"Questioning"

By: The Angelic Temptress

Disclaimer: DC Comics, Bruce Timm, Warner Bros. and others own all the characters, save one. No infringement is intended. The story idea is mine, and the characters are only being borrowed for practice. I'm not making any money.

Rating: PG-13 for language

Spoilers: "Starcrosssed" and parts of "The Return"

XX

Chapter 4: Royal Luncheon

"Can I help you, ma'am?" the hostess asked when Alexia Zorica stepped into the small café. "Table for one?"

"No. I'm supposed to be meeting with someone."

"What is the name?"

Alexia didn't exactly know how to answer. "Actually, her name is…"

"Over here, Agent Zorica," a woman possessing long, raven hair called. Wearing a blue blouse that brought out her eyes, the Amazon smiled and motioned for the detective to join her. Wonder Woman took another sip of her latte before asking Alexia if she wanted anything. After ordering water, they exchanged greetings and moved on to business.

"So, you are searching for Hawkgirl?"

"I am," she answered as the waiter set her glass on the table. "And I have strict orders to question the six remaining members of your team."

"That is understandable."

The agent's eyes widened a bit, revealing her surprise. "You do not disagree with my mission?"

"Why would I? But, allow me to warn you. The others may present a bit of trouble."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, they may still be loyal to the Thanagarian."

"Even if she had betrayed the planet? The team?"

"Yes."

"Hmm…" The agent sipped her water and added, "I figured she could not return to her native world due to her treachery. The woman probably would have been stripped of her rank."

Wonder Woman nodded.

"If you don't mind answering, which of your colleges do you think would aid her?"

The beauty thought for a brief moment before responding. "Any one of them… us. I couldn't allow her to be tried for what she did; she has already suffered a great deal." When the FBI Agent narrowed her dark eyes, the Amazon elaborated. "The Manhunter made a decent point when we were discussing her status in the League. She had been alone for five years and has lost the trust of both her planet and her adopted home. The Thanagarian has nothing now."

"Did you vote to remove her from the League?"

Wonder Woman straightened her blouse and stated, "She resigned."

"But you made a decision before that, I'm sure. What had been the verdict? Was she in or not?"

"I am not at liberty to say."

Alexia couldn't help grinding her teeth. "Why would it matter if you told me?"

"Because it is wrong. She should learn the outcome before anyone else. That is just proper policy." The woman's piercing blue eyes suddenly moved to Alexia's throat. "That is an interesting piece of jewelry, Agent Zorica."

"Oh." She bit her lower lip.

The gold necklace around her neck didn't have much of a design to it. Symbols and radiant gems had been carved and inserted into the metal. All the detective could think of was avoiding taking it off.

If she did, everything would be lost.

"My father bought it in Europe… while he was visiting family."

"Really? What part?"

"I'm not quite sure. He had spent time in several countries." The caramel haired woman wrapped her hand around the charm as she continued. "Perhaps Greece."

The powerful superhero shook her pretty head. "No. It is of some other design."

Alexia forced a smile. "You would know, I suppose."

The Amazon's jaw slightly dropped. "I'm sorry if I had brought up a painful memory… The design is just so interesting."

"Please, don't fret. It's nothing; your comment was just a bit…unexpected." Alexia stood. "I must leave you now, Wonder Woman, for I have another engagement."

The superhero courteously stood as well. "But you hadn't eaten lunch yet."

"That's fine."

"Please, let me get you a cup of soup to go, so you can eat on the train. Do you prefer cream of broccoli or Italian Wedding soup?" The Amazon pulled a credit card from her purse, and Alexia noted the name on the card: Bruce Wayne.

"No, thank you. I'll be all right." The FBI agent extended her hand and shook the brunette's.

"I wish you luck."

With that, the two women separated.