in and out of consciousness, too weak to speak.

Nurse's assistant Mai Ellis wipes a cool cloth across the man's forehead. Like most of these types of institutions, the actual care of the patients isn't done by doctors and nurses, but by the low paid staff. They're usually young, poor and female. They managed to make it through some technical school, business college or training program in hopes of making a better life for their young children than the one they had. Without them, places like this couldn't function.

Mai has fifteen patients she's responsible for during her shift. Depending on the patient, her responsibilities include, washing them, changing them and their beds, and feeding them. While she cares about all her patients, this old man has become special to her. He's a mystery. When he was a little stronger and able to speak, Mai would sometimes come in to check on him and finding him whispering in his sleep about the most amazing things. Heroes and villains, fantastic places and adventures and warnings seemed to fill his unconscious mind. It was one particular warning that had changed the way she looked at him.

"In the air above, lovers embrace and fear spreads."

It had seemed like such a strange dream for the old man to have, Mai thought. At first she dismiss it as just the ramblings of a dying man, but several days later the first picture of Superman and Power Girl appeared on all the channels. The way people reacted to it brought the old man's warning back to her. How could he know, she wondered? When he was awake, she'd asked him about it. He got a far away look in his eye, but then played it off as just luck.

After that Mai paid more attention to the ramblings the old man whispered in his sleep. She realized that somehow in his dreams he was seeing events that hadn't happened yet. She mentioned it to some of her coworkers and friends, but they dismissed it. The old man's condition grew worse and he rarely spoke.

As she wiped the sweat from his brow, the old man's lips suddenly moved and he whispered for the first time in weeks.

"It's a turning point for the lovers. They and others will make decisions. The light or the darkness will grow because of it."

He was silent again; his heart rate took a deep as if the strain of speaking had almost been too much for him. Mai sat there wondering what it meant and why was this old man that was able to see the future?

"Who are you Wesley Dodds?" She softly asked.


The Watchtower

The tension in the League was mounting. While they were all heroes, they weren't immune to what was happening around them in society. They lived and worked most of their lives just like everyone else. They watched the same shows, listen to the same music, surfed the same websites as everyone else. So when everyone was talking about what celebrity was cheating on his wife and with who or the latest viral video to catch the world's attention or what political issue seemed to causing the most heated debate, they were paying attention just like everyone else.

When the topic was one of their own, they paid special attention. As the relationship between Superman and Power Girl burned up the net and airwaves, opinions were formed. Just like in every other work place, people have different views about what it means. Because of it's special significance to the League that meant lines were drawn and heroes found themselves in opposite camps

It's easy to forget that behind all their powers and amazing abilities, for the most part these are young men and women in their twenties. Who you are and what you'll eventually be is still being decided at that age. At twenty-five, just look back ten years at pictures of yourself and you'll see how much you've changed since then. The same thing happens to heroes. Most of them start their careers as heroes in their twenties, so there's already one major change in their life. Add in serious relationships, school or jobs, balancing private lives versus public lives, maintaining a secret identity and is it any wonder their stress level and views seemed to be always in flux.

Fighting crime and supervillians is the easiest thing they do in many ways. If Solomon Grundy and Giganta smash their way into a bank to rob it or White Martians invade to take over Earth, a hero's job is clear cut without ambiguity.

How you're suppose to react to the most powerful man in the world hooking up with one of the most powerful women in the world, who also happens to be from the same alien race is a bit more nuanced.

Say you're a hero like Huntress for example. While you know Superman and Power Girl, you don't really know them, do you? Batman, Nightwing, the Question, Green Arrow, Black Canary, these are the heroes you really interact with. They like you and most of the members that aren't gifted with extraordinary powers, but rely more on fighting skills, out thinking your opponent, along with cunning and training. Your focus is on one city for the most part. You're trying to make a difference where you live.

Superman is in many ways as alien to you as Darkseid or Wonder Woman's Gods. The difference is when you finally meet Superman; there is something about him that you naturally trust, an innate goodness and larger than life quality to him. He's the alpha of alpha males. You know when you go into battle with the League, no matter what the odds, you have the ultimate equalizer on your side.

The incident with him being brainwashed by Darkseid and attacking Earth still scares you a little. You know that wasn't really him, but the ease with which he was able to sweep through all of Earth's defenses is something you can't shake. You like to tell yourself that won't happen again, but the persistent though of what if it did has always been there. Who would be able to stop him, you find yourself wondering?

You'd like to believe Batman could. He's the other alpha male of the group. In many ways he's the archetype for most regular heroes, including you. You've witnessed him overcome impossible odds too many times to count. Yet if you let yourself really think about it, there's always a small doubt that lingers. That small doubt is that if it really came down to a battle to the death, Superman would easily win. He could kill Batman from a thousand miles away before Batman even realized it.

So if Batman couldn't stop him, who could, you wonder? Diana? While she's possibly the second strongest person on the planet, she's not as strong as Superman. If you add in Power Girl, the odds Wonder Woman could really stop them seem rather slim.

So who, you wonder? Some other alien race, the Lanterns, could they stop him? What if the did? The battle would devastate Earth and who knows what the aliens would want for stopping Superman?

Then your mind shifts to another problem. In your heart of hearts, you don't believe Superman would ever do something like that, but if you've considered it, then so have others. Just turning on the TV, you see the fear and worry over him just dating Power Girl. The whole restarting the Kryptonian race thing you don't get, but the fear you understand only too well.

If people and governments turn against heroes because of the relationship, how will that affect you? That's what it really comes down to, doesn't it? On the few missions you've been on for the League, you can already feel a change in the way people are looking at them. You've heard the rumblings about registration of heroes and regulations to deal with the superhero problem. If the tide turns against the Justice League, how soon will it turn against you?

Some have already labeled you a vigilante, no better than the criminals themselves by taking the law into your own hands. The more that people are afraid of Superman, the more they will tar everyone associated with him with the same brush. As much as you respect and admire Superman, maybe it's time you took a step away from him. He's thinking of himself by dating Power Girl, maybe you should think about what's good for you as well.

It's all so mixed up. You're not a leader; you're just someone trying to make things a little better in your own corner of the world. When it comes to big issues like this, you're like everyone else; you're looking for someone to tell you what the right thing to do is. While you've had your own ups and downs with the League, you understand how valuable it is. There's much more important members then you in the grand scheme of things. They're the leaders. If you see all this, than so do they. If decisions have to be made, they should make them.

Right now, you and the rest of the regular members are in limbo. People are taking sides and cracks are starting to show. Things can't go on like this, everyday the tide seems to be turning against heroes. The few times you're on the Tower, you notice fewer and fewer members are there. They must be feeling the same things you are. It's just human nature to look out for number one. Someone in authority needs to act.

You just pray they make the right decision for everyone.


Primus 5

The delegates were filtering back in. As Clark took his seat, Lashina's words were still fresh in is mind. The Guardian was just about to call the conference to order, when a disturbance was heard just outside the main doors. A rather loud female voice could be heard protesting for the guards to get out of her way. Clark groaned, as the voice was very familiar to him.

Every delegate turned as the main doors were pushed open and the sentries came crashing through. Maxima stepped into the room. She scanned the delegates with a scowl on her face until her eyes landed on Clark. A smile spread across her lips.

"Madam, what's the meaning of this intrusion," the Guardian demanded. It took her a moment to pull her eyes away from Clark, but she finally turned and looked at everyone else.

"I'm Queen Maxima of Almerac and also it's delegate to this conference," she proudly stated. "Almerac is very interested in the discussion going on here."

She flashed another smile at Clark.

"All right, Queen Maxima, please take your seat so the conference can continue."

An usher came over and led her to her seat. It was between the representative of the Spider Guild and the Barrions delegate, a silicon based life form. An unhappy look came over Maxima's face.

"Oh, no this must be a mistake," she said with a shake of her head. "This seat will not do. Whose idea was it to place the Queen of Almerac between rock boy and his repugnant pet?"

"I'm the delegate from the Spider Guild, madam!' The representative shouted in resentment.

"Oh, God, the pet can speak," Maxima replied. She made a face as she looked at him. "Well, since you can understand words, you already know what repugnant means. You, little blue man with the big head, are you in charge of this? This simply will not do. I demand a seat closer to him."

She pointed towards Clark, who just lowered his head and rubbed his forehead as a headache started.

"Madam, the seating was randomly chosen, now if you would stop complaining and take your seat, the conference could begin," The Guardian explained. Maxima dismissed him with a wave of her hand and turned to one of the delegates sitting next to Clark.

"You, where are you from?"

"I'm the delegate from Jirenn," the woman said proudly.

"Never heard of it," Maxima replied with a sad shake of her head. "Move over here and sit with rock boy and whatever this is."

Maxima gestured towards the Spider Guild's representative and then started walking towards the female delegate from Jirenn.

"Madame, you can't just come in here and start ordering delegates around. You're holding up the conference," the Guardian complained.

"Relax, shorty, this will only take a minute," Maxima replied. She stopped right next to the delegate from Jirenn. The woman didn't seem to know what to do and looked around the room, before looking back at Maxima.

"Move!" Maxima demanded. The delegate quickly got up and moved towards the other seat. Maxima smile seductively as she slipped into the chair next to Clark.

"Okay, you can proceed," Maxima offered with a dismissive wave of her hand to the Guardian. The Guardian gave her a nasty look, but she wasn't paying attention, too busy moving her chair closer to Clark.

"It's been too long since I've seen you, Kal-El," she whispered, running her hand up his thigh. Clark caught her hand before it got too high and gently moved it back to the table in front of them.

'It doesn't seem that long to me," Clark whispered in reply.

"If you two are finished, we'd like to continue,' the delegate from Rann spoke up.

"Sorry, please continue," Clark said, keeping a firm grip on Maxima's hand.

The Guardian looked at them both and then continued with the conference.


As the conference went on, Clark was distracted by the constant need to feinted off Maxima's roving hands, but it did seem that Lashina was wrong about the reason for the conference. The subject of Primus 5 and the various claims to it was the topic.

When Maxima finally seem to get the message, Clark was able to focus more on what was being said. As it went on, he noticed a subtle shift in the questions. He also noticed the Guardian as well as many delegates were watching him. At first he thought this was because of Maxima, but then he realized they were watching his reactions to the questions being asked.

"For the greater good, we must all make sacrifices," The Guardian said. He then turned towards Clark.

"Don't you agree, Superman?"

"In principal, yes, but it would depend on the sacrifice being asked," Clark replied.

"But if the sacrifice can further peace, isn't it worth making," Thanagar's representative followed up.

"Again, it depends on the sacrifice," Clark replied.

"So you don't believe the needs of the many out weight the needs of the one?" This came from Rann's delegate.

"I would point out the many are made up of individuals, delegate," Clark offered. "Sometimes what's popular or wanted by the majority or many isn't right or good for a society. When you trample on the rights of one, you trample on the rights of everyone."

"An interesting philosophy, Superman," the Guardian observed.

"Yes, yes, blah, blah, this is all very interesting to you, bureaucrats but when are you going to get to the point of his conference," Maxima asked in frustration. "Superman is sitting right here! I came here to find out about this other Kryptonian woman he's seeing, just like the rest of you! Let's get on with it!"

Everyone was silent for a moment. Clark glanced over at Lashina. She smiled and shrugged, as if to say I told you. Clark could feel anger welling up inside him, but maintained control as he looked from one delegate to the next.

"So is that why I was invited to this conference," he asked.

"Not entirely, Kal-El,' the Guardian replied. "The conference was set up to address the issues of Primus 5, but we hoped to discuss with you some of the concerns the delegates have, as well."

"So that's why the request was for only me," Clark nodded. The anger had turned into a kind of melancholy sadness for Clark. As he let his eyes look from one delegate to the next, he could see they were all anxiously watching his reaction. He tamped down his emotions and disappointment, giving them nothing. Part of him wanted to get up and walk out, but that would satisfy a momentary sense of outrage, but in the end accomplish nothing. If anything it would make things worse. He had nothing to hide, so the hell with it, let them ask their questions.

"I'm not happy about being brought here under false pretenses," he began. "I can see you want some answers, yet you didn't have the honor of asking them directly. Putting that aside, I'm here now, so ask what you want."

"How could you chose another woman over me," Maxima immediately said. Clark almost smiled at this; at least one delegate wasn't shy.

"You and I would never work, Maxima. I've told you that many times."

"Things change, attitudes change, never say never," she replied.

"And yet, yours hasn't and neither has mine."

"Enough of this foolishness, it's time to get to the issues at hand," the Ran delegate shouted. "You are with another Kryptonian, Superman, did you really think that would go unnoticed?"

"No," Clark acknowledged. "I'm not with her because she's a Kryptonian."

"Be that as it may, Kal-El," the Guardian spoke up. 'The fact that she is a Kryptonian raises concerns."

"And what would those be?"

One by one the delegates laid out their concerns and issues. Clark had to hand it to Bruce, he had already voice all of them to either Karen or Clark. The subject of Clark and Karen having children came up. It was pointed out how she was one of the few women that could have his child, as Kryptonian's couldn't reproduce with most other species. Maxima of course reminded everyone that she could. The conference was thrown into an uproar when Lashina announced there was one other species that could reproduce with Kryptonians, hers. Clark actually swallowed nervously at the intense look she gave him as she said this.

The Spider Guild representative spoke up about the crystal technology of the Kryptonians. He suggested that as a show of good faith, Superman should share it with the rest of them and thus alleviate one of the concerns.

"No, I'm not going to give you that," Clark shook his head. "I will not watch my people's technology turned into weapons to sooth your fears."

"But you owe us…" The representative started to say, but it was Lashina that cut him off.

"He owes you nothing!" she spat out. "Look at you? A bunch of frightened children whining in fear! Each of you so desperate to hold onto your little piece of power that you shake at the possibility of an unknown taking it away from you! Are you so weak that one man, even a Superman, makes you tremble with fear?"

She was on her feet and moving towards Clark. She stopped right next to him and then leaned down and kissed him. It was a kiss filled with raw passion and lust. When she finally pulled away they were both breathing hard. She smiled and then turned to the other delegates.

"It's seems we on Apokolips are made of sterner stuff than the rest of you! Lord Darkseid doesn't fear this relationship or any other! This is a waste of my time!'

She spun on her heels and marched out of the conference. The delegates sat stunned by her outburst.

"What a bitch," Maxima grumbled. "I didn't like her kissing you either, Kal-El!"

It was the tipping point for Clark. Slowly he stood up and looked over the delegates.

"I've had enough of this," Clark slowly began. He kept his voice calm, yet all could tell he was deadly serious. "I'm not going to answer your questions. Not because I have some great scheme or plan, but for the simple reason, it's none of your business. What gives you the right to question me? I've made mistakes, yes, but I've always tried to do my best to make a better world and galaxy. You speak of my as at threat, a conqueror, yet you yourselves have committed far worse than I have. Thanagar invaded my home world and planned to destroy it to save themselves. Ran fought a disastrous war with Thanagar. Most of the delegates to this conference have attacked one or more of their neighbors. Then there's you, the Guardians, self-appointed protectors of the universe, can you truly say you've never committed any mistakes? There's an old saying on Earth, Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I don't see anyone at this conference that qualifies."

The emotions were starting to overwhelm Clark, yet he kept himself in control.

"How dare you question me? I've come to the aid of all of you on many occasions. I never asked anything, not even a thank you! I don't need to explain myself to you or anyone else! I owe you nothing! You spoke of sacrifice earlier, so let me be clear, some sacrifices are too much to ask! An individual of his own free will, not forced on him by the majority, makes a sacrifice!'

Emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Clark took a deep breath and then softly continued to speak.

"I was raised on Earth by humans and they taught me the rule that has always governed my life. It's a very simple and basic concept; treat others, as you would wish to be treated. It might make it seem that I give too many the benefit of the doubt or a second chance, but I've found no better philosophy in the universe. So I will try and understand your fears and worries, giving you all here the benefit of the doubt, but understand this, if any of you seek to harm me, my family or my world then you will have a reason to fear me."

Clark held all their gazes, letting his words sink in. As he started to turn and walk away, Maxima jumped up and embraced him.

"Oh, that was inspiring, Kal-El!" She said, kissing him. "I felt a thrill go through me as I listened to you! Since you're leaving and are so far from home, why don't you stop at Almerac for awhile?'

"You never give up, do you," Clark chuckled sadly.

"It was just an idea," Maxima replied innocently.

"Another time."

Clark disengaged himself from her and without looking back left the conference.

As the doors closed behind him, the conference erupted with shouts and arguments. Clark didn't listen.


The Watchtower

Karen was in a foul mood. The questions and comments hadn't stop. Clark being gone only made it worse. She missed him desperately. Her temper was short, but she kept it in control around the reporters not wanting to make the same mistake again.

Diana was on monitoring duty when Lantern's team returned. It was made up of Wally, Zatanna, John and Karen. Seeing Karen, Diana reminded herself to put their disagreement in the past. Power Girl had probably said those things in anger Diana realized, so she decided to give her another chance, if not for her sake than Kal's.

"How did the mission go," she asked.

"It was successful," John replied. "It was touch and go for awhile, but we managed to get it under control."

"It was almost worse once the fighting was over," Zee added.

"Yeah, those reporters were out for blood," Wally agreed. "I didn't think you were going to keep it together Karen, when that one guy asked about your, well, you know."

"I wanted to hit him myself," Zee grumbled.

"That wouldn't have been helpful," Diana observed.

"Yeah, I know," admitted Zee. "It would have felt nice though."

"Thank you," Karen said to Zee. She tipped her hat and then all started to leave, when Diana asked Karen to stay for a minute. When they were alone, she began.

"I wanted to apologize for the other day," Diana began. "I realize you are under considerable stress and while my comments were meant to advice, they were probably taken the wrong way."

"Thank you, Diana, I guess I owe you an apology too," Karen admitted. "I said some pretty nasty things, I'm sorry."

"They hurt, I'll admit, but I accept your apology."

Karen nodded and started to leave, but Diana stopped her again.

"Power Girl, I hope you understand I was only trying to point out that while satisfying in the moment, taking a combative stance with the media always hurts you in the long run. Your relationship with Kal is naturally going to involve many uncomfortable and hostile questions," Diana said.

"Yeah, I get it, Diana, I'll try and put on a happy face from now on," Karen replied, wanting to leave. Something about the way she said that irked Diana. As hard as Diana was trying to be friend and leader to Power Girl, her attitude still got under Diana's skin.

"Power Girl, this isn't a time to be flip," Diana said. "Your actions reflect on all of us. Your refusals to deal with this means others have to. Do you think I enjoy answering those questions about you and Kal?"

"No comment," Karen replies, and moved towards the door.

"Must you give a sarcastic answer to everything," Diana asked.

"Look, Diana," Karen said, turning to face her. "Am I doing my part on the missions? Am I pulling my weight on the team?"

"Yes, but that's not the point."

"It is to me," Karen said. "I'm not Star Girl or Kara, Diana, I'm a grown woman. I don't need you to play mentor to me, okay?"

"Hera help me, you are so arrogant," Diana fumed. "You would slap away a hand offered to help you with your relationship with Kal! I see now that your attitude will lead to an inevitable break up and Kal will be the one to suffer."

Karen stood there looking at Diana for a moment, almost not believing what she'd just said. Karen's foul mood took over and she spoke without thinking.

"Princess, you're hardly an authority of relationships, now are you? From now on, why don't you just keep your advice, since it's working out so well for you. If my attitude bothers you so much then kick me out of your little club, but otherwise get off my back!"

Karen stormed out leaving a furious Diana behind.

"Something needs to be done," a voice said from the shadows. Diana whirled around in surprise to see Batman step out from the shadows. "This can't go on like this. It's tearing the League apart."

"What do you propose, Bruce?" Diana asked. "I've tried my best to speak with her and had no luck."

"I think it's time we take the next step and send a message," Bruce replied.

"What? You mean kick her out of the League," Diana gasped in shock.

"Wrong message and wrong person, Diana."

"Kal? You can't be serious," Diana exclaimed. The very thought was shocking to her.

"Things can't go on like this, Diana. The longer we let it fester, the worse it is going to get."

"But to kick out Kal isn't the right decision, Bruce," Diana said firmly.

"I agree, but I think we need to send a message to him so he'll start taking this seriously," Bruce explained. "It's not just about him either. The pressure keeps building among the members, they need a release. If we give them the option of kicking Superman out, perhaps it will allow them to get past this pressure and unite as a team again. It would also force Clark to face everyone's concerns and address them before this gets to the point where there's not return."

"You realize how badly what you are suggesting will hurt him," Diana softly asked.

"Do you imagine the pain would be less if he has to watch the Justice League disintegrate because of his actions?"

"He's our friend, Bruce."

"Yes, he is," admitted Bruce. "That's why it's up to us to do the right thing, if he won't or can't."

Diana didn't know what to say and just stood looking at Batman.


New Haven Retirement Home

Mai was just finishing her rounds. She wanted to check on the old man one more time before she left. Somehow she sensed his time was fast approaching. As she opened the door, she could see his emaciated body shivering under the cover. Mai grabbed another blanket and spread it out over. Picking up a cloth, she wiped away the sweat from his brow. She knew he wasn't conscious, but could see his lips moving. Bending down, she strained to hear his faint words.

'A stand was made and the light grows, yet the darkness spreads in unexpected places.'

Mai looked at the old man wondering what he was talking about.