There's been a development, folks: my former beta iDefyGravity is indisposed and can't continue editing this story. My undying gratitude to her.
The magnificent Hellacre has taken over instead (ovation!), so, if she is late delivering her own stories to us, now you know whom to blame. Thank you, H.
Thank you for all your reviews.They've been neglected but much appreciated.
Chapter 10 - Foreign Affairs
Day 5 (cont.)
Planet Almerac - City of Potentoris - Outside Ancestral Hall
"What do you mean you don't know? What about all those creatures ready to signal you if something fishy was happening?" asked Lantern.
"That's exactly what I mean! I've received no signal, no warning...nothing!" Zee was puzzled. "It's impossible! I'm still connected with all of them; they know nothing about this."
J'onn J'onnz was with the Queen, checking the state of the delegates. Apart from looking nervous and evidently shaken, no harm was done to them. Thanagarian ambassador Kur took a rather belligerent stand and it wasn't easy to calm him down.
Maxima took the green Leaguer aside and started to objurgate him.
"This is unacceptable! I thought you would have an eye on the security of the Negotiations! The delegates might have been killed! Even I had to take action, given your inoperativeness!
"I assure you we've been thorough with our security measures, Exalted One. Unless this is an internal job..."
"Absurd! All our staff's loyalty has been tested countless times, and they know that explosion wouldn't have been enough to kill me! Every member of the court and the Parliament is very much aware of the importance these peace talks mean to our world! No one would do anything to jeopardize them!" interrupted Maxima.
"Let's assume it's not an internal job. The Justice League had every possible menace on the surface of this planet covered..." The Martian Manhunter came to a realization."Queen Maxima, may I have your permission to go over the records of Almerac's planetary defenses? There's a chance this is an external attack."
"Impossible! Our planetary defenses are impervious to any kind of assault from the outside!" There was inescapable pride in her words.
"Still. We can't rule out any possibility if we want to get to the bottom of this. I can guarantee our discretion and we'll respect every area considered off limits," J'onn reassured her.
"Very well then. WE take you word for it," the Monarch reluctantly said. Raising a menacing finger before J'onn's face, she added "DO NOT disappoint us again."
"We won't, Exalted One. Thank you." And then the Martian hero asked, "What about the Opening Ceremony? Is it still on?"
"We don't see why not. Nobody was harmed and the danger was averted for the time being. There's no reason to change our plans. Besides, if we do not continue with the Negotiations, we would give whoever tried to sabotage them the victory. Not going to happen. Not on my watch." With these words the Queen moved to join the ambassadors.
When Zatanna saw the Martian approaching she appeared flustered. All she could articulate was, "J'onn, I...I can't explain. I thought I had it..."
Holding his hand up, J'onn tried to calm her agitation. "Stop, Zatanna. Apparently these are unforeseen circumstances. I suspect this attack came from outside Almerac and a new player is responsible for it." He told them about his conversation with the Queen. "After the ceremony we will go over the surveillance videos of the planetary defenses of the time when the missile was first sighted. Unless I'm pretty much mistaken, our answer will be there."
"Are they going on with this? After what happened?" an incredulous Lantern asked.
"Yes. And I agree with Maxima: to withdraw now would mean admitting defeat," stated the Manhunter. "These meetings are much more important than a terrorist attack. Let's go take our places"
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City of Potentoris - Inside Ancestral Hall
Hawkgirl was near, but not close of to the Thanagarian retinue. Her presence was still unwelcomed. They only allowed her there because of her status as a member of the Justice League and liaison appointed by Maxima herself. Their displeasure was evident. Katar took upon himself the task of protecting her from his companions' attacks. Fortunately, his reputation of being a person who 'used to take care of stray dogs' deflected any suspicions.
They've been secretly seeing each other in the past days. Stripped from his misguided patriotism, he turned out to be a delightful companion, not only a magnificent and passionate lover. During their 'pillow talks' he confessed not being a hundred per cent in accordance with his government's exterior politics and the constant state of war. He hasn't been on Thanagar for five years now. His sister's baby was now a little girl who always flies flew around getting into trouble. He'd lost that part of her life and he missed his parents and their family home.
He appeared to be a strong man, tough as nails, so this tender side of him was a pleasant surprise for Shayera. Yes, as afraid as she was, Hawkgirl was starting to fall for him. The actual real Katar; not the image from the past, which was becoming clearer over time.
Shayera didn't want to use official channels for personal benefit, but she requested the Watchtower to send her all the information available about King Khufu.
Apart from Khnum-Khufu, the Pharaoh, builder of the Great Pyramid, there was another monarch under the same name. Ancient even by Egyptian Empire standards, builder of several of the smaller pyramids. It was recently discovered an undated stele, made of a stone variety not indigenous to that part of Egypt, or Africa, for that matter, referring to the 'Winged Rulers', gods who descended to Earth in a golden chariot, during a storm of thunder and lightning. The ruling tyrant, scared before the presence of real gods, resigned his position in their favor, becoming their main advisor. Their reign had lasted about a decade bringing prosperity and progress to the region. Apparently, they were loved by their people. The stele reports they both died simultaneously, not explaining how or why. The former king was reinstated in their place.
The image of them showed two winged beings with hawk heads, even though they predated the god Horus' first mention for a few centuries. The archeologist who found it speculated the wings were very clever props, because the stele didn't mention if they could fly or not, and the hawk heads, a type of helmet.
The authenticity of the discovery was not yet confirmed, and so, the news of the findings was kept a secret only shared by the experts. Hawkgirl had a strong feeling the story told by the stele was historically accurate, though she could not imagine how or why the both of them had those memories. It was as if they were those two rulers from so long ago.
However, it was the man she had in front of her that made her emotional defenses crumble. This made her think about the end of the peace process, when each one will have to return to their worlds and obligations. What then? An ice claw oppressed her heart just by thinking of it.
Katar noticed the change in her expression and, cupping her cheek, asked, What is it, Magpie? A dark veil has suddenly covered your lovely face."
She put her hand over his, saying, "It's nothing. I want these moments to last forever, but I know we both should part ways rather soon. It saddens me deeply."
"Yes. I know exactly how you feel. I wish you could come to Thanagar with me. As you would want me to go to Earth with you, I know that too." Katar's expression also changed.
They knew their duty. They knew what was expected of them.
By the Gods! Only Shayera knew what it took to get the League to trust her again! And, sadly for her, not completely. She would always be on probation. In her home world she would always be a traitor. Best case scenario, they would grant her a quick execution.
As for Katar moving to Earth, it would be another disaster in the making. Earthlings would only see an invader, one of the aliens who almost destroyed the planet.
As she was had witnessed of the Opening Ceremony inside the Ancestral Hall, the ugly truth sank into her soul: they were destined to live apart.
Why was she so devastated by this realization? She only knew him for a few days; it wasn't even enough time for a serious romantic adventure, yet it seemed she had been with him her whole life. And there were those memories of another time when they were together as husband and wife. What kind of sick joke was fate playing on them?
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Slapping repeatedly with one hand on the thigh was the local equivalent to and applause. Maxima had just declared the Negotiations open after a long series of speeches and demonstrations.
After the ovation, the attendees began to file out and head where the reception party was going to take place.
"I think it's time for us to go check the planetary defenses records," suggested Lantern.
"Right. Let's go," replied J'onn
"Uuh, guys? I think I better stay. You can manage perfectly by yourselves, and I'm picking up strong hostile vibes from some of the guests. From both sides. If booze makes them gain courage, I wanna be here to prevent them to get violent," Zee said.
"Good thought. We'll be in permanent communication," said the Martian Manhunter as he and John left the building.
After seeing them leave, Zatanna went to where Shayera was standing alone.
"H-Girl, hi."
"Hey, Zee. Any news?" asked Shayera.
"Apart from the leaders almost being blown out of the sky? Nah, nothing much," replied Zee. "How's the party?"
"Wild, as you can see." Shayera sarcastically extended her arm showing the diplomats and dignitaries chatting quietly while elegantly sipping their glasses. "These are not exactly 'Party-Hardy' folks," she added.
"Let's keep it that way. We don't want a bar fight on our hands. Believe me." and, Looking to her right, she mused, "Now that's a trouble I want to get into! Tall, winged and handsome approaching at two o'clock!"
Hawkgirl's face turned pink at the sight of Katar in his dress uniform.
"Good evening, Ladies. Hawkgirl, a word, please. Alone." He purposely gave the phrase a dry intonation.
"I got this," Shayera said firmly to Zee.
"Sure you do." The sorceress took a thorough look at the Thanagarian commander. "I'll get me one of those... green and bubbly beverages. You guys want something?"
"We're good," Shayera answered.
"Of course you are. Excuse me." Zatanna left the two alone.
When they were certain no one could hear them, Shayera hissed at him "Are you crazy? Someone can see us!"
"I know. I've just had an epiphany!" He sounded very enthusiastic "There's a way for us to be together."
"Really? What about our issues with the people in our respective worlds?" Hawkgirl asked skeptically.
"Why should we stay in any of those worlds? They are not friendly to us, Magpie. We can make our lives anywhere we want. I've given the military eight years of my life. Not that I'm complaining, the work we made was for the good of Thanagar...hmm...mostly, but it's time to settle down, to have a real life. I want to do that with you. And I know the perfect planet for us to start from scratch." Katar looked straight into her eyes.
"Aaw, Peacock! You are so sweet!" She almost raised her hand to touch his face, but then she remembered where they were. "But we have responsibilities. I do care for the people on Earth and the Justice League has become my family. I can't leave just like that."
"Yet, the people you care about treat you like an outsider. Further more, one that almost let us destroy their world. They don't and probably never will trust you, Justice League or not. Even if you no longer wear you Thanagarian uniform," he stated.
Deep inside, that was Shayera's greatest fear. No matter how big her heroics were, how many people she saved, her one mistake will always hung over her head like Damocles' sword. Even some of the Leaguers looked at her with apprehension.
'Some family', she thought. She said, instead, "I tell you what. What I'm starting to feel for you is very strong, and, on the spur of the moment, I might say yes to your proposition, but we've known each other for only a few days! Let's enjoy what time we have left until the end of the peace talks. This is an idea I saw in a video recording, back on Earth. The story is called 'An Affair to Remember'. Two lovers need to part ways to solve their situations, so they made a pact to reunite again after certain amount of time in a very well known public place. If they still feel the same for one another, they'll remain together for life. If not...well, you know." She purposely left out the part where the woman never made it to the date. "I say let's give our love a chance to prove itself. If it's strong enough after enduring separation, it means we are meant to be, and we'll go wherever you decide."
"I hate the idea," Katar replied "But it sounds fair. Where and when?"
"Let me get back to you on that. Later tonight." Shayera put a suggestive tone to her words.
The corner of his mouth rose. "Very well. Slap my face."
"Wha...?"
"They are watching us. Hit me and leave in anger, as if I said something outrageous," he explained.
"Okay. Sooorry..." His head almost did a 360 turn. He went back to his delegation rubbing his cheek.
Zee met Shayera half way to the bar. "What in heavens was that?" asked the magician.
Hawkgirl snatched her glass and finished in one gulp. "Theatrics. I'll explain later. Sorry about your drink."
"Let's get another and you can tell me about it." Zatanna took Shayera's arm and they both were to the bar.