Black Silk

Staring at the picture in front of her Nova was stunned about the details that where reflecting in the image. She couldn't help but smile, looking up at her mentor and thesis professor, "Is this for real?" she asked him. Hopeful that it was.

Enjoying his tea, he couldn't help but nod at his most talented student, "That it is, my sweet girl." Placing the cup down on the desk, "Now, the real question is are you up to coming with me?" Knowing her extremely shy nature, but given her past, it was understandable.

Her eyes stared at her teacher, "You want me to go to Kahndaq, with you?" Blinking rapidly, she could feel her heart beating faster.

Dr. Oliver looked over his student, he could see that the prospect of heading to the land of the champion was a lot, but she was the best student he had, and it would be a way for her to finish her thesis paper and obtain her doctorate.

"I would, but I would never force you." Looking over at her, he could see that she wasn't screaming no, perhaps if he appealed to her sense of curiosity and logic. "You are only a few months shy of your field credits, only 3 more months are needed, that's how long we would be stationed there."

Nova inhaled deeply, she didn't want to be so close to obtaining her goals only to be afraid of something that she truly had no control over, but it did pose a question, why now? "I have a few questions first." Needing as much information as possible.

"Go ahead my dear." Lifting his teacup to his lips, enjoying how it warmed his belly. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't." He teased.

Rolling her eyes, "You're so funny." Placing the picture down, not wanting to be tempted before she had the information. "First, who granted you permission to explore the palace?" Knowing that the region has been occupied by mercenaries for decades now.

Always so perceptive, "For years now I've been in contact with Adrianna Tomaz, a resident of Kahadaq, helping her translate things as best I could from afar." Pausing to drink more tea, "however, since the champion Black Adam has been awoken, the city is relatively safe, and she has invited us to explore the palace. She needs my expertise, and inherently the world needs her permission to explore the ancient runes."

Nova placed her elbows on the desk, she was the one helping Dr. Oliver translate the ancient texts for years. "So, we are being granted permission to explore under her supervision?" Trying to get a clearer picture of her intentions.

"Essentially, yes. We are allowed to take pictures, molds, but everything that the palace or the surrounding pyramids hold will belong to Kahndaq. But she is only wanting to be mentioned in our papers that are submitted to the world."

She could respect that, while she would be credited with the find, having a world class Archeologist with a stellar reputation sign off on the work, well that would skyrocket her career. "The professor wants credit and recognition but can't really obtain that because unfortunately her country was overrun for decades so the Archology community would more and likely try to discredit her?"

Frowning, "Yes. She is smart, and resourceful, but her lack of credibility based on her country's misfortune, is a tragic by product of such atrocities."

Well, even Nova could understand that, she was lucky, while her life wasn't perfect, she had opportunities that others could only dream about. "Makes sense. What about the champion? It's been 6 months since his appearance, and rumor is he's not exactly friendly, does he agree to this?" As much as she wanted to see the city, and be the first to explore things, she would never go into his city, without a guarantee that he was onboard.

"I've not personally spoke to the man, but Adrianna assured that as long as we do not desecrate his palace, or the tombs that we may find, he has no interest in us as people." While he believed his friend, he was still going to take caution, "Adrianna said that when we land, he agreed to meet with me to tell me what would be tolerated and what would not."

"Are you serious? You're going to meet with him?" Nova was stunned, blinking a few times, almost expecting him to be joking.

Smirking at her stunned face, "Why not? No one on our team would be an actual threat to him. He may not care for people, but as long as we stay relatively out of his way, then he has no interest in us. Plus, I mean, he's 5000 years old, perhaps he might tell tales of the ancient world." One could hope.

Staring at her teacher, "You're a tad touched in the head, I hope you know that." Rubbing her temples, "Who else is coming on this adventure?" Figuring if he had a decent enough team, she'd muster the courage to go.

Sliding their folders, "First we have my former student, Neil Wilcox, his focus tends to be on culture rituals, day to day life, things of that nature, and finally Sam Mill, he is the videographer, photographer." Knowing that them being gay and a couple would put her at ease.

Leaning back in the chair, she knew that this was an opportunity of a lifetime, being the first Archology team in the region, having complete access granted by the Champion himself, made it relatively safe. Taking a deep breath, she couldn't help but smile, "I'm in. When do we leave?" She asked.

Looking over at her, he could see her nerves, but behind all that, he could see her curious nature and desire to see ancient runes were outweighing the fear. "Pack your bags for the next three months, we'll be leaving at the end of the week."

Moving to stand, Nova let out a shaky breath, "OK, I'll make my arrangements, but I swear Edmund, as much as I adore you, if I die in that desert, I'm going to spend the rest of eternity haunting you!" Her voice teasing.

Walking her out of his office, and towards the parking lot, "You know, I'd be mighty disappointed if you didn't threaten me a little bit." Opening her car door, "I'll see you Friday, 6am. Noble Air Charter."

"See you then." With that Nova buckled her seatbelt and headed towards her parents' home. Her mind knowing that they would be proud of her for doing something like this, and her mom would probably throw her a party for finally tapping into her more adventurous nature. Her dad on the other hand would be more inclined to ask her about her dig, how long she was going to be gone, and when her Ph.D thesis paper will be done so that she can submit it to the Doctorate board.

Her mind wandered to how different her parents were at their core, her father was logically based, while he could display human emotions, he was more reserved with them, but as anthropologist facts were not open to interpretation. Her mother on the other hand, was what people would call a free spirit, fully in touch with her emotions, and never shy about letting the world see them.

It was something that she envied, her mother was the most fearless person that she ever met, hell, it was her courage that attracted her father to her. As the story goes, he was in South Africa at a dig site, unearthing prehistoric human remains, and she was there on vacation, wanting to experience an African safari.

Getting lost from her tour group, she wandered into his dig site, and according to her, it was love at first sight. If you asked her father, he was attracted to her curious nature, and it didn't hurt that she was willing to learn how to properly excavate a dig.

The drive home didn't take too long and soon she was looking up at her childhood home. Nova took a deep breath and rallied herself, it was time she explored the world more like her mother, and get her name out there in the scientific community like her father.

Stepping into the house, she could see that her mother was knitting another quilt, and her father was sitting in his chair near her as he read the latest Forensic Journal. There was something comforting about seeing them sit together, this was how she found them every night after dinner since she was a little girl.

"I'm home." She said as she entered the sitting room.

Looking up from his paper, Lenard could see his daughter was dying to tell them something. "I can see," giving her a smile, "What did Dr. Oliver want with you, sweetheart?" he asked, genuinely interested.

Sitting down on the loveseat with her mother, "He's invited me on a dig," letting out a breath, "He's gotten permission from The Champion of Kahndaq and Adrianna Tomaz to explore the palace and the ruins around the city."

Lesley put down her quilt, "Oh goodness, congratulations honey!" Reaching over she pulled her into a deep hug, "Please tell me you said yes!"

Rubbing her mom's shoulder, "I did. It's such an amazing opportunity," her eyes landing on her father, seeing his smile, "It will give me my remaining field hours so I can finally submit my thesis up for review." Knowing that was what he was going to ask next.

"That's good." He said to her. His eyes landing on his wife, she was giving him that look when he was missing something, realizing what, "I'm proud of you sweetie, when do you leave?"

Resisting the urge to snort at his attempt of supportive emotion. "I'll be leaving Friday morning." Kissing her mom, "I need to start packing my things," realizing that she had no idea what kind of clothes she should wear, "Dad, what would be the best type of clothes I should wear in a desert climate?" She asked him.

Smiling at her, "I would recommend a lot of cargo pants, you'll need the pockets for your tools, light colored t-shirts, sunglasses, a hat, and obviously sunscreen." Figuring that would be more than sufficient for her dig.

Lesley loved her husband, but sometimes she just wanted to knock some sense into him, "You're not going to spend every waking moment at the dig site, you and your colleges would probably explore the city as well, so bring a few sundresses for that." Chuckling at her face, "Young lady, you have a little of me in that body of yours, so perhaps you cut loose, even if it's just a little bit."

"I know mom, I promise I will." Standing up, "I may even have a good time." She teased. Turning on her heel, she ran up the stairs to her room, and began writing out everything she thought she would need to bring with her, figuring that if she had it written out, she could hand the list to her dad in the morning, and he could add or remove something that wouldn't be useful.

Re-reading the list for the third time, Nova knew it was time to head off to bed, she had a lot to do over the next few days, and not a lot of time to do it. Stripping down, she made her way to her bathroom, wanting to shower before fell into bed.

It didn't take long for the water to get hot, stepping inside, Nova tilted her head back letting the water wash over her body, not wanting to take too long, she quicky washed her hair, and scrubbed her body, but as she washed her stomach, she couldn't help but hiss at the sight of her scars. Taking a deep breath, she refused to let her brain go down that road, it was her past, and she wouldn't let her past dictate her future anymore than it already has.

Shutting off the water, Nova wrapped her towel around her hair and body, taking the time she needed, she quickly brushed her hair, teeth, and applied lotion to her legs, but as she rubbed the lotion in, she realized that before she left for Kahndaq she would need to visit the salon to get waxed. It wouldn't last the three months she was there, but it would give her time to get herself situated with the living arrangements before she'd have to worry about grooming in a tent.

As she laid down, Nova could feel herself actually getting excited for this adventure, she was going to be on the team that would start unlocking the histories of Kahndaq, and perhaps have a chance to get her name out there, as much as she loved her dad, she needed to get out from his academic shadow.

Adrianna looked out over the city, her eyes focusing on the palace, hoping to catch a glimpse of Teth Adam, but she knew that he was probably in his chambers. Letting out a sigh, while they have developed a sort of understanding, he still had no interest in spending any time with her or her son Amon.

Running a brush through her hair, her mind wandering to everything that she could do to gain his attention, if it wasn't for the fact that he was once married to a woman back in ancient Kahndaq she could have assumed that he was gay.

Hearing a knock on her bedroom door, she knew it was either her son or brother, "Come in."

Amon opened his mother's door, finding her sitting on her bed, he plopped down and laid next to her, "When do you think that Dr. Oliver and his team will be here?" he asked.

Gently petting his head, "They should be arriving at the end of the week," giving him a look, "When did you start caring about Archology?" She asked him. Chuckling at his offended face. "You just want a reason to go to the palace again."

Huffing, of course she would know, she always knew. "Yeah, I was hoping that after he stopped Sabbac, he would want to explore the city, but all he does is stay in the palace." Tossing his arm over his face, "How did you even convince him to let anyone explore the palace?" he asked her.

Laying down next to him, she couldn't help but chuckle, "When I saw him the other day, I explained to him the importance of preserving the history that was almost lost." Leaning on her elbow, "You could imagine his excitement," she teased, "He said before anyone started poking around his city, that the team was to present themselves to him."

"What if he kills them?" While he trusted Black Adam enough to only go after bad guys, he wasn't above doing what he felt was needed to protect Kahndaq.

Shrugging her shoulders, "I can't answer that, if he does, then he does. Dr. Oliver knows the risks, but he is a scientist first."

Amon looked over at his mom, "Why did you invite them? You know more about Kahndaq." He knew that she used to be a teacher at the university, but when Intergang came, she became enemy number one.

Closing her eyes, when he asked her things like this, it remaindered her of her dead husband. He was the reason she became so invested in finding the crown of Sabbac, telling her stories that finding it would lead to bringing the Champion of Kahndaq home.

Touching his cheek, "Simple, while I have a knowledge of Kahndaq, I'm not a doctor of Archology, and any discoveries I would make, would possibility be disputed. With Dr. Oliver, I'll be able to get my name out there, and anything I find or publish after, will be taken seriously." That was her long term goal, to become the leading expert on the ancient world of Kahndaq, but she couldn't get there without the name of someone who has the respect of the community.

Sitting up, Amon knew he needed to start heading off to bed, "You can trust him to actually give you credit?" After the last few years of their lives, he didn't want anything to start setting them back.

Giving him a small smile, "I would like to think so, I've never met him my son, but over the last few years, he's helped me make sense of all the hieroglyphs, never asking anything from me." It was the simplest answer she could give at this time.

While it wasn't the answer that he was exactly looking for, he knew that it was the only answer she could give. "For now, that's fine, but I'll be watching him." Finding himself yawning, "Goodnight mom."

"Goodnight my son. I love you." As he shut the door, "You still have to go to school!" She yelled out and was rewarded with a FINE.

Chuckling at his antics, Adrianna knew that he wanted to spend all his free time with Teth Adam, but as much as she trusted him not to hurt her or Amon, the man was truly unpredictable. Hell, he had the world scared that he would eventually get bored of Kahndaq and start trying to take over the world.

Tucking herself into bed, giving a final look towards the palace, frowning that she couldn't see even his outline. Covering herself with her blankets, Adrianna slowly drifted off to sleep her last thought was finally being able to explore the palace, it would give her more time with Teth Adam.

Standing in what was once the throne room, he leaned against the wall, watching out over the city. So much has changed in the last 5000 years. He slept for so long, it was a struggle to find balance with what he knew, with what he needed to learn.

While he could force the world around him to kneel before him, but that wouldn't make him any better than Ahk-ton. Thinking about the man that enslaved his home, and killed his only son, still sent a wave a rage through his veins. Looking down at his hands, he could see the lighting dancing over his fingers.

Launching himself into the sky, he moved as fast as he could to get out of the city, landing on the top of the mountain he let the energy flow through him, pointing his hands to the sky he let the lighting flow out of his body.

Dropping to his knees, he screamed out into the night, "It is you that should be here my son. You were the rightful Champion of Kahndaq."

As his head dropped forward, Teth Adam could only hope that he could live up to his son's memory, in the beginning when he was first gifted his powers, it was rage and revenge that drove him, even when he was woken from his prison by Adrianna, it was the rage that coursed through his veins. But now, the Intergang was gone, the self-appointed ruler of Kahndaq was gone, and even the Justice Society agreed to leave him be.

Not that he was inherently worried about them, during their fight, it was clear he was dominating them, and would have killed them, but the boy Amon finding himself in danger was the catalyst that was needed to stop the fighting, and work together, but he was glad that when it was all said and done, they left. Kahndaq was now his city, and regardless of what Amanda Waller threatened, he would rule his city as he saw fit, and if that required him to kill anyone that dared threaten his home, he would.

Shaking his head clear, Teth Adam looked towards the sky, seeing the stars shine over the desert, one thing was for sure, while he wouldn't stop the modernization of his new home, he wouldn't let them destroy the natural beauty that the land had.

Heading back to the palace his mind did wonder about the scientist, that was what Adrianna called them, scholars of history as she explained to him. The only reason he even agreed to letting people poke around his home, was that she said it would shed light on the history that was almost lost over the last few centuries of different tyrants coming in and controlling the land.

In truth he hoped that whatever the scientist learned would be distributed throughout Kahndaq, it was important that the people of this future understood where they came from. One thing was certain, if these scientists came here with ulterior motives or thought that they would steal the histories of Kahndaq, he would kill them, and if the man in the blue suit if he thought that he had any rights to stop him, he would more than gladly kill him.

Landing in the throne room, he walked towards his chambers, while he didn't need to sleep as often as he did as a regular man, from time to time, he enjoyed having his body in a more relaxed state.

Nova dropped her suitcase in the small room that was going to be hers during their stay. Looking around, it had a clean bathroom, and a decent sized bed, while it wasn't the Ritz Carlton, it was better than spending the next 3 months sleeping on a cot in the desert.

Letting herself plop on the bed, Nova reached into her pocket, she checked her phone, seeing that Massachusetts was about 7 hours behind them. While she wanted to call her mom to let her know that she arrived safely, she knew that they would both be asleep.

N: Landed safely, in the apartment now. I don't have to live in a tent for the next couple months!

Snapping a picture, N: I have a perfect view of the palace, sleep well, hopefully talk to you soon.

Pleased that her message sent, Nova tossed her phone onto the bed and started the process of putting her clothes away. It took about an hour or so, but finally everything was put away and organized. Moving towards what would be considered the living area, she found herself sitting on a very worn couch.

Tossing her arm over her face, she let the last few hours of travel melt away. As she started to fall asleep a light knock on the door stirred her awake. "Fuck, really?" she muttered under her breath.

Groaning, Nova slowly hoisted herself off the couch, and made her way to the door, peering through the peephole she could see Dr. Oliver on the other side. Swinging the door open, "What's up Edmund?" she asked, stepping aside for him to enter.

Smirking at the use of his first name, "Oh, no more Dr. Oliver, or professor?" he teased. Stepping inside, he looked around, while it was a smaller 1 bedroom apartment, he knew that she would be more comfortable here.

Shrugging her shoulders, "That's for when we are working, or you're teaching." She sassed back. Leaning against the kitchen counter, "What's going on?" she asked him.

"You know, you're lucky you're my favorite student." Taking a second, "I am about to head to the palace with Adrianna, and I was wondering if you wanted to come." Hoping that she would say yes.

Taking a moment to digest what he just said, Nova couldn't help but smile a bit, "You know, that will make the others super jealous."

"Probably so, but you're the only one I can trust not to fan girl over the new superhero." If anything, she would probably avoid him at all costs anyway.

Grabbing her bag, she put it over her shoulder, "You're probably right. I don't do superhero worship."

Edmund couldn't help but laugh, extending his elbow, "That's a good thing, brains is what should be admired."

Linking her arm into his, Nova just chuckled a bit. Letting him lead her towards the SUV, she took in the sounds of the city, surprisingly it was bustling like a major metropolis.

Sitting in the front seat, she watched as the city passed her by, some of them were gorgeous and new, others were worn down from shitty construction, but a few were several hundred years old, it was an interesting combination of architecture.

Edmund looked up at the palace, finding the sheer size of it exceedingly wonderful. Looking over at Nova, he could see her smile, "Are you ready, my dear?" he asked her.

Giving him a slight nod, she followed him up the steps and into the main hall, her eyes taking in everything they could, the fatigue she was feeling was now gone, and all she wanted to do was start taking pictures of everything, reading all the hieroglyphs. However, the clearing of a throat brought her back down to earth.

"Sorry." She muttered.

Shaking his head, "Don't be, I'm excited too." He said to her.

Following behind him, she could see that they entered what would be a throne room and standing high on the stairs was the biggest man she'd ever seen. Biting her lip, Nova did her best to keep her composure, not wanting to embarrass herself or her teacher.

Teth Adam looked down at the two people walking into his palace, the older man was obviously in charge, but it was the small woman that trailed behind him that caught his attention. Her hair was color of the desert sands, and from what he could see her eyes were the color of the darkest sapphires.

Adrianna couldn't help but smile, "Dr. Edmund Oliver, I presume?" She asked, extending her hand to the man.

Lightly taking her hand, "That would be correct, my dear. Ms. Adrianna Tomaz, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Turning his head slightly, "This lovely lady is my best student, Nova Harrison, she's been helping be with the translations for the last year or so."

Nova extended her hand to the woman, smiling when she took it, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, I look forward to working with you."

Taking in the woman in front of her, she was about 26 years old, and absolutely gorgeous, but from what Dr. Oliver said, she was more focused on her studies than anything else. "You as well."

Looking behind her, "Dr. Oliver, Nova, this is Teth-Adam, Champion of Kahndaq, ruler of our city."

Carefully flying down, his eyes never leaving the woman, landing in front of them, he could see the excitement in the old man's eyes, but what looked like fear in hers. "I am granting you permission to be here, and study, but you will not take anything from this palace or any tomb you find. Doing so will result in your deaths."

Edmund nodded, "We understand, if we do come across something that does need to be examined closer, do we come to you or to Adrianna?" Needing the clarification.

Taking a moment to think about it, "You would come to me." Letting his eyes roam over her, he could see that curvy, and her hips filled out her pants nicely.

Nova felt as though he was staring right through her, she hoped that the professor would get his answers, because she wanted to be as far away from this man as possible.

Giving him a small nod, "I will make sure to advise the rest of the team. Anything that is not certain needs to come through you before we touch." Extending his hand, hoping that the man would shake it.

Teth-Adam looked down at his hand, carefully taking it, "Don't make me regret allowing your studies." Dropping his hand, he let himself float back to the top of the stairs, his eyes still watching the girl.

Giving him a slight bow, he turned to Adrianna, "We will start in the morning, does 8 am work for you?" he asked her.

Leading the pair out of the throne room and towards their SUV, "That would be perfect, let's meet here at the steps." Looking over at the girl who looked a bit shaken, "If you follow the rules he set forth, you'll have nothing to worry about."

Nova just nodded, "I plan to."

After saying their goodbyes, Nova swore she could still feel him watching her, but perhaps that was just the paranoia and fear talking, what on this earth would have him interested in her.

Watching them drive off, Teth-Adam was tempted to follow, but immediately thought better of it, she was just another human, and he had no time for such distractions.