Chapter 36 [Watchtower]
Even as the scene unfolded in Smallville, Chloe's eyes were on global events through the screens and Queen Industries' satellites. She worried that people around the world would take advantage of the chaos to loot, plunder and commit mayhem. She didn't want to send the group out again so soon.
Even though most of the forces only received some bruises and scrapes, everyone needed down time to rest, recover from the battles against Darkseid and its demons and recoup resources spent in those battles. They waited for the VRA's reaction. They still needed to plan for the funerals at hand of their fallen comrades not to mention Tess and Lois. She sipped moodily on her coffee. I could really use some inspiration right now.
Right on cue, a ray of sunshine started at one end of the world and lit its way around it.
In all locations, citizens' groups organized and commenced rebuilding neighborhoods. They looked out for each other in carting the sick to hospitals and, where needed, respecting each other's dead.
Utility companies collaborated across national and even international lines (thanks to Oliver's influence over LuthorCorp) to get vital services restored.
Charity networks' phone banks lit up with contributions almost immediately.
As with most crises of that magnitude, people from all races, religions and walks of life came together for a common good. Maybe it wouldn't last but, for that day, they were one.
Seems that the heroes' collaborative efforts had sparked a fire under the world.
"There's some good in people after all," she mused while considering the battles that had taken place. She thought of the galvanizing force behind it and smiled. If not for Clark and Lana going to the future, finding the Legion and dealing with their issues, this wouldn't be happening. Glad to see that Clark FINALLY is achieving his potential!
"Now there's a sight for sore eyes," Oliver declared from behind her.
"So glad we agree, Mr. Queen," she sassed before kissing him. "Looks like the storm fronts have cleared up. No sign of our interdimensional interlopers or Darkseid. And in those places where Darkseid hit, people have started rebuilding and working together. I think it's a great day. You all did it!"
"So did you," Hawkman praised. "You coordinated our efforts, Chloe. Pretty big stuff. We all know the Green Weenie here can't tie his bowstring straight without help." He couldn't help but smirk at Oliver on that last note.
Recognizing that (for once) the other hero was teasing him, the archer fired back, "Yeah well…don't get your tail feathers in a ringer, Big Bird."
"Don't worry. I won't," Hawkman retorted evenly, not giving an inch. "By the way, Clark and Lana are back from Smallville. The others are waiting in your boardroom whenever you want to grace us with your presence."
Oliver shrugged. "You know us rich types. Late is the new early."
"Must be the spoiled brat type you mean. I never did that as king," the avian hero countered.
She rolled her eyes at the snark fest going on around herself. Neither man would back down to the other. Still she wasn't about to allow this show to go on all night. "We do have a meeting to go to, Guys. Ollie, the others are waiting. He has a point." She kissed his cheek and whispered loudly in his ear. "I love punctuality, Dear." She smiled pointedly at him before locking her computer and heading toward the elevator.
Hawkman pursed his lips and nodded.
"Don't even start with me, Tweety."
The birdman quirked an eyebrow. "Seems that Chloe wants a change in that rich boy type, Robin Hood." He patted the archer on the shoulder condescendingly. "Just remember…nod a lot, go along with it and just say yes dear. That'll keep you off the couch and on the firing range. Makes it easier every time." With that he headed for the elevator himself. "Coming?"
Oliver gnashed his teeth. I hate when he gets the last word! He pulled his hood up and stuck his glasses on. "Hold the car. I'm coming." He headed for the car.
It didn't pay to keep one's friends or girlfriend waiting…especially when it meant a potential stay on the couch.
Of course Oliver wasn't going to admit that to his companion at least not to his face….
[Assembly Room—Ten minutes later]
[A/N: I don't know if Watchtower has one of these so I'm inventing one. shrug]
Two floors below the "nuclear war room," Clark sat at the central table pensively. Even with the triumphs and successes of that day, his heart still felt heavy. Despite having beaten the darkness, he still felt violated. He knew that the struggle with Kal would remain a lifetime one. He missed his friends. The potential reactions to the global near-holocaust could be disastrous.
Questions nagged at him too. How do I continue to balance Krypton with Earth? Can I be two people in one? How can I protect and serve when I can't protect everyone I love? He glanced at his family's crest on his chest and then around the room at the faces there.
Those people represented the core of the people who'd shared his journey over the previous ten years. Some he'd fought at first and then made friends with later. Others were friends right away. Still others, he loved and they loved him back. Some approached him with offers to join their respective groups.
And then his special one…his heart…sat to his left. Lana looked just as torn between personal angst and fulfilling responsibility as he did. He knew she wanted to continue to work things out back at the farm along with Martha and him. Yet she also realized that her life belonged to the world as much as it did to herself.
In accepting that at long last, she earned the right to be at his side and have his heart.
In supporting her in that endeavor, he had hers in return. That fact, at least, more than put him at ease. It sent him soaring higher than even his newly discovered Kryptonian talents could ever have achieved.
["It's okay, Clark. Kryptonians do love, you know,"] Kara noted telepathically.
["Even if it is an Earther human?"] Clark supposed.
["Let the Fates go as they may,"] Kara indicated while quoting some proverb she'd heard during her time on Earth.
"Everything okay?" Lana cut in unaware of the telepathic contact between the cousins.
"We're fine. Just thinking," Clark indicated. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. Thanks," Lana expressed. "Hope we can get something accomplished here."
"Have faith, Lana. We shall indeed," Martian Manhunter assured her.
At that moment, Rokk stood and moved to the front of the area. "If it's all right with everyone, I'd like to get this meeting underway. We've fought a series of important battles today and won a great deal. Driving Darkseid and his darkness back out of this dimension is not an easy task. Each of us, whether as groups or individuals, has our own agenda and methods of confronting adversity. That comes of course from different experiences. All of these are valid. When we came together and pooled resources, we showed that the sum is greater than the respective parts. We Legionnaires know this well in our time. Consider how many different races and outlooks you see in our group. This new collaboration would be as powerful an example for others to follow."
"You're planning on staying? What about the time stream?" Kara supposed.
"For us to stay would disrupt the continuum," Imra replied. "Rokk was referring to the fact that you all could model what we've done for yourselves."
"We were already looking to form an expanded Justice Society when Sylvester contacted Chloe," Stargirl chimed in. "Why not do it now?"
"It could work," Cyborg indicated. "Count me in."
"And me," Byron agreed.
"And us both," Clark declared for himself and Lana who nodded in support of the idea.
"Count me in. Someone needs to watch the fort," Hawkman insisted.
"I think we have enough votes. All in favor?" Martian Manhunter proclaimed.
"Wait. I have a question. What about our outside lives? Maybe Chloe could come up with something for us?" Zatanna supposed.
"Like monitor duty?" Chloe suggested. "I definitely could use the help. There are other metahumans who would meet our criteria."
"I think that would work," Clark indicated. "We're ready to vote? John's proposal's on the table. All in favor?"
Every hand in the room went up.
"It passes unanimously. Congratulations on the new Justice Society of America, everyone. May you do us all proud," Rokk expressed. "And with that, I think my teammates and I have accomplished what we need to here. It's time for us to go."
"We'll do our best to make you all proud," Clark vowed, eliciting nods of support around the room.
"We know you'll kick butt, Kal. Just be everything you can be," Lightning Lad chimed in.
"And remember we're ready to help in any way we can," Imra volunteered.
"Just as Clark and Lana did, feel free to call. They know the way," Rokk declared. "Legionnaires, assemble here if you would."
The other Legion members filtered past their past counterparts shaking their hands as they progressed toward where their leader waited. Despite only knowing the Justice Society members a short time, they'd formed a bond through blood and trials. At some point, they'd serve together once more.
When they'd gathered together, Rokk noted, "Farewell, friends. Good luck and remember us well." He led his comrades in raising their rings. "LONG LIVE THE LEGION!"
In a flash of light, the Legion disappeared on their way back to the future.
"I have to tell you, Clark. You have some amazing friends," Chloe indicated.
"Such as everyone in this room, Chloe." He hugged her and Lana with each arm while looking out at the others. "They believe in us. If we believe in ourselves and each other, we can do this. Now we need a leader."
"I think that's easy," Hawkman indicated. "That'd be you, Clark."
"I agree," Oliver concurred. "You're the common thread here. Everyone?"
Once again, the vote was unanimous.
Clark gulped but made himself stand strong. "Everyone, it's an honor to be your leader. I'll definitely do my best to see the needs of the group and world before my own. We have a heavy duty, People. First though, we need to honor our fallen friends and comrades. If we can work with Chloe to organize the funerals, that would be appreciated."
"Leave that to me," Oliver volunteered. "They're covered."
"Sounds great. Thank you, Oliver." Clark looked to Lana who smiled in affirmation. "We move forward on a great many things. So too do we have things to think about. We must learn to work more closely together. Me more so than any of you. But we can do it. As Chloe said earlier, there are other metahumans who would be interested in this society. Let's seek them out and include them as there's plenty of work to go around." He took a deep breath and stood. "Thank you again. Now unless there's other business, I move to dismiss the meeting." Seeing no objection, he concluded, "We're adjourned. Thanks."
The group rose and headed back to their paths. Some went upstairs to Watchtower's command center. Others went to their lives once more. But still, they were now more than the pack of individuals they had been.
From the darkness and ashes, a true team had been born.
And at its center, the Pride of Krypton and his partner figured heavily.
That was reason to celebrate…..