Ch.3- Meeting of the Minds…so to speak…
Watchtower Satellite, 2 Days Later…
"…and that should be all we have to discuss for now. J'onn will be posting the rosters, rotations, and assignments later today. So, check back within the hour and we will begin Phase I tomorrow at 0800 hours. Is that understood?" Batman's deep voice bounced off the conference room walls.
The meeting was nearing an end and he wanted there to be no question that this new mission brought to them by Diana and Clark would begin in less than fourteen hours. In total, there were twenty five League members present in the room and dozens more present via commlink for the meeting, some off world.
John Stewart, aka the Green Lantern, was the first to reply, "We all understand, Batman. I think I can speak for myself and the rest of the Lantern Corps when I say that we will do all we can to avoid another invasion for this planet."
The sentiment was repeated in some capacity by nearly every member. As usual, Wally had his own way of agreeing.
"Bats, no need to worry, my man. We're gonna be all over this thing from the start."
Sensing the Batman preparing to respond with his usual ill temperament towards Wally for his perceived lackadaisical attitude towards all things, Kal interceded. "Alright, well it seems like we're all on the same page. So, that's it, folks. Team I will meet up at 0800 hours to initiate the first phase. Everybody get some rest. Meeting adjourned."
As members of the team filed out, Kal, Bruce, and Diana remained behind. Kal could tell that Bruce was scowling behind his mask. The guy really needed to lighten up.
"Could you have adjourned the meeting any more abruptly, Superman? I just wanted to make sure everyone understood the importance of this mission."
Kal looked at his close friend, the man who had become like a brother to him. Although, Bruce would never admit to it. "No. What you just wanted to do was scold Wally in front of the entire league, Bruce."
"He takes nothing seriously. That needs to come to a stop, immediately." Bruce groused.
Although she was not looking at him directly, Diana could sense by the extended inhale of oxygen Kal took that he was about to launch a lengthy defense of their friend The Flash. Placing her hand on his forearm to calm him, she decided to move their meeting along.
"Bruce, I know we all agreed that the Lantern Corps would initiate Phase I of our intel gathering as most of the off world travel by Earth's villains has been concentrated in their home galaxy, but I also believe we would do well to send out diplomats to the surrounding galaxies to see what other intel, or allies, we can gather. I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this."
"I agree with Diana. Things have been relatively quiet on Earth—too quiet. Which leads me to believe a much bigger plan is being set in motion," Kal added.
He had to admit he was surprised when Perry called him and Lois into the office and informed them that some "very big cow dung was going down right now". Once they got over their confusion as to what exactly the 'cow dung' was—in this case, Perry had received very solid information from a government informant that the Earth's villains have been combining forces and meeting off world more frequently.
While Clark was surprised, Lois was livid. She had her own moles within the government. Hell, even her dad was a five star Army General and no one felt the need to share this little tidbit of information with her! Perry went on to assign the story to the duo, with the assistance of Richard White and Lois' cousin, Chloe Sullivan. They were to work together on the various aspects of the story. Lois and Richard would try to use their government contacts to get a solid lead on the story and Chloe would do what she did best—sleuthing. Per request, Clark would do all of the boring fact-finding, which would in turn allow him more time to actively investigate the matter as Superman. Lois was so excited about the developing story that she totally abandoned any and all ideas of rewarding Clark for his earlier generosity. Instead, she called Richard down to the fifth floor and they started phoning in favorites immediately. Clark couldn't say he was too upset; it gave him an opportunity to get a head start on his own investigation. His thoughts were interrupted by Bruce's gruff baritone.
"I know what you mean. Gotham has been entirely too quiet. I've spent more time scanning for trouble in the city than getting out there fighting it."
"Well, that just leaves more time for you to chase the cat, right?" Kal joked.
"I have absolutely no idea of what you're talking about."
Diana felt the need to reign them back in.
"Alright, boys. Enough flirting, there's work to be done, and I've a trip to make before beginning my shift."
Kal knew her destination without having to ask, "Want a flying partner? I'll go no further than outer perimeter of the island, I promise."
"No, Kal, but I'll be sure to give my mother your regards," Diana said through a smile. He always asked to escort her to her home; she always chalked it up to the gentleman in him.
"Alright; then, fly safe," Kal said as he took both of her hands in his own, his eyes becoming serious; his voice dropping to a whisper.
Diana met his eyes, her own voice breathier, "I promise, as always."
As usual, Bruce said nothing and observed all. This had become a pattern following the reconciliation after the Maxwell Lord fiasco. They both realized how close they came to pushing Diana completely away while trying to come to terms with her actions. While he would always make sure to remind Diana to be safe, Clark always took it a step further. In fact, he could feel the first tingles of annoyance; it was always as if they forgot he was in the room when parting ways. He discreetly cleared his throat. When that garnered no response from the duo, he increased the volume.
"Yes, Diana, stay safe. There's much work to be done when you return."
"Thanks, Bruce. As always, you concern moves me," she joked, hesitantly withdrawing her hands from Kal's and exiting the room.
Kal watched her retreating frame, using his x-ray vision once the door slid shut, stopping only when he saw her step onto the teleporter and materialize away from the Watchtower Satellite.
Bruce raised a brow at this; he always did as it had become a more frequent occurrence for Kal to do so.
"I may be chasing a cat, Superman, but what exactly are you chasing?"
The next day, Themyscira…
Hippolyta did nothing to hide the smile from her face as she watched her beloved daughter enter her private chambers.
"I had thought for a moment that Lord Morpheus was playing another of his tricks on me when I'd heard you arrived home last night, daughter."
"It's good to see you, too, Mother. I had hoped to arrive much sooner, but didn't want to wake you once I arrived."
Hippolyta rose from her dais and met her daughter halfway, embracing her in a fierce hug.
"You always stay away far too long, Diana."
Diana allowed herself to enjoy the hug for a moment longer before replying. "Forgive me, Mother. I guess I sometimes get too entrenched in Patriarch's World. Which is why it is all the more refreshing when I do return to the island."
"Good answer, darling. And I know your sisters will be thrilled to see you, as well."
"I fear I cannot stay long, Mother. I only wanted to give you an update on the Embassy's progress and let you know I may be out of touch a bit longer. We have a new mission. We fear there may be plans of another invasion." Diana hesitantly informed her mother, remembering the look of horror on her mother's face when Kal had to fly her home to receive treatment on The Healing Isle.
Hippolyta's face gave no indication of her emotions. Her immaculate face could transition from intense beauty to fierce recrimination in mere seconds. It was a trait Diana had always admired. The Queen of the Amazons strode to the balcony, closing her eyes and enjoying the sun's rays.
"Diana, when you left for Patriarch's World to be the Champion we all know you to be, I never imagined I would still fret over your safety. I sometimes wonder if the next time the Sentinels part, that it would be your dear friend, Kal, bringing me news of your demise." The Queen's voice faltered slightly.
Diana wanted to go to her mother, to embrace her; she didn't as she knew her mother did not need coddling. Instead, Diana regarded her mother, allowing her time to speak her worries.
"Does it make me a bad mother that I do not fear the same for your sister, Donna? I suppose not, for Donna has always been more cautious than you. I think Phillipus' teachings on strategy stuck more with her than you, dear daughter. I had hoped my infamous temper would skip a generation."
"Yes and General Phillipus always said I have my mother's head—and heart—for battle. If I recall correctly, it was that same spirit that helped my mother become the best warrior in Amazonian history," Diana retorted. "And that 'temper' has seen me through many battles, Mother."
Hippolyta faced her daughter, a wistful smile finding its way on her face, "You flatter me; exalting my warrior's prowess…I've taught you well, Madame Ambassador. I know you will be safe, as you would not dare put Kal-El in that position."
Diana said nothing. Nothing need be said.
"Then Gods be with you, daughter mine. And do tell you sister that she is due for a visit, if she can pry herself from Flash, that is," she said with a raised brow.
Diana allowed a smile to blossom before enveloping her mother in a warm hug, "I'll be sure to pass along the message, Mother."
Diana opted to fly out from Themyscira as opposed to using the teleportation chamber installed in the palace. She wanted to see as many of her sisters before leaving the island again, stopping to observe them spar. Her expression grew nostalgic as she watched the macabre dance of swords and flying fists. This was home.
"One would think you ached to be in there, sparring, Princess."
Diana immediately recognized the voice. It was firm, brash, and feminine. She turned to greet her visitor, a genuine smile on her face.
"Artemis. It's good to see you, friend."
The striking, titian-haired woman embraced her Princess in a fierce embrace, remembering a time when they were not as cordial with one another.
"You are a fool, Princess." She spat out the title with as much venom as she could muster.
Diana, to her credit, did not let the challenge spike her ire, although Artemis would swear the Princess' eyes flashed metallic blue for a moment. She continued her assault on the Princess' honor, hoping to goad her into a battle and defeat her before all of her sisters. They stood before the Amazon Senate, where Diana was pleading for permission to allow the male members of the JLA onto the island to defend against the imminent White Martian invasion. It had even reached the shores of Themyscira.
"Artemis, this is foolhardy—questioning the Princess," General Phillipus warned.
Hippolyta's hand stilled any further argument from her dear friend. She knew that it would not do Diana any favors to defend her before the Senate. The Queen, herself, could not come to her daughter's defense for fear that it would make the Princess appear weaker in the eyes of the Senate. Phillipus gave an imperceptible nod and resumed her seat.
Artemis forged ahead, addressing her sisters on the Senate, "Sisters, if we concede to the demands of our alleged Champion—who has admittedly been too far gone in Patriarch's World to remain objective—then what's next? Opening our shores for more men to come in and subjugate us once again?"
"Artemis, you well know that is not my intent. This invasion threatens to spill onto Themysciran soil and my colleagues only want to help." She then turned to her sisters. "My sisters, I have given you all the report of the on-going invasion. These Martians leave nothing but destruction in their wake, and I refuse to stand idly by and see this island given to us by the Gods destroyed."
"We are true Amazons, princess. You have obviously grown weak while away from your teachings."
There was a collective gasp throughout the chamber, having heard the Bana Amazon challenge the Champion's loyalty to her people. It was truly the worst insult known to their tribe.
Hippolyta shook her head at the folly of the young Bana. This will not end well, she thought.
Diana's voice had become eerily calm, "Mind your tongue, sister. Lest I relieve you of it."
"I do not believe you possess the—"Artemis next words were cut off as Diana closed the distance between them before she could even draw a breath. Her vision blurred as she felt the stone wall crumble underneath her head, as result of the increasing pressure Diana was inflicting upon her. As she clawed at the hands of her attacker, Artemis felt real fear as she saw the look of malice in the eyes of her Princess.
Closing the gap evening further, Diana bent so that she was but a hair's breadth from Artemis, her voice as cold as the bottom of Poseidon's domain, "Never question my loyalty. Never." She made a sound of disgust as she finally released her grip on Artemis' throat after the woman lost consciousness, and required a moment to calm her temper. Diana had surprised herself with the reaction to Artemis' affront. Did the challenge cut too deep? Was Artemis right? Shaking herself from such foolish thoughts, Diana dropped to one near before the Queen, bowing her head in true remorse.
"I apologize for the damage to the palace walls, my Queen."
"Do you not apologize for the attack on your sister Amazon?" Hippolyta queried, already knowing the answer.
Diana remained on one knee, raising defiant azure eyes to meet those of her Queen, her Mother, "Never will I apologize for defending my standing as an Amazon, to do otherwise would bring shame to all my sisters."
Hippolyta's heart swelled with pride. "Rise, daughter. Certainly, your sisters cannot very well deny your petition after having witnessed your passion for their own wellbeing."
While she would not speak on her daughter's behalf, she did have her methods of getting her point across. The Senate needed only to debate for a moment before acquiescing to the Princess' request. Diana thanked Athena that they saw reason. She then went immediately to Artemis, hating that the Amazon forced her hand. Placing a gentle hand to the fallen woman's brow, Artemis gasped as she regained consciousness; shame and fear evident on her face. To be bested by one's sister was one thing, but to lose face in front of the Amazonian Senate after challenging a fellow sister's Amazonian standing was grounds for banishment, should the victor choose. As she stared into the ice blue eyes of the Champion of Olympus, Artemis knew her fate was in the woman's hands. Seconds seemed to last for eons as Diana's face gave no indication of her intentions. Artemis felt her entire existence begin to disappear as she envisioned herself being thrust back into Patriarch's World without her sisters there with her, banishment for such an affront was the only choice. It was the choice she would make.
"Rise, sister." Artemis looked up to see the outstretched hand of Diana, offering her absolution in that one act.
They never spoke of that moment again, and Diana never held the offensive incident against Artemis. Instead, she made sure to seek out the Bana Amazon each time she ventured to the island, eventually replacing animosity with true kinship. In fact, Diana had invited Artemis to Patriarch's World on several occasions to assist in some of the League's more difficult missions.
"Must you wax nostalgic every time we meet, sister?" Diana asked with a hint of humor.
"Not every time, Princess. Not every time. What brings you home? Is there trouble?" Artemis was always direct, and ready to battle. It was her most endearing quality.
"I'm not sure at the moment, but know that I will not hesitate to call upon you should we require your help, sister."
"And know that I will not hesitate to respond, Princess."