TO SILENCE A DEADLY SILENCE
Chapter 2.
One doesn't need the aid of Thanagarian diagnostic equipment to realize that Supergirl's condition is critical. Her skin color has turned olive green, a frightening sign of acute Kryptonite exposure. Kara is now comatose as her body burns with fever. She perspires profusely. Her breath is labored and her heartbeat is irregular.
The next few moments are vital. Kryptonians derive their super powers on Earth due mostly to its yellow sun. Hawkgirl therefore pilots her ship as near to the sun as she dare go. She reconfigures the ship's energy shielding to absorb the sunlight like solar panels. Shayera bathes Kara's body head to toe in concentrated yellow light. This proves helpful. Supergirl's pulse grows stronger and her breathing is easier. Her complexion, though still horribly green, improves slightly.
Supergirl still remains in grave danger due to the inhalation of Kryptonite gas. Millions of deadly Kryptonite particles have immersed themselves in her bloodstream. All of her vital organs have been infested from within with the toxin. Supergirl's lungs have suffered the worst damage of course, but Thanagarian instruments show that her heart, kidneys and liver are also failing.
Hawkgirl must eradicate the Kryptonite within Supergirl as swiftly as possible. It can't be removed by conventional means, because it is so widespread and the patient's body tissue is invulnerable. Fortunately Shayera is aware of the molecular properties of Kryptonite. It is highly attracted to magnetism; therefore Hawkgirl uses magnetic waves to draw all of particles into Kara's digestive tract. The high concentration of Kryptonite may prove irreparably damaging to Supergirl's stomach and intestines, but it's a chance that must be taken. Kryptonite is the one substance native to the late planet Krypton which is not invulnerable on Earth. The acids within Supergirl's digestive system will dissolve the Kryptonite particles down to the sub-molecular level, thus neutralizing their lethal effects.
Hawkgirl monitors her diagnostic equipment. Her patient remains comatose although her vital signs are improving. Shayera knows that, regardless of the personal risk, she must make another attempt to disarm the satellite. First however, she will ensure that Kara will survive her ordeal.
As she attends to the Kryptonian's needs, Hawkgirl can't help but consider the irony. She has resented the young woman lying before her ever since arriving on Earth. Convinced that Supergirl was a mere child with Superman's powers, Shayera has never respected her. She has perceived Kara as a petulant girl who hadn't earned her privileged position and accolades. On this day, all that has changed. Supergirl has saved her life twice and demonstrated heroism at its best. Hawkgirl is embarrassed that she has held Kara accountable for events beyond her control.
*****
Shayera Hol was an accomplished soldier in the Thanagarian defense command. Her prowess in times of war was legendary. Her skills with both weapons and hand to hand combat enabled her to gain quick promotions. Along with her husband Katar, she was amongst the finest officers in the military.
In many ways, life was very rewarding for Shayera and Katar. As elite officers, they lived a life of luxury while off duty. The government afforded its peace keepers the best accommodations. The couple vacationed in the most ideal locales. They never wanted for material things.
Alas the civilians of Thanagar enjoyed no such comforts. Their world had been at war with the Khund Empire for 75 years. Although their military was successful in staving off the enemy, Thanagar paid a heavy price. The government had declared martial law during the conflict to maintain order and expose traitors and collaborators. When the hostilities ceased, officials opted not to repeal the martial law and the planet officially became a police state.
Over time, Katar began doubting his leaders. He saw the overzealous, oppressive tactics of the military firsthand. As a trained soldier he followed orders to the letter, but he eventually reached a point where his conscience would no longer permit him to continue his duties. Katar Hol spoke out against his superiors. Although it was common for civilian rebels to challenge authority, it was unprecedented for a soldier to do so. Katar incurred the wrath of his government and punishment was swift. The death penalty was ruled out in deference to his many years of loyal service; therefore he was permanently exiled from Thanagar.
Shayera faced a dilemma in the aftermath of Katar's banishment. She desperately wanted to spend her life with her husband, yet she also loved her homeworld and had no desire to leave it. She felt a strong sense of duty to her government despite sharing Katar's disapproval of their methods. In an extremely difficult decision, Shayera opted to remain on Thanagar away from her husband.
Katar journeyed to Earth where he could put his talents to good use. His accomplishments as Hawkman soon earned him an invitation to join the Justice League of America. His success was very gratifying, but life was incomplete without his beloved wife there at his side. He and Shayera were soul mates and it was imperative that they be reunited.
Shayera became increasingly intrigued by the prospect of life on Earth. Katar had been positively received as Hawkman. He had the enviable opportunity to fight for justice in a free society as opposed to a rigid military state. He fought alongside some remarkable heroes with extraordinary abilities. The Justice League was a legendary institution so grand in deed that news of their exploits had even reached Thanagar. Shayera Hol was proud beyond words to think that her husband was deemed worthy of inclusion in their ranks.
Hawkman saw the ideal opportunity to bring Shayera to Earth. The JLA desperately sought the addition of another female to their roster. Their attempt to recruit Batgirl had failed when the caped crimefighter unexpectedly declined their offer. Hawkman, newly inducted himself, advocated his wife Hawkgirl. The league had neither met nor seen Shayera in action, but Hawkman raved that she was every bit as capable as he.
The league was intrigued by Hawkman's proposal, so he followed through by contacting his former superiors on Thanagar. Katar urged them to grant Shayera permission to join him on Earth without losing her citizenship. He assured them that this was strictly his initiative and that he had not discussed the possibility with his wife. He was exiled from Thanagar, but he was adamant in his desire that Shayera not suffer the same fate.
Typically, the closed-minded Thanagarian government would not seriously consider such a request, especially from one as "notorious" as Katar Hol. In this case, however, they saw a wisdom in it. The ruling council was well aware of his exploits as Hawkman. They realized that they could capitalize on the high profile triumphs of Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Thanagar had lived in relative isolation; they were generally regarded as a people not to be trusted. The Justice League exposure could change that and open up new opportunities.
The council agreed to Katar's proposal, but insisted upon several non-negotiable stipulations. Shayera Hol would be unofficially released from her military obligation in one calendar year. She could then join him on Earth. Officially Shayera Hol would be considered a wanted fugitive who had forsaken her world for her husband. No record of their negotiations would be kept. Such an arrangement would ensure that the government maintains its image of unwavering strength. An unwritten deal was forged whereby both Shayera and Katar could return to Thanagar for good in twenty years. They would be granted a pardon for their past transgressions provided that they achieve continued success and fame in the JLA.
Shayera was excited about the deal. She yearned to be with her husband. This arrangement allowed just that and afforded them both the chance to retire and enjoy their latter years on their native Thanagar. Shayera also relished the prospect of joining the JLA. She studied reports from Katar detailing the league's cases. She familiarized herself with her future teammates and their arch foes. Although she had never set foot on Earth or met a single Justice League member, Shayera felt as if she knew them all.
A year passed and Hawkgirl embarked on her new life on Earth. It was like a second honeymoon as Katar gave Shayera the grand tour of her new home away from home. Hawkman proudly introduced his wife Hawkgirl to the media and citizens of Midway City. Hawkgirl was warmly greeted by a public which had grown to believe in her husband. Given her often antagonistic encounters with the oppressed citizenship of Thanagar, this was most refreshing. Shayera was impressed by the beauty of Earth. It had a far wider range of flora and wildlife than Thanagar. The view from outer space of the small, blue cloud-covered globe was invigorating.
The storybook reunion of the Thanagarian couple soon soured due to Justice League politics. To the disbelief of Katar and Shayera, the JLA denied her admission into their ranks. They welcomed her to Earth and looked forward to occasionally working with her when the circumstances warranted. Regarding her pending membership, the league insisted that no formal offer had ever been made. Their charter was now full, in addition to which the league's new by-laws made Hawkgirl ineligible to join.
Hawkman was outraged by the Justice League's stance. He reminded them of his efforts one year earlier to admit Hawkgirl into the league in the wake of the Batgirl fiasco. Shayera was unable to leave Thanagar until she had fulfilled her obligation to the council. It was Katar's understanding that the league had accepted those terms. Batgirl had agreed to consider a temporary membership to bridge the gap until Hawkgirl's arrival.
Batman offered a different interpretation of those same events, a position supported by two other influential leaguers, Green Lantern and Superman. The league had been willing to strongly consider Hawkgirl's candidacy. Unfortunately, she was unavailable at that time; therefore the JLA looked elsewhere. Batgirl never did sign on in a temporary capacity because Black Canary was deemed a worthy alternative. Since Dinah had worked out so well, there was no pressing need to specifically seek another female addition.
In the past few months the Justice League had rewritten their constitution due to concerns posed by the United Nations. The JLA was a respected organization, but there was a burgeoning fear that they were growing too powerful. The most recent additions of Elongated Man and the Atom served to further this impression. Measures were needed to limit the roster. The league was free to select its members as it sees fit, provided they not exceed the maximum as decreed by the UN. No such limit had been negotiated, but the JLA gave its assurances that no further expansion would take place until that issue was settled.
The JLA revised its own rules regarding potential candidates for admission. They implemented the Method of Operation (MO) rule which stipulates that all prospective members must have abilities and techniques unique unto themselves. The rationale behind this amendment was that the JLA derived its strength from its diversity. Its membership came from different backgrounds. Some had great powers while others relied solely upon superior conditioning and crime fighting tactics. With assorted experiences, values and talents, the Leaguers complemented each other superbly. They were not merely a group of accomplished solo stars; rather they were the greatest force for good in the world.
With the advent of expansion, the Justice League began to recognize the inherent dangers in adding a new colleague whose talents are similar to those of a current member. Not only would the diversity of the JLA be partially compromised, but a greater concern was the personal dynamics of the organization. Although each of the leaguers was dedicated to justice, there was hardly a consensus on the best means of achieving it. Tensions often surfaced as the priorities of members conflicted. Petty bickering was inevitable if the protégés of certain leaguers were allowed to join while others were denied.
Hawkman argued his case for Hawkgirl with his fellow leaguers to no avail. He had minimal support within the ranks. Few members would dare challenge league protocol, especially with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern all staunchly advocating it. The best Katar could attain was a silent minority that was willing to observe Hawkgirl in action and advocate her membership if she proved worthy.
Both Hawkman and Hawkgirl were distressed over the situation. Although Shayera absolved her husband of any blame in this misunderstanding, the stark reality was that their future was in dire jeopardy. The Thanagarian council did not willingly grant Shayera her release from service. Publicly, the government had strategically positioned itself to reap the benefits from the JLA status of Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Privately, they hoped that Shayera and Katar would stumble. The council would no doubt seize upon any perceived failure to nullify their secret deal with the Hols thus barring them from Thanagar forever.
Thanagarian soldiers, by their training and nature, are very proud individuals. They are skilled warriors with an extremely high code of honor. They do not seek or accept leniency or pity. To discuss personal hardships with anyone outside of one's family is unthinkable. A soldier's personal affairs are his private burden and are not to be shared with others.
While Katar and Shayera had philosophical differences with the Thanagarian authorities, they espoused the proud code of the soldier. Katar volunteered very little background information to his Justice League colleagues, beyond the need to know basics. He noted that he was apart from his wife Shayera and unable to return to Thanagar. Hawkman did not reveal that he had been exiled. He also refrained from divulging details of the clandestine arrangement he had made with his government that allowed Hawkgirl to join him on Earth. These were considered private matters.
It seemed as if Hawkman and Hawkgirl had little recourse. They would not divulge the specifics of Shayera's journey to Earth for it violated every measure of honor they so steadfastly believed in. To ask the JLA to induct Shayera so as to maintain their hope of one day returning home was blatantly selfish. Hawkgirl would have to be accepted for the right reasons rather than out of sympathy for their plight.
The irony of their circumstances was not lost on Shayera and Katar. They had essentially left Thanagar to escape the restrictive authority of a military state. Earth offered them the freedom to pursue their dreams, yet it was that same liberty which now threatened their futures. The JLA was free to make and enforce its own rules regardless of fairness or principle. This would not happen on Thanagar, where the laws were not open to interpretation or favoritism. A worthy peace keeper was treated with respect and impartiality within the framework of the society.
The Hols soon realized that they were approaching their dilemma incorrectly. They were thinking in Thanagarian terms instead of Terran. Earth has many advantages over Thanagar, freedom being the biggest. So valued is freedom, that institutions are firmly in place to best ensure it. It was time for Katar and Shayera to avail themselves of legal counsel.
*****
Superheroes are no strangers to courtrooms, for they are often required to give testimony against criminals they've corralled. It is quite another matter for them to face allegations, especially from one of their own. The Justice League of America wanted no part of a public hearing of Hawkgirl's grievance. Fortunately, Shayera and Katar maintained the appropriate perspective and sought not to jeopardize the image of the JLA if at all avoidable. As a result, the two parties agreed to discuss their differences before an impartial mediator who would seek an amicable resolution.
The proceedings were held on the JLA satellite. Although it was to be an informal setting, both sides secured legal representation to safeguard their respective interests. Hawkgirl and Hawkman hired the law firm of Farley and Horton. Peter Farley had previously represented the Flash when super villains had made unsubstantiated charges against the hero. On this occasion, it was Farley's partner, Cecile Horton, who joined the Thanagarians for the meeting. A spunky and talented attorney, Ms. Horton would later go on to attain international fame defending the Scarlet Speedster of murder charges in the death of his arch nemesis, Reverse Flash.
After some debate, the JLA followed the Atom's suggestion by hiring attorney Jean Loring to represent them. Ms. Loring had neither a big reputation nor a lengthy resume of legal triumphs, but she had several reassuring qualities. The Atom vouched for her skills. She was sharp as a tack and could be a tiger shark in the courtroom when she had to be. Furthermore, as Ray Palmer, the Atom was engaged to Loring. He had not as yet divulged his secret identity to her, but that was soon to come. He trusted her implicitly and believed that the JLA could have the utmost faith in her professional ethics regarding lawyer-client privilege. Another key point in Loring's favor was that she was female. In the event that the case escalated to a public forum, the predominantly male Justice League would be facing discrimination charges from a woman. Hiring a relatively unknown female lawyer demonstrated an open-minded approach regarding both gender and qualifications.
By mutual agreement of both sides J'Onn J'Onzz, the Martian Manhunter, served as the mediator. J'Onzz was an ideal choice, because he possessed a unique understanding of each side. As a founding member of the JLA, the inactive hero was well versed in league protocol and appreciated the inherent complexities in its policies. Being of alien origin, the Martian Manhunter could surely empathize with the obstacles the Thanagarians were facing in adapting to a foreign world.
The large conference room was filled to capacity as J'Onn J'Onzz called the session to order. The entire active roster of the JLA was in attendance. Opinions within the ranks varied considerably; some viewed the case as an insult, while others admired Hawkgirl's chutzpah. In addition to the JLA, Hawkgirl and the two attorneys, a reluctant Supergirl was also on hand. The Girl of Steel was disgruntled and confused. Kara was not particularly comfortable associating with the leaguers and she clearly had not anticipated spending her day in this forum.
The Martian Manhunter recognized that he needed to dictate the structure and pace from the outset to ensure that these proceedings were productive. As such, the lawyers had to be involved to allow for an organized series of questions and answers. J'Onn did not desire, however, for this effort to become a tedious legal exercise with individuals being grilled on a witness stand. There was a middle ground to which the Manhunter continuously sought to guide the participants.
In getting started, each attorney offered opening statements to briefly summarize the situation from the viewpoints of their respective clients. On Hawkgirl's behalf, Cecile Horton asserted that through Hawkman's initiatives the Thanagarian had been offered membership in the Justice League one year earlier. Hawkgirl had forsaken her home planet to bring her great talents and courage to Earth. Alas, instead of a warm welcome from the JLA, she received a cold rejection. Horton argued that this action was a combination of expost facto implementation of policy, prejudicial rules, and selective enforcement of those said rules.
Jean Loring was very deferential towards Hawkgirl in her opening remarks. The lawyer welcomed Shayera to Earth and wished her good fortune. She calmly insisted however that the JLA was not at fault here. Rather, in an honest misunderstanding, Hawkman mistakenly believed that a membership had been offered to his wife. The attorney noted that the JLA felt badly about this situation, especially since Hawkgirl had relinquished her job and home on Thanagar, but ultimately the responsibility for those actions was hers. Loring theorized that the true driving force behind this confusion was the passionate love that Hawkman and Hawkgirl share for one another, a love that drove them to be reunited.
The plaintiffs spoke first so as to explain the basis for their initiative against the JLA. Hawkgirl was very uneasy addressing the group. She was a soldier not a diplomat, yet here she had to choose her words very carefully. Shayera did not wish to alienate the very people she hoped to soon fight alongside. Cecile Horton had repeatedly emphasized to the Thanagarians that Hawkgirl was the sympathetic figure in this case. Proud Shayera loathed the prospect of seeking pity; therefore she resisted most of her attorney's advice on posturing and simply stated the facts as she knew them.
Katar Hol corroborated his wife's account and offered his recollection of the events which led to the membership offer. As per Horton's earlier coaching, Hawkman detailed a firm timetable of events. His testimony made it very clear that the offer had been made prior to any changes in the JLA constitution or its typical practices.
Equally uncomfortable with testifying against his colleagues, Hawkman prepared to turn the floor over to Superman when Cecile Horton interjected. J'Onn J'Onzz was quick to caution Ms. Horton, for he insisted upon an informal proceeding. The lawyer took Katar's hand and apologized first to him and subsequently to the Martian Manhunter for speaking out of turn. In so doing, Horton subtly tapped Katar's wedding band three times with her index finger.
Katar picked up on his attorney's intentions without her having to spell them out. As per Jean Loring's opening remarks, it was obvious that the defense was attempting to suggest the old adage "love is blind". Under that premise, Hawkman had believed what he wanted to believe, namely that a membership offer was on the table when in actuality it was not. The super hero refuted this notion. He professed that he had not allowed passion to betray his judgment. He had always separated personal and professional issues. Katar noted that as a trained soldier, he puts duty above all else. He recounted instances on Thanagar where both he and his wife had been forced to leave the other in a dangerous situation because their responsibilities mandated it.
Superman and Batman spoke on behalf of the Justice League. The Man of Steel countered Hawkman's testimony by asserting that no official membership offer had been tendered. He acknowledged that the subject had been broached, but that Shayera's unavailability at that time had caused the league to seek other alternatives. Batman added that the minutes from the JLA meetings confirmed their interpretation of events rather than Katar's.
The Martian Manhunter declared a fifteen minute recess after all of the interested parties had been given a chance to speak uncontestedly. To this point, the tone of the gathering had been very civil. J'Onn feared this would soon change, for there seemed little hope for a mutually advantageous result. It was essentially Hawkman's word versus that of his colleagues as to whether an offer had been made. Katar had no tangible proof of such and clearly a court would rule in the JLA's favor in this regard.
To establish their case, the Thanagarians therefore had no choice but to attack the league's admissions standards and practices. The Manhunter knew that this would stir emotions, for the league itself was somewhat divided on the merits of its own policies. The senior members tended to advocate the new rules whereas many of the newer, less influential constituents were skeptical. J'Onzz himself harbored considerable doubts about the Methods of Operation rule, although as mediator it was not his place to vocalize them.
J'Onn glanced over at Supergirl as he retook his seat at the table. It was no mystery to him why the young heroine was there. Her status as a "member in waiting" was suspicious, to say the very least. This designation effectively circumvented the M.O. rule, a policy which precluded Hawkgirl, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Nightwing, Aqualad and many others from ever joining the JLA ranks. Despite the league's insistence to the contrary, it was hard not to view this situation as hypocritical.
Several groans emanated from the masses as Cecile Horton urged J'Onn J'Onzz to allow an interrogation of Supergirl. It took a concerted effort on the mediator's part to suppress a grimace of his own. J'Onzz did not want this hearing to degenerate into a bitter war of words, yet he understood real issues had to be addressed. It was far better that such ground be covered there, behind closed doors, than in a public courthouse. J'Onzz therefore acquiesced, with the provisal that the attorney respect the process and his guidelines.
Horton recognized the unusual dynamics at work. Clearly, the Martian Manhunter was not inclined to grant her the opportunity to question a parade of Justice Leaguers. Her clients were so bound by honor that she feared they would object to forwarding the matter to the courts. The lawyer reasoned that her entire case most likely rested upon her exchange with Supergirl. She had to elicit damaging testimony which would pressure the JLA into a concession.
To eliminate the feel of a courtroom, both Supergirl and Cecile Horton remained seated. Although she would have much preferred to pace before her witness, the attorney was very optimistic. Until this moment, Supergirl had been disinterested in the entire affair. Now, the Kryptonian sat defiantly across the table from Horton and her clients. The lawyer sensed that Kara was anxious to get the matter over with so she could be excused. Horton had banked upon this impatience in choosing Supergirl. The young heroine was inexperienced in handling cross examinations and her current disposition played perfectly into Horton's hands.
"Supergirl." Cecile Horton began. "SUPER ... girl. Rocketed to our world via the late planet Krypton. Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. That's a pretty fair, albeit incomplete, description of SUPER ... man . Curiously, this synopsis is equally descriptive of you, isn't it SUPER ... girl?" Kara responded with a simple "Yes", while containing her resentment for the arrogant tone of her inquisitor.
"Superman is your cousin, is he not?" the lawyer asked. Supergirl nodded. "Of course." Horton jested. "How silly of me not to have noticed the big S across your chest and your long red cape!"
"Objection!" Jean Loring proclaimed as she sprang from her seat. Superman also began to rise, but refrained upon seeing Loring's immediate response. "She's badgering the witness!" the attorney argued. J'Onn J'Onzz agreed with Loring and warned Ms. Horton to treat Supergirl more respectfully,
"So, you're Superman's cousin." Horton continued. "You have the same powers and abilities that he does. You've modeled your costume and style after him. Do you consider yourself special, Supergirl?" the lawyer queried. Kara pondered the question momentarily. "I have been blessed with special powers and can perform amazing feats." she responded. "Your special powers make you a superior woman, don't they Supergirl?" Horton prodded. The heroine concurred to the extent that she can do things that virtually no one else can.
"Being Supergirl sure has its perks." Ms. Horton suggested. "You can do most anything. The key to the city is yours anywhere you fly off to. Your list of potential male suitors must be miles long. Opportunities are there for you that even fellow heroes and heroines can't imagine. Apparently, that even includes joining the JLA."
Supergirl stared angrily at Cecile Horton. The lawyer knew she had struck a nerve with the heroine. "As super heroics go, do your awesome powers entitle you to greater privilege than everyone else?" Before Kara could respond, the lawyer added "You've got a membership waiting for you on a silver platter when you're done with college, but Wonder Girl doesn't. My client Hawkgirl is a formidable Thanagarian soldier, yet she's being stonewalled because her abilities mirror her husband's. Why, SUPER .. girl, do you get preferential treatment?"
Kara could bide her tongue no longer. The irritated Kryptonian stood up and vented her frustrations for all to hear. "I don't deserve any special favors," Supergirl retorted "and I've never asked for any! I don't want to be in the Justice League! I didn't even know about this 'standing offer' until Kal told me about it yesterday." The Martian Manhunter attempted to calm the perturbed young heroine only to be rebuffed. Kara was uncharacteristically upset with Superman for arranging her JLA deal without her knowledge or consent. Her anger with her cousin would be short-lived though because she understood he always had her best interests in mind.
Supergirl's ire towards Horton, and Hawkgirl by extension, was greater, for she felt her integrity was being openly questioned. "You don't know me at all!" she chastised the attorney. "You know nothing about my goals or inspirations. How dare you presume me to be a spoiled bitch who expects people to cater to my every whim!"
Before storming out of the satellite, Supergirl took a parting shot at the Justice League itself.
"I have no clue if Hawkgirl belongs in the JLA and I really don't give a damn if she gets in or not. It's ridiculous though to keep her out just because she's too much like Hawkman. I've worked with Wonder Girl and she's great. Why would I want to be part of an organization which wouldn't even consider her, since Wonder Woman's already in? Why don't you just call yourselves the League, because there's no Justice that I can see!"
The conference room went momentarily silent in the wake of Supergirl's fiery departure. The Girl of Steel's critical words echoed within the consciences of the congregation. It took several minutes of soul searching before J'Onn J'Onzz finally spoke up and encouraged the group to work towards a settlement.
Even the staunchest proponents of JLA policy saw the potential troubles their inflexibility could cause. The Hawkgirl and Supergirl cases would surely set precedents. As such it was deemed in the best interests of the league to adopt more reasonable entrance standards. The M.O. rule had merit and would play a significant role in screening future candidates, but it would not preclude one's entry. Regarding Hawkgirl, a sizable majority voted to consider her petition. The United Nations extended its approval and Shayera soon earned admission by passing a fair entrance test.
*****
The view is hazy and the sounds are muddled. She can sense the intense light and heat caressing her body, but she can't discern her surroundings. Her head is pounding and her throat feels as if it is engulfed in flame. Once powerful limbs seem like dead weight as she experiences unprecedented exhaustion. Try as she may, Kara can't even begin to sit upright. The best she can manage is to roll on her side.
Supergirl resists the urge to pass out. Her mind is foggy. Her super senses are failing her. For the briefest of moments her eyesight seems to clear. Her legs come into focus, her green legs. This can't be real. It must be a nightmare Kara thinks as unconsciousness once again claims her before she can even try to scream.
How much time has passed she doesn't know. Supergirl now recognizes the Hawkship, but has no recollection of how she got here. She is on a sickbed. Her skin complexion is indeed olive green, telltale evidence that her haunting nightmare is a reality. She can't just lie here. Kara must find out what's happening. Her first two attempts fail, but she finally succeeds in pulling herself up into a sitting position.
Before Supergirl can attempt to stand, Hawkgirl enters the infirmary. Both women are surprised at the sight of the other. Shayera had expected her patient to still be unconscious, while Kara is floored by the strategy the Thanagarian apparently plans to employ to stop the satellite weapon. Supergirl tries to talk her out of it to no avail. Shayera must try something and she believes her plan has the best chance of success.
Supergirl is no condition to join Hawkgirl as she embarks on her desperate mission. According to Shayera's brief report, Kara understands that the deadly Kryptonite within her body is being destroyed by the acids within her digestive system. She will survive, but not unscathed. Her stomach is being ravaged by ulcers whereas her lungs have taken heavy damage from the gas inhalation. Her super metabolism should eventually reverse the effects but it will take time.
Kara must push herself like never before to provide Hawkgirl with backup. The heroine stops fighting her nausea and induces intense, painful vomiting. Although a terrible experience, it proves to be a great relief to Supergirl. She expunges the vast majority of the remaining Kryptonite from her body. Her skin complexion now contains only a slight hint of green. The intensified yellow light seems all the more invigorating to Kara as she feels her super strength slowly returning.
Meanwhile Hawkgirl approaches the forcefield perimeter. She wears a spacesuit to provide her body additional protection. The Justice Leaguer uses a Thanagarian pulse rifle to penetrate the barrier. She is no longer worried about automatically triggering the weapon by breaching the field. Her instruments inform her that the device has lost more energy from the earlier encounter than she initially suspected. It is not yet ready to fire and Hawkgirl will do all she can to ensure that it never does.
Shayera hovers alongside the satellite and resumes her earlier efforts to disable it. A series of tentacles again emerge from the underside of the machine and latch onto her. Hawkgirl rips one loose but the remainder firmly wrap her up. She manages to keep her left arm free and continues her work on the control panel.
One of the cables releases its hold on Hawkgirl thus allowing its extension to change. The grappling claw transforms into a crystal through which a searing beam can be dispensed. The laser is fired at the heroine from pointblank range. The front portion of her gray colored spacesuit is penetrated, thus revealing the big 'S' across her chest. With the spacesuit now ruptured, the tentacles swiftly pry off her headgear leaving the blond-haired heroine's face and upper body open to attack.
A Kryptonite assault is immediately launched. Hawkgirl's daring plan is working perfectly. The lead-lined suit, costume change and wig have tricked the alien defense mechanism into mistaking her for Supergirl. Their attacks will prove fruitless until the error is discovered. Shayera feigns pain from the Kryptonite as she literally struggles against the cumbersome tentacles.
Hawkgirl is mere seconds away from success when the machine changes its tactics. The energy pulse which had neutralized her earlier is invoked again, this time on a higher setting. She takes the initial impact in the chest and it cascades throughout her body. The jolt jars her loose from the tentacles. The upper half of her spacesuit is shredded and her blonde wig flies off. Shayera is only stunned, but she would be dead had she not been wearing Supergirl's invulnerable top.
The energy cannon targets Hawkgirl. Another blow will finish her, Supergirl's costume notwithstanding. Before it can fire, however, the barrel is reduced to molten metal by invisible heat vision beams. Shayera turns around to see the Girl of Steel wearing her Hawkgirl outfit. Kara wisely keeps her distance from the satellite to avoid its Kryptonite defenses. Her presence affords Hawkgirl the opportunity to zip in and complete her work. The deadly satellite weapon is now off-line and poses no threat to the planet below.
Their jubilation is short-lived for Supergirl's x-ray vision tells her that the satellite is rigged to self destruct in the event that the weapon is deactivated. The Kryptonian soars in at super speed. She arrives just as the explosion commences. Hawkgirl is exposed to the blast for a fraction of a second, but Supergirl's costume shields her from serious harm. Kara is subjected to the Kryptonite released by the detonation, but her momentum carries she and Shayera far enough away from the danger.
Both heroines are tired and hurting, but they are pleased with what they have accomplished. Local communication lines throughout the Earth have been opened up and an immediate deadly threat has been averted. They could each use time to recover from their ordeal, but the circumstances don't permit it. No sooner do they reach the planet's upper atmosphere when they receive an urgent distress call from Wonder Girl. She and Starfire need help at the Fortress of Solitude.
Despite the grave situation they still face, Shayera Hol can't help but crack the briefest of smiles as they fly off towards the arctic. They have worked well together and gained a newfound respect for one another. "This kid would never cut it as a Thanagarian soldier." Hawkgirl tries to convince to herself as she glances at Kara. "But she sure makes one heckuva Supergirl!"
Chapter 2.
One doesn't need the aid of Thanagarian diagnostic equipment to realize that Supergirl's condition is critical. Her skin color has turned olive green, a frightening sign of acute Kryptonite exposure. Kara is now comatose as her body burns with fever. She perspires profusely. Her breath is labored and her heartbeat is irregular.
The next few moments are vital. Kryptonians derive their super powers on Earth due mostly to its yellow sun. Hawkgirl therefore pilots her ship as near to the sun as she dare go. She reconfigures the ship's energy shielding to absorb the sunlight like solar panels. Shayera bathes Kara's body head to toe in concentrated yellow light. This proves helpful. Supergirl's pulse grows stronger and her breathing is easier. Her complexion, though still horribly green, improves slightly.
Supergirl still remains in grave danger due to the inhalation of Kryptonite gas. Millions of deadly Kryptonite particles have immersed themselves in her bloodstream. All of her vital organs have been infested from within with the toxin. Supergirl's lungs have suffered the worst damage of course, but Thanagarian instruments show that her heart, kidneys and liver are also failing.
Hawkgirl must eradicate the Kryptonite within Supergirl as swiftly as possible. It can't be removed by conventional means, because it is so widespread and the patient's body tissue is invulnerable. Fortunately Shayera is aware of the molecular properties of Kryptonite. It is highly attracted to magnetism; therefore Hawkgirl uses magnetic waves to draw all of particles into Kara's digestive tract. The high concentration of Kryptonite may prove irreparably damaging to Supergirl's stomach and intestines, but it's a chance that must be taken. Kryptonite is the one substance native to the late planet Krypton which is not invulnerable on Earth. The acids within Supergirl's digestive system will dissolve the Kryptonite particles down to the sub-molecular level, thus neutralizing their lethal effects.
Hawkgirl monitors her diagnostic equipment. Her patient remains comatose although her vital signs are improving. Shayera knows that, regardless of the personal risk, she must make another attempt to disarm the satellite. First however, she will ensure that Kara will survive her ordeal.
As she attends to the Kryptonian's needs, Hawkgirl can't help but consider the irony. She has resented the young woman lying before her ever since arriving on Earth. Convinced that Supergirl was a mere child with Superman's powers, Shayera has never respected her. She has perceived Kara as a petulant girl who hadn't earned her privileged position and accolades. On this day, all that has changed. Supergirl has saved her life twice and demonstrated heroism at its best. Hawkgirl is embarrassed that she has held Kara accountable for events beyond her control.
*****
Shayera Hol was an accomplished soldier in the Thanagarian defense command. Her prowess in times of war was legendary. Her skills with both weapons and hand to hand combat enabled her to gain quick promotions. Along with her husband Katar, she was amongst the finest officers in the military.
In many ways, life was very rewarding for Shayera and Katar. As elite officers, they lived a life of luxury while off duty. The government afforded its peace keepers the best accommodations. The couple vacationed in the most ideal locales. They never wanted for material things.
Alas the civilians of Thanagar enjoyed no such comforts. Their world had been at war with the Khund Empire for 75 years. Although their military was successful in staving off the enemy, Thanagar paid a heavy price. The government had declared martial law during the conflict to maintain order and expose traitors and collaborators. When the hostilities ceased, officials opted not to repeal the martial law and the planet officially became a police state.
Over time, Katar began doubting his leaders. He saw the overzealous, oppressive tactics of the military firsthand. As a trained soldier he followed orders to the letter, but he eventually reached a point where his conscience would no longer permit him to continue his duties. Katar Hol spoke out against his superiors. Although it was common for civilian rebels to challenge authority, it was unprecedented for a soldier to do so. Katar incurred the wrath of his government and punishment was swift. The death penalty was ruled out in deference to his many years of loyal service; therefore he was permanently exiled from Thanagar.
Shayera faced a dilemma in the aftermath of Katar's banishment. She desperately wanted to spend her life with her husband, yet she also loved her homeworld and had no desire to leave it. She felt a strong sense of duty to her government despite sharing Katar's disapproval of their methods. In an extremely difficult decision, Shayera opted to remain on Thanagar away from her husband.
Katar journeyed to Earth where he could put his talents to good use. His accomplishments as Hawkman soon earned him an invitation to join the Justice League of America. His success was very gratifying, but life was incomplete without his beloved wife there at his side. He and Shayera were soul mates and it was imperative that they be reunited.
Shayera became increasingly intrigued by the prospect of life on Earth. Katar had been positively received as Hawkman. He had the enviable opportunity to fight for justice in a free society as opposed to a rigid military state. He fought alongside some remarkable heroes with extraordinary abilities. The Justice League was a legendary institution so grand in deed that news of their exploits had even reached Thanagar. Shayera Hol was proud beyond words to think that her husband was deemed worthy of inclusion in their ranks.
Hawkman saw the ideal opportunity to bring Shayera to Earth. The JLA desperately sought the addition of another female to their roster. Their attempt to recruit Batgirl had failed when the caped crimefighter unexpectedly declined their offer. Hawkman, newly inducted himself, advocated his wife Hawkgirl. The league had neither met nor seen Shayera in action, but Hawkman raved that she was every bit as capable as he.
The league was intrigued by Hawkman's proposal, so he followed through by contacting his former superiors on Thanagar. Katar urged them to grant Shayera permission to join him on Earth without losing her citizenship. He assured them that this was strictly his initiative and that he had not discussed the possibility with his wife. He was exiled from Thanagar, but he was adamant in his desire that Shayera not suffer the same fate.
Typically, the closed-minded Thanagarian government would not seriously consider such a request, especially from one as "notorious" as Katar Hol. In this case, however, they saw a wisdom in it. The ruling council was well aware of his exploits as Hawkman. They realized that they could capitalize on the high profile triumphs of Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Thanagar had lived in relative isolation; they were generally regarded as a people not to be trusted. The Justice League exposure could change that and open up new opportunities.
The council agreed to Katar's proposal, but insisted upon several non-negotiable stipulations. Shayera Hol would be unofficially released from her military obligation in one calendar year. She could then join him on Earth. Officially Shayera Hol would be considered a wanted fugitive who had forsaken her world for her husband. No record of their negotiations would be kept. Such an arrangement would ensure that the government maintains its image of unwavering strength. An unwritten deal was forged whereby both Shayera and Katar could return to Thanagar for good in twenty years. They would be granted a pardon for their past transgressions provided that they achieve continued success and fame in the JLA.
Shayera was excited about the deal. She yearned to be with her husband. This arrangement allowed just that and afforded them both the chance to retire and enjoy their latter years on their native Thanagar. Shayera also relished the prospect of joining the JLA. She studied reports from Katar detailing the league's cases. She familiarized herself with her future teammates and their arch foes. Although she had never set foot on Earth or met a single Justice League member, Shayera felt as if she knew them all.
A year passed and Hawkgirl embarked on her new life on Earth. It was like a second honeymoon as Katar gave Shayera the grand tour of her new home away from home. Hawkman proudly introduced his wife Hawkgirl to the media and citizens of Midway City. Hawkgirl was warmly greeted by a public which had grown to believe in her husband. Given her often antagonistic encounters with the oppressed citizenship of Thanagar, this was most refreshing. Shayera was impressed by the beauty of Earth. It had a far wider range of flora and wildlife than Thanagar. The view from outer space of the small, blue cloud-covered globe was invigorating.
The storybook reunion of the Thanagarian couple soon soured due to Justice League politics. To the disbelief of Katar and Shayera, the JLA denied her admission into their ranks. They welcomed her to Earth and looked forward to occasionally working with her when the circumstances warranted. Regarding her pending membership, the league insisted that no formal offer had ever been made. Their charter was now full, in addition to which the league's new by-laws made Hawkgirl ineligible to join.
Hawkman was outraged by the Justice League's stance. He reminded them of his efforts one year earlier to admit Hawkgirl into the league in the wake of the Batgirl fiasco. Shayera was unable to leave Thanagar until she had fulfilled her obligation to the council. It was Katar's understanding that the league had accepted those terms. Batgirl had agreed to consider a temporary membership to bridge the gap until Hawkgirl's arrival.
Batman offered a different interpretation of those same events, a position supported by two other influential leaguers, Green Lantern and Superman. The league had been willing to strongly consider Hawkgirl's candidacy. Unfortunately, she was unavailable at that time; therefore the JLA looked elsewhere. Batgirl never did sign on in a temporary capacity because Black Canary was deemed a worthy alternative. Since Dinah had worked out so well, there was no pressing need to specifically seek another female addition.
In the past few months the Justice League had rewritten their constitution due to concerns posed by the United Nations. The JLA was a respected organization, but there was a burgeoning fear that they were growing too powerful. The most recent additions of Elongated Man and the Atom served to further this impression. Measures were needed to limit the roster. The league was free to select its members as it sees fit, provided they not exceed the maximum as decreed by the UN. No such limit had been negotiated, but the JLA gave its assurances that no further expansion would take place until that issue was settled.
The JLA revised its own rules regarding potential candidates for admission. They implemented the Method of Operation (MO) rule which stipulates that all prospective members must have abilities and techniques unique unto themselves. The rationale behind this amendment was that the JLA derived its strength from its diversity. Its membership came from different backgrounds. Some had great powers while others relied solely upon superior conditioning and crime fighting tactics. With assorted experiences, values and talents, the Leaguers complemented each other superbly. They were not merely a group of accomplished solo stars; rather they were the greatest force for good in the world.
With the advent of expansion, the Justice League began to recognize the inherent dangers in adding a new colleague whose talents are similar to those of a current member. Not only would the diversity of the JLA be partially compromised, but a greater concern was the personal dynamics of the organization. Although each of the leaguers was dedicated to justice, there was hardly a consensus on the best means of achieving it. Tensions often surfaced as the priorities of members conflicted. Petty bickering was inevitable if the protégés of certain leaguers were allowed to join while others were denied.
Hawkman argued his case for Hawkgirl with his fellow leaguers to no avail. He had minimal support within the ranks. Few members would dare challenge league protocol, especially with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern all staunchly advocating it. The best Katar could attain was a silent minority that was willing to observe Hawkgirl in action and advocate her membership if she proved worthy.
Both Hawkman and Hawkgirl were distressed over the situation. Although Shayera absolved her husband of any blame in this misunderstanding, the stark reality was that their future was in dire jeopardy. The Thanagarian council did not willingly grant Shayera her release from service. Publicly, the government had strategically positioned itself to reap the benefits from the JLA status of Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Privately, they hoped that Shayera and Katar would stumble. The council would no doubt seize upon any perceived failure to nullify their secret deal with the Hols thus barring them from Thanagar forever.
Thanagarian soldiers, by their training and nature, are very proud individuals. They are skilled warriors with an extremely high code of honor. They do not seek or accept leniency or pity. To discuss personal hardships with anyone outside of one's family is unthinkable. A soldier's personal affairs are his private burden and are not to be shared with others.
While Katar and Shayera had philosophical differences with the Thanagarian authorities, they espoused the proud code of the soldier. Katar volunteered very little background information to his Justice League colleagues, beyond the need to know basics. He noted that he was apart from his wife Shayera and unable to return to Thanagar. Hawkman did not reveal that he had been exiled. He also refrained from divulging details of the clandestine arrangement he had made with his government that allowed Hawkgirl to join him on Earth. These were considered private matters.
It seemed as if Hawkman and Hawkgirl had little recourse. They would not divulge the specifics of Shayera's journey to Earth for it violated every measure of honor they so steadfastly believed in. To ask the JLA to induct Shayera so as to maintain their hope of one day returning home was blatantly selfish. Hawkgirl would have to be accepted for the right reasons rather than out of sympathy for their plight.
The irony of their circumstances was not lost on Shayera and Katar. They had essentially left Thanagar to escape the restrictive authority of a military state. Earth offered them the freedom to pursue their dreams, yet it was that same liberty which now threatened their futures. The JLA was free to make and enforce its own rules regardless of fairness or principle. This would not happen on Thanagar, where the laws were not open to interpretation or favoritism. A worthy peace keeper was treated with respect and impartiality within the framework of the society.
The Hols soon realized that they were approaching their dilemma incorrectly. They were thinking in Thanagarian terms instead of Terran. Earth has many advantages over Thanagar, freedom being the biggest. So valued is freedom, that institutions are firmly in place to best ensure it. It was time for Katar and Shayera to avail themselves of legal counsel.
*****
Superheroes are no strangers to courtrooms, for they are often required to give testimony against criminals they've corralled. It is quite another matter for them to face allegations, especially from one of their own. The Justice League of America wanted no part of a public hearing of Hawkgirl's grievance. Fortunately, Shayera and Katar maintained the appropriate perspective and sought not to jeopardize the image of the JLA if at all avoidable. As a result, the two parties agreed to discuss their differences before an impartial mediator who would seek an amicable resolution.
The proceedings were held on the JLA satellite. Although it was to be an informal setting, both sides secured legal representation to safeguard their respective interests. Hawkgirl and Hawkman hired the law firm of Farley and Horton. Peter Farley had previously represented the Flash when super villains had made unsubstantiated charges against the hero. On this occasion, it was Farley's partner, Cecile Horton, who joined the Thanagarians for the meeting. A spunky and talented attorney, Ms. Horton would later go on to attain international fame defending the Scarlet Speedster of murder charges in the death of his arch nemesis, Reverse Flash.
After some debate, the JLA followed the Atom's suggestion by hiring attorney Jean Loring to represent them. Ms. Loring had neither a big reputation nor a lengthy resume of legal triumphs, but she had several reassuring qualities. The Atom vouched for her skills. She was sharp as a tack and could be a tiger shark in the courtroom when she had to be. Furthermore, as Ray Palmer, the Atom was engaged to Loring. He had not as yet divulged his secret identity to her, but that was soon to come. He trusted her implicitly and believed that the JLA could have the utmost faith in her professional ethics regarding lawyer-client privilege. Another key point in Loring's favor was that she was female. In the event that the case escalated to a public forum, the predominantly male Justice League would be facing discrimination charges from a woman. Hiring a relatively unknown female lawyer demonstrated an open-minded approach regarding both gender and qualifications.
By mutual agreement of both sides J'Onn J'Onzz, the Martian Manhunter, served as the mediator. J'Onzz was an ideal choice, because he possessed a unique understanding of each side. As a founding member of the JLA, the inactive hero was well versed in league protocol and appreciated the inherent complexities in its policies. Being of alien origin, the Martian Manhunter could surely empathize with the obstacles the Thanagarians were facing in adapting to a foreign world.
The large conference room was filled to capacity as J'Onn J'Onzz called the session to order. The entire active roster of the JLA was in attendance. Opinions within the ranks varied considerably; some viewed the case as an insult, while others admired Hawkgirl's chutzpah. In addition to the JLA, Hawkgirl and the two attorneys, a reluctant Supergirl was also on hand. The Girl of Steel was disgruntled and confused. Kara was not particularly comfortable associating with the leaguers and she clearly had not anticipated spending her day in this forum.
The Martian Manhunter recognized that he needed to dictate the structure and pace from the outset to ensure that these proceedings were productive. As such, the lawyers had to be involved to allow for an organized series of questions and answers. J'Onn did not desire, however, for this effort to become a tedious legal exercise with individuals being grilled on a witness stand. There was a middle ground to which the Manhunter continuously sought to guide the participants.
In getting started, each attorney offered opening statements to briefly summarize the situation from the viewpoints of their respective clients. On Hawkgirl's behalf, Cecile Horton asserted that through Hawkman's initiatives the Thanagarian had been offered membership in the Justice League one year earlier. Hawkgirl had forsaken her home planet to bring her great talents and courage to Earth. Alas, instead of a warm welcome from the JLA, she received a cold rejection. Horton argued that this action was a combination of expost facto implementation of policy, prejudicial rules, and selective enforcement of those said rules.
Jean Loring was very deferential towards Hawkgirl in her opening remarks. The lawyer welcomed Shayera to Earth and wished her good fortune. She calmly insisted however that the JLA was not at fault here. Rather, in an honest misunderstanding, Hawkman mistakenly believed that a membership had been offered to his wife. The attorney noted that the JLA felt badly about this situation, especially since Hawkgirl had relinquished her job and home on Thanagar, but ultimately the responsibility for those actions was hers. Loring theorized that the true driving force behind this confusion was the passionate love that Hawkman and Hawkgirl share for one another, a love that drove them to be reunited.
The plaintiffs spoke first so as to explain the basis for their initiative against the JLA. Hawkgirl was very uneasy addressing the group. She was a soldier not a diplomat, yet here she had to choose her words very carefully. Shayera did not wish to alienate the very people she hoped to soon fight alongside. Cecile Horton had repeatedly emphasized to the Thanagarians that Hawkgirl was the sympathetic figure in this case. Proud Shayera loathed the prospect of seeking pity; therefore she resisted most of her attorney's advice on posturing and simply stated the facts as she knew them.
Katar Hol corroborated his wife's account and offered his recollection of the events which led to the membership offer. As per Horton's earlier coaching, Hawkman detailed a firm timetable of events. His testimony made it very clear that the offer had been made prior to any changes in the JLA constitution or its typical practices.
Equally uncomfortable with testifying against his colleagues, Hawkman prepared to turn the floor over to Superman when Cecile Horton interjected. J'Onn J'Onzz was quick to caution Ms. Horton, for he insisted upon an informal proceeding. The lawyer took Katar's hand and apologized first to him and subsequently to the Martian Manhunter for speaking out of turn. In so doing, Horton subtly tapped Katar's wedding band three times with her index finger.
Katar picked up on his attorney's intentions without her having to spell them out. As per Jean Loring's opening remarks, it was obvious that the defense was attempting to suggest the old adage "love is blind". Under that premise, Hawkman had believed what he wanted to believe, namely that a membership offer was on the table when in actuality it was not. The super hero refuted this notion. He professed that he had not allowed passion to betray his judgment. He had always separated personal and professional issues. Katar noted that as a trained soldier, he puts duty above all else. He recounted instances on Thanagar where both he and his wife had been forced to leave the other in a dangerous situation because their responsibilities mandated it.
Superman and Batman spoke on behalf of the Justice League. The Man of Steel countered Hawkman's testimony by asserting that no official membership offer had been tendered. He acknowledged that the subject had been broached, but that Shayera's unavailability at that time had caused the league to seek other alternatives. Batman added that the minutes from the JLA meetings confirmed their interpretation of events rather than Katar's.
The Martian Manhunter declared a fifteen minute recess after all of the interested parties had been given a chance to speak uncontestedly. To this point, the tone of the gathering had been very civil. J'Onn feared this would soon change, for there seemed little hope for a mutually advantageous result. It was essentially Hawkman's word versus that of his colleagues as to whether an offer had been made. Katar had no tangible proof of such and clearly a court would rule in the JLA's favor in this regard.
To establish their case, the Thanagarians therefore had no choice but to attack the league's admissions standards and practices. The Manhunter knew that this would stir emotions, for the league itself was somewhat divided on the merits of its own policies. The senior members tended to advocate the new rules whereas many of the newer, less influential constituents were skeptical. J'Onzz himself harbored considerable doubts about the Methods of Operation rule, although as mediator it was not his place to vocalize them.
J'Onn glanced over at Supergirl as he retook his seat at the table. It was no mystery to him why the young heroine was there. Her status as a "member in waiting" was suspicious, to say the very least. This designation effectively circumvented the M.O. rule, a policy which precluded Hawkgirl, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Nightwing, Aqualad and many others from ever joining the JLA ranks. Despite the league's insistence to the contrary, it was hard not to view this situation as hypocritical.
Several groans emanated from the masses as Cecile Horton urged J'Onn J'Onzz to allow an interrogation of Supergirl. It took a concerted effort on the mediator's part to suppress a grimace of his own. J'Onzz did not want this hearing to degenerate into a bitter war of words, yet he understood real issues had to be addressed. It was far better that such ground be covered there, behind closed doors, than in a public courthouse. J'Onzz therefore acquiesced, with the provisal that the attorney respect the process and his guidelines.
Horton recognized the unusual dynamics at work. Clearly, the Martian Manhunter was not inclined to grant her the opportunity to question a parade of Justice Leaguers. Her clients were so bound by honor that she feared they would object to forwarding the matter to the courts. The lawyer reasoned that her entire case most likely rested upon her exchange with Supergirl. She had to elicit damaging testimony which would pressure the JLA into a concession.
To eliminate the feel of a courtroom, both Supergirl and Cecile Horton remained seated. Although she would have much preferred to pace before her witness, the attorney was very optimistic. Until this moment, Supergirl had been disinterested in the entire affair. Now, the Kryptonian sat defiantly across the table from Horton and her clients. The lawyer sensed that Kara was anxious to get the matter over with so she could be excused. Horton had banked upon this impatience in choosing Supergirl. The young heroine was inexperienced in handling cross examinations and her current disposition played perfectly into Horton's hands.
"Supergirl." Cecile Horton began. "SUPER ... girl. Rocketed to our world via the late planet Krypton. Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. That's a pretty fair, albeit incomplete, description of SUPER ... man . Curiously, this synopsis is equally descriptive of you, isn't it SUPER ... girl?" Kara responded with a simple "Yes", while containing her resentment for the arrogant tone of her inquisitor.
"Superman is your cousin, is he not?" the lawyer asked. Supergirl nodded. "Of course." Horton jested. "How silly of me not to have noticed the big S across your chest and your long red cape!"
"Objection!" Jean Loring proclaimed as she sprang from her seat. Superman also began to rise, but refrained upon seeing Loring's immediate response. "She's badgering the witness!" the attorney argued. J'Onn J'Onzz agreed with Loring and warned Ms. Horton to treat Supergirl more respectfully,
"So, you're Superman's cousin." Horton continued. "You have the same powers and abilities that he does. You've modeled your costume and style after him. Do you consider yourself special, Supergirl?" the lawyer queried. Kara pondered the question momentarily. "I have been blessed with special powers and can perform amazing feats." she responded. "Your special powers make you a superior woman, don't they Supergirl?" Horton prodded. The heroine concurred to the extent that she can do things that virtually no one else can.
"Being Supergirl sure has its perks." Ms. Horton suggested. "You can do most anything. The key to the city is yours anywhere you fly off to. Your list of potential male suitors must be miles long. Opportunities are there for you that even fellow heroes and heroines can't imagine. Apparently, that even includes joining the JLA."
Supergirl stared angrily at Cecile Horton. The lawyer knew she had struck a nerve with the heroine. "As super heroics go, do your awesome powers entitle you to greater privilege than everyone else?" Before Kara could respond, the lawyer added "You've got a membership waiting for you on a silver platter when you're done with college, but Wonder Girl doesn't. My client Hawkgirl is a formidable Thanagarian soldier, yet she's being stonewalled because her abilities mirror her husband's. Why, SUPER .. girl, do you get preferential treatment?"
Kara could bide her tongue no longer. The irritated Kryptonian stood up and vented her frustrations for all to hear. "I don't deserve any special favors," Supergirl retorted "and I've never asked for any! I don't want to be in the Justice League! I didn't even know about this 'standing offer' until Kal told me about it yesterday." The Martian Manhunter attempted to calm the perturbed young heroine only to be rebuffed. Kara was uncharacteristically upset with Superman for arranging her JLA deal without her knowledge or consent. Her anger with her cousin would be short-lived though because she understood he always had her best interests in mind.
Supergirl's ire towards Horton, and Hawkgirl by extension, was greater, for she felt her integrity was being openly questioned. "You don't know me at all!" she chastised the attorney. "You know nothing about my goals or inspirations. How dare you presume me to be a spoiled bitch who expects people to cater to my every whim!"
Before storming out of the satellite, Supergirl took a parting shot at the Justice League itself.
"I have no clue if Hawkgirl belongs in the JLA and I really don't give a damn if she gets in or not. It's ridiculous though to keep her out just because she's too much like Hawkman. I've worked with Wonder Girl and she's great. Why would I want to be part of an organization which wouldn't even consider her, since Wonder Woman's already in? Why don't you just call yourselves the League, because there's no Justice that I can see!"
The conference room went momentarily silent in the wake of Supergirl's fiery departure. The Girl of Steel's critical words echoed within the consciences of the congregation. It took several minutes of soul searching before J'Onn J'Onzz finally spoke up and encouraged the group to work towards a settlement.
Even the staunchest proponents of JLA policy saw the potential troubles their inflexibility could cause. The Hawkgirl and Supergirl cases would surely set precedents. As such it was deemed in the best interests of the league to adopt more reasonable entrance standards. The M.O. rule had merit and would play a significant role in screening future candidates, but it would not preclude one's entry. Regarding Hawkgirl, a sizable majority voted to consider her petition. The United Nations extended its approval and Shayera soon earned admission by passing a fair entrance test.
*****
The view is hazy and the sounds are muddled. She can sense the intense light and heat caressing her body, but she can't discern her surroundings. Her head is pounding and her throat feels as if it is engulfed in flame. Once powerful limbs seem like dead weight as she experiences unprecedented exhaustion. Try as she may, Kara can't even begin to sit upright. The best she can manage is to roll on her side.
Supergirl resists the urge to pass out. Her mind is foggy. Her super senses are failing her. For the briefest of moments her eyesight seems to clear. Her legs come into focus, her green legs. This can't be real. It must be a nightmare Kara thinks as unconsciousness once again claims her before she can even try to scream.
How much time has passed she doesn't know. Supergirl now recognizes the Hawkship, but has no recollection of how she got here. She is on a sickbed. Her skin complexion is indeed olive green, telltale evidence that her haunting nightmare is a reality. She can't just lie here. Kara must find out what's happening. Her first two attempts fail, but she finally succeeds in pulling herself up into a sitting position.
Before Supergirl can attempt to stand, Hawkgirl enters the infirmary. Both women are surprised at the sight of the other. Shayera had expected her patient to still be unconscious, while Kara is floored by the strategy the Thanagarian apparently plans to employ to stop the satellite weapon. Supergirl tries to talk her out of it to no avail. Shayera must try something and she believes her plan has the best chance of success.
Supergirl is no condition to join Hawkgirl as she embarks on her desperate mission. According to Shayera's brief report, Kara understands that the deadly Kryptonite within her body is being destroyed by the acids within her digestive system. She will survive, but not unscathed. Her stomach is being ravaged by ulcers whereas her lungs have taken heavy damage from the gas inhalation. Her super metabolism should eventually reverse the effects but it will take time.
Kara must push herself like never before to provide Hawkgirl with backup. The heroine stops fighting her nausea and induces intense, painful vomiting. Although a terrible experience, it proves to be a great relief to Supergirl. She expunges the vast majority of the remaining Kryptonite from her body. Her skin complexion now contains only a slight hint of green. The intensified yellow light seems all the more invigorating to Kara as she feels her super strength slowly returning.
Meanwhile Hawkgirl approaches the forcefield perimeter. She wears a spacesuit to provide her body additional protection. The Justice Leaguer uses a Thanagarian pulse rifle to penetrate the barrier. She is no longer worried about automatically triggering the weapon by breaching the field. Her instruments inform her that the device has lost more energy from the earlier encounter than she initially suspected. It is not yet ready to fire and Hawkgirl will do all she can to ensure that it never does.
Shayera hovers alongside the satellite and resumes her earlier efforts to disable it. A series of tentacles again emerge from the underside of the machine and latch onto her. Hawkgirl rips one loose but the remainder firmly wrap her up. She manages to keep her left arm free and continues her work on the control panel.
One of the cables releases its hold on Hawkgirl thus allowing its extension to change. The grappling claw transforms into a crystal through which a searing beam can be dispensed. The laser is fired at the heroine from pointblank range. The front portion of her gray colored spacesuit is penetrated, thus revealing the big 'S' across her chest. With the spacesuit now ruptured, the tentacles swiftly pry off her headgear leaving the blond-haired heroine's face and upper body open to attack.
A Kryptonite assault is immediately launched. Hawkgirl's daring plan is working perfectly. The lead-lined suit, costume change and wig have tricked the alien defense mechanism into mistaking her for Supergirl. Their attacks will prove fruitless until the error is discovered. Shayera feigns pain from the Kryptonite as she literally struggles against the cumbersome tentacles.
Hawkgirl is mere seconds away from success when the machine changes its tactics. The energy pulse which had neutralized her earlier is invoked again, this time on a higher setting. She takes the initial impact in the chest and it cascades throughout her body. The jolt jars her loose from the tentacles. The upper half of her spacesuit is shredded and her blonde wig flies off. Shayera is only stunned, but she would be dead had she not been wearing Supergirl's invulnerable top.
The energy cannon targets Hawkgirl. Another blow will finish her, Supergirl's costume notwithstanding. Before it can fire, however, the barrel is reduced to molten metal by invisible heat vision beams. Shayera turns around to see the Girl of Steel wearing her Hawkgirl outfit. Kara wisely keeps her distance from the satellite to avoid its Kryptonite defenses. Her presence affords Hawkgirl the opportunity to zip in and complete her work. The deadly satellite weapon is now off-line and poses no threat to the planet below.
Their jubilation is short-lived for Supergirl's x-ray vision tells her that the satellite is rigged to self destruct in the event that the weapon is deactivated. The Kryptonian soars in at super speed. She arrives just as the explosion commences. Hawkgirl is exposed to the blast for a fraction of a second, but Supergirl's costume shields her from serious harm. Kara is subjected to the Kryptonite released by the detonation, but her momentum carries she and Shayera far enough away from the danger.
Both heroines are tired and hurting, but they are pleased with what they have accomplished. Local communication lines throughout the Earth have been opened up and an immediate deadly threat has been averted. They could each use time to recover from their ordeal, but the circumstances don't permit it. No sooner do they reach the planet's upper atmosphere when they receive an urgent distress call from Wonder Girl. She and Starfire need help at the Fortress of Solitude.
Despite the grave situation they still face, Shayera Hol can't help but crack the briefest of smiles as they fly off towards the arctic. They have worked well together and gained a newfound respect for one another. "This kid would never cut it as a Thanagarian soldier." Hawkgirl tries to convince to herself as she glances at Kara. "But she sure makes one heckuva Supergirl!"
