Chapter 28
The Watchtower
The news that Superman was going to be okay spread like wildfire through the station. As Bruce made his way silently down the corridor he could see the relief on the faces of all the heroes. He shared their feeling, but right now, there was something else on his mind. It hadn't gone unnoticed to him that the one person had been absent during the whole crisis was Diana. He would have expected her to be right outside the operating room with the others, sharing their worry and concern. He knew that she was close to Clark, referring to him as her best friend on more than one occasion. The facts that she wasn't present made him wonder if she was feeling something more for Superman. As he moved through the hallways, there wasn't a hint of where she was. He finally had to use the central computer to locate her and again she surprised him. When the tower had been build a small non-denominal sanctuary was set up for the members. Bruce had often wondered if most of the members even knew it existed, but apparently Diana did, as that was where the computer located her. His curiosity getting the best of him, Bruce made his way down through the tower to the lower level. Most of the systems down here were automated, so there weren't any other people. Quietly, he walked to the door of the sanctuary and gazed in. Bruce saw Diana kneeling in front of a small makeshift altar. There were five candles burning along with a small, plain bowl. He could see her eyes were closed and while he couldn't make out the words, he assumed she was praying. He hadn't expected to walk in on such a private moment and began to leave.
"Is there news, Bruce," Diana said, not turning to look at him. He could hear the barely controlled concern in her voice.
"Ye-Yes, he's going to be all right." He stumbled to say, thrown off by the whole situation. Diana bowed her head and whispered a few more words he couldn't hear before standing and turning to face him.
"I hoped it would be good news," she said. A smile of relief came to her lips.
"He should make a complete recovery," he replied.
"I must admit, I tried not to think it, but I couldn't help fear the worst," she said to him. Taking an old worn satchel from beside the makeshift alter, she began to put away her religious artifacts. She handled each with loving care and he could tell they held great importance to her. Not being a particularly religious man, Bruce was still fascinated by this side of her.
"Diana, can I ask," Bruce said, "what were you doing down here? If it's private, please, just say so."
"I was asking the Gods to aid Kal's recovery," she replied.
"The Gods?"
"Yes, the very ones that gave me life." She continued to explain. "I imagine it would be like praying in a church for you."
"You really believe they would intervene in something like this?"
"I don't know for sure, but I believe they do, yes," she informed him. "Isn't that the basic idea behind prayer? Belief?"
"Yes, I suppose so," Bruce admitted. "Do you do this often?"
"Yes, I was raised to believe one should offer thanks to the Gods and seek their guidance."
"Do they ever reply? I mean you know your Gods and have actually met them." He quickly added. "It's just that they've never struck me as the most reliable bunch of people."
Diana smiled at him before answering.
"I know you don't believe they are Gods, Bruce and that's fine. To answer your question, no, most times they don't speak to me directly. I guess I take it on faith that they are listening and will help. Kal is better, so I imagine they heard me this time."
"So you believe they intervened in his case? As I remember most of them don't exactly like Superman to begin with. Doesn't it seem more reasonable that it was really Dr. Fate's magic combined with Ray and Jonn's science that saved him? It is much more logical and understandable in this case," he asked.
"If that is the way you chose to see it, I'm fine with that, Bruce. We each see the world in our own way."
"Still."
"Bruce, I don't wish to have a debate over theology with you. Kal was injured seriously and there was nothing else I could do. I couldn't just stand around waiting, I needed to do something or I'd go out of my mind with worry."
"You must care for him very deeply," he observed.
"Of course, don't you," she asked.
"Well, yes, but.." He fumbled to answer, not comfortable speaking of his emotions. Diana seemed to take his silence as an agreement and started to move towards the exit. Bruce followed, questions rolling around in his mind. As they headed towards the elevator, he ventured a further question.
"So do you come down here often?"
"When I'm on the station for any extended time or if something happens like today I do. It's a way to honor my heritage and I find it calms and centers me."
"So it's really more of a mediation then an actually religious act."
"It's both, Bruce, why is that so difficult for you,' she asked.
He seemed to consider this for a moment before giving her an answer.
"My parents believed and tried to pass that on to me, but I guess as I got older I've moved away from it. Freud said that religion was glorified wish thinking for most people. I've seen so many things in my life that the idea of one source caring and controlling everything is hard for me to believe it."
"So the wonders you've witnessed didn't strengthen you faith, but they caused you to question it further?"
"Yes, I suppose," he admitted. "I find the whole business of faith troubling. I've seen too many atrocities committed in its name."
"Those are the work of men, Bruce," Diana countered.
"Sometimes, yes, but you and I both have seen too much on countless other worlds to think it's only men that do this. Does it trouble you that each world we travel to has some God or Gods or Divine spirit that they claim has given them exclusively the real truth, the one truth? Doesn't that call into question the Gods you revere?"
"Perhaps it is really just different paths to the same truth," she offered, seeing the seriousness of his argument.
"Or maybe there all wrong paths to a false truth?"
"You don't really believe that, do you," she asked.
"I don't know, Diana," he admitted. "I've seen too much brutality and stupidity done in the name of faith. It's dangerous when someone believes they have been given the one truth. It seems to give them a license to commit the most horrible acts."
"Not all violence and stupidity can be put down to faith, Bruce," Diana countered. "Take Kal's attack for instance."
"But from my understanding, Nathan is motivated by his belief in the Old Gods of Dark Magic. It's his total belief in them that allows him to commit such heinous crimes. You see, again, the certainty that you have been given some special truth unleashes the worst kind of fanaticism."
"I can see we aren't going to agree on this, Bruce," Diana said. "I'm frankly surprised at how much thought you've given this. I would like to continue this discussion some other time. Right now I want to see Kal and make sure he's doing better."
The elevator arrived and they both stepped on. A thought occurred to Bruce.
"I'd like to continue this as well," he said. "Perhaps we could do it over dinner?"
Diana turned and looked at him in surprise. She then broke out in a smile.
"It's a date," she said, but then quickly added, "By date, I just meant dinner, Bruce."
"Okay."
"I just want to make sure its clear." She continued, "I was not making any sexual overtures towards you. I want that to be clearly understood."
"I got it, Diana, just dinner."
The doors closed and they rode up towards the infirmary level. Wanting to break the uncomfortable silence, Bruce switched back to their earlier discussion.
"You know, I didn't think anyone used that area. I always wondered if maybe I'd made a mistake including it in the design." He admitted.
"Others use it as well," she said to him. "It's a place for quiet reflection away from the rest of the station."
He nodded, but didn't reply.
"I must admit I'm frankly a little surprise you did including it, Bruce. Given our discussion I wouldn't have thought you considered such things?"
"I didn't, it was a suggestion given to me," he said to her.
"Oh? May I ask who suggested it?"
"Clark."
Central City
The aftermath of the disaster was drawing to a close. Flash had recovered enough to assist in any way he could. The surprising part was that while he was unconscious, others had taken it on themselves to help rescue the children and hospital staff. Several of the nurses had pulled children to safety, making more then one trip into the river. Several bystanders had risked their own safety to dive into the river and help. There were a few injuries, but luckily no fatalities. Wally worked tirelessly in the aftermath, more as a support worker than anything. He rushed blankets to the victims and raced the worst injuries to the nearest hospital. He found himself admiring all involved in the rescue. They were ordinary people that had risked their lives for others. It felt good to know his city had so many heroes. He made a point to take time to thank each and every one of those involved. It surprised him how most dismissed it when he said they were heroes. They didn't see themselves as heroes, but just good Samaritans helping out where they could. When the media arrived all this changed for Wally. The reporters all crowded around him, asking how he'd managed the rescue. He tried to point out that others were the real heroes, but that didn't make as good copy as a superhero rescue did. He was frustrated by how they were spinning the story and the more he tried to say what really happen, the less they were interested. He finally gave up and dash off, leaving the stunned reporters in his wake.
Metropolis
Lois stood in front of the small Catholic Church more confused than ever. She'd come down here to speak with Lisa's family. They had driven in to make arrangements for her funeral and as uncomfortable as it was, Lois figured it would be the best chance to speak with them. She waited respectfully outside until they were finished before approaching them. They were a small, quiet couple and Lois could see Lisa favored her mother. She cautiously introduced herself to them, offering her condolences and asking if they wouldn't mind answering just a few questions for her story. They agreed. She asked about Lisa, letting them offer what information they wanted to. They told her of how Lisa had always been a bright but quiet child. Lois could hear the pride in their voices as they told of their daughter going off to college, graduating and getting a job in the big city. Apparently, Lisa called them once a week to catch them up on all the wonderful and exciting things happening at work and in her personal life. It was towards the end of the conversation that Lisa's parents asked how her death had happened. Lois found herself getting choked up as she related how Lisa had saved her life. She was almost expecting them to lash out at her, but they did a surprising thing. They hugged Lois. She was caught totally off guard by it. Lisa's mother quietly explained that it didn't surprise them, as Lisa had told them all about Lois. It seemed she was something of a role model for Lisa. The young girl was in awe of Lois and hoped one day to be as brave and fearless as she was. Lisa's father said it sounded like she'd done just that in saving Lois. Lois managed to thank them and promised to let them know when the article was coming out. They thanked her for being such a good role model for their daughter and asked that she attend the funeral. Lois agreed and they departed. Emotions overcame Lois and she couldn't hold back the tears. How could she tell those nice, decent people that she barely noticed their daughter and had no idea the girl looked up to her? She'd always assumed Lisa was terrified of her, with the fainting and all, but now she didn't know what to believe. This new revelation on top of finding out about Clark was just too much to take. She found herself wandering into the church and sitting down in one of the back pews searching for answers.
"You seem troubled," a voice said to her. Lois looked up to see an elderly priest standing next to her.
"Yes, father, I guess I am," she replied.
"Would you care to talk about it," he asked, sitting down next to her.
"I'm not really sure where to start, father."
'Well, what were you thinking just before I spoke to you?"
"I was thinking how the world doesn't make any sense," Lois said. "I'm sure you've heard about the attack at the Daily Planet. I was there. The young woman whose parents were just in here gave her life to save me. I'd just assumed she did it out of some instinctive reaction, but I just learned she admired me. I find myself wondering what the truth really is."
"I know who you are, Miss Lane," The priest said. "May I ask, why is it such a surprise that the young woman looked up to you? You're a well known journalist in this town, after all?"
"Because I really never had much interaction with her. I didn't tell her parents this, but every time I got close to her, she would faint in fear of me. I just saw her as this meek, mousy wallflower. That's what makes what she did so confusing. Why would she sacrifice herself for me?"
"All creatures great and small, Miss Lane. The heroic come in many guises, not just in costumes and capes. The good book says that the meek shall inherit the earth. Perhaps they will inherit it not with swords and shields, but kindness and love. Sometimes we forget that the ordinary man or woman can do the extraordinary. I believe there is a purpose behind Lisa's actions and it's up to you to find that answer for yourself, Miss Lane."
"But how, father?"
"You have a gift for writing, perhaps the answer lies in letting the world know about Lisa. Maybe you will find the meaning in your words?"
"Thank you, father, for listening," Lois said. The priest nodded and excused himself from the pew. Lois sat there for a moment running over his words in her mind. She slowly got up and walked out of the church. The priest stood at the front door watching her walk away.
In the shadows, Lex and Grace stood watching all of this.
"Oh, he's good," Lex, said with a chuckle.
"I told you, only the best for this project, Lex," Grace replied.
"Finding an elderly actor was a nice touch. I almost confessed to him myself."
"I'm glad you think your money is being well spent," Grace said.
"I have no complains, in fact I have another idea I want you to pursue," Lex said.
"Of course."
"The attack on the Daily Planet obviously had an effect on Lois. Perhaps we can spread some money around to villains in others cities to create similar havoc. We strike at where the so-called heroes are most vulnerable. Do you think you can managed that, Grace?"
"Of course," she replied with a smile.
The Watchtower
Zatanna had only left Clark's room for a minute, but when she came back in he was out of bed and talking on the phone.
"What are you doing out of bed," she shouted at him. Clark grimaced and quickly put his hand over the phone.
"I'm just calling my mother to make sure she doesn't worry. Besides, I'm find, I want to get out of here."
"Oh, no, Clark, you aren't going anywhere! You're still recovering and I'm going to make sure you stay right here and don't do anything heroic and stupid."
"I think you're overreacting, Zee," Clark countered. She gave him a look and then took the phone from his hand.
"Hello, Mrs. Kent, this is Zatanna," she said. After a pause she continued. "Okay, Martha, would you please tell your son to listen to his doctors.... Yes, I know, I'm finding that out."
As Clark listened to the conversation, her found himself uncomfortable at the turn it was taking.
"No, he's okay, but it could have been worse," Zee said to Martha.
"Don't tell her that!" He reached for the phone, but she slapped his hand away.
"I agree, Martha, but try telling him that. What? Okay," Zee said. She turned to Clark with a smile.
"Your mother wants to talk to you, Clark."
He gave Zatanna a look, but she only smile in return.
"Hello, Ma, what? No, no, she's making it sound much worse than it is. I'm fine, really. But…But…I know but…. that's a completely different situation and you know it, Ma…Oh, all right…yes, I promise, are you happy now? What?" Clark stumbled through the conversation with his mother. He looked at Zee again and was clearly not happy. "She wants to talk to you again."
Zee took the phone and listened as Martha spoke.
"I promise, Martha I will," Zee said. "No, he still hasn't gotten back into bed. Clark, your mom says to listen to me and get back into bed."
"That's really below the belt, Zee, using my Mother," Clark grumbled, but reluctantly got back into bed.
"Yes, he's complaining, but he's back in bed," Zee informed Martha. "Okay, I promise, I'll talk to you soon, Martha. Thanks."
As she hung up the phone, she gave him a rather smug smile. Clark crossed his arms in front of him in frustration.
"Your mom says for you to do everything I say and to call her if you don't," Zee said to him.
"I knew it was a mistake introducing you," he said, grumbling. Zee just smiled wider and sat down next to him. She gave him a kiss and whispered teasingly.
"You have no choice now, Clark, do what I say or face the consequences."
"That kiss did have a superiority feel to it," he said sarcastically.
"How about this one," she asked, and then kissed him passionately.
"I liked that one much better," he replied with a smile.
"I told you, a kiss is like magic," she whispered and then kissed him again.
Fort Worth, Texas
The believers had launched another attack on civilians and Jonn had led a team down to handle the situation. It had been a back and forth struggle, but eventually the League got the upper hand. The process of cleaning up the destruction was underway, with Jonn directing the efforts. Standing in the distance observing it all, were Morgaine and Zod. While he was no longer connected with the believers, he was still able to predict Nathan's patterns. Zod knew that Nathan's setback at the Daily Planet would anger him. Nathan would feel the need to lash out. That's what this attack was about. Morgaine and Zod had arrived just in time to watch the whole thing play out. They didn't raise a finger during the whole conflict, but now that it was ended, they were ready to strike.
"Are you sure about the Martian as the next victim, Morgaine," Zod asked.
"Oh yes, we have a history, him and I,' she said with a cold smile.
"How would you suggest we proceed?"
"Fire," She said, with a malicious laugh.
