The news of Superman's death is made public. There is a worldwide memorial held for the fallen hero, and December 12th, the date of the impact, is declared an international holiday. The official story released to the public is a shard of the truth: Superman was investigating something off-planet, and experts are still working on determining the exact cause of death.
In reality, Superman's body was never seen by anyone not involved on the initial expedition, save for the military-garbed men who met them at the frozen shoreline and demanded the body be turned over. Every member of the team was made to sign a non-disclosure agreement by the armed men, with plenty of legalese to confuse them and just enough overt threats to convince them.
Bruce had played along, recognizing the suits as defunct Wayne Security uniforms, never put into production due to concerns about optics. He had to admit, the uniforms were intimidating, and it was probably for the best that his security guards didn't look frightening as a default. He knew that the body would end up in his hands once again. Better his than those of a world power, or another, more enterprising, less scrupulous company.
The extraterrestrial rumors spring back up, spurred on by Superman's demise in space. Additionally, some internet forum members realize that, with Superman's assumed age, there were increased meteor showers during the period of time he would have been born. These users claim that he may have arrived on Earth during this time, and ingratiated himself into the population.
These ideas are mocked mercilessly, both by the mainstream media and by self-proclaimed "Super-fans." Various comics and artistic renditions begin to circulate of Superman with alien antennae, Superman piloting a flying saucer, Superman as a "Pod Person," and others. One particularly successful meme depicts the Man of Steel straddling a comet streaking toward the Earth, reminiscent of the climactic scene in the film "Doctor Strangelove."
A small, private funeral is held on the Kent farm. Martha is surprised when, shortly after the last of the guests had left, a luxury car arrives at the farmhouse. Her surprise turns to confusion when none other than Bruce Wayne exits the car, followed by a beautiful woman and a dark-haired young man, all dressed in black attire.
The woman introduces herself as Diana Prince, a recent friend of Clark's from Metropolis. She further explains that she and Mr. Wayne participate in a youth outreach program, where she had met Clark while he was running a small story for the Daily Planet. Bruce had heard of the young reporter's death and wanted to help in any way he could. Bruce introduces himself, and after offering his condolences, assures Ms. Kent that he will be taking care of any financial issues she may have.
The three pay their respects to her son before leaving her with a contact card, should she need any assistance. Finding the whole story odd, Martha thanks them for coming all the same, before seeing them out to their car. She waves goodbye as the elderly chauffeur re-enters the driver's seat and pulls away, down the long dirt drive of the Kent family home.
Over the following months, while Barry and Diana focus on treating the youth's PTSD, Bruce sets his sights on reports of possible super-powered people around the world. He eventually manages to track down and contact three promising individuals. Successfully convincing them to work together, they are quickly accepted by the public as the new wave of superheroes. Their alliances soon become well-known, and the media is quick to brand the group the "Justice League."
Alongside Batman and Wonder Woman, the new additions were dubbed the Aquaman, the Cyborg, and the Green Arrow by the public. Diana remarks to Bruce that these names don't seem very creative. Bruce, who had secretly seeded the term Batman early in his career, remains silent on the matter.
Time moves on, and the world adjusts to the post-Superman era. Despite the early fervor around the supergroup, the Justice League remains little more than an exclusive hero club. Batman insists on ongoing training for any members of the League, and their abilities continue to be honed and improved.
Diana convinces the Amazonians to allow Barry to stay with them indefinitely, and he soon settles into his new life. Aside from the inherent lack of electronic devices on Themyscira, Barry finds his time on the island relaxing. Even without any progress in understanding his abilities, he has found peace. His friendship with Diana deepens, as does his relationship with Bruce Wayne, who visits the island somewhat frequently, along with infrequent appearances by other members of the Justice League.
His newfound comfort in the simple island life does not stop him from jumping at the opportunity when Bruce extends an invitation for the two of them to join him for the holidays in the Gotham Hills. Barry only asks that Bruce try to procure whatever the newest gaming console is, explaining he has had zero "gaming time" in over a year. The arrangements made, Barry and Diana set off in a fairly luxurious ship, graciously provided by Wayne Industries.
They are greeted at the manor by Alfred, who invites them in to a surprisingly cheerily decorated entry hall. Much to his surprise, Barry finds he is enjoying himself. The young man revels in the friendship and camaraderie, feeling that things might turn out for the best after all, in spite of all the tragedies of the past year. As the group gathers around a fireplace to exchange gifts and watch the holiday specials on television, their celebration is interrupted by a blaring news broadcast which cuts through the festivities on display.