Ch16- Back to business…
Watchtower, 5 minutes later…
The atmosphere inside the Hall of Justice conference room was all business as some of the world's greatest heroes finalized their plans. Bruce had just advised them all of the recent occurrences across the globe.
"The attack on Star City makes the sixth city in the last hour." Dinah added.
"So, Metropolis, Gotham, Boston, Blue Valley, Themyscira, and now Star City." Michael read off the list of cities.
"It's obvious they're trying to split us all up by attacking our home cities. Add to that the influx of off-world activity in the last few days and I'd say that's their plan." Bruce deduced.
Diana tapped her foot impatiently as they reviewed the intel. Her heart spiked when Kara gave the news that her mother sent a distress call from the island to Watchtower. Thankfully, Donna was available to respond and was now in the process of helping secure the threat. She wanted nothing more than to race from the Fortress to Themyscira to aid her sisters and mother from whatever threat they encountered. Kal was the voice of reason, reminding her that Donna was a capable member of the League and they had to get all information before rushing into the thick of things. So, here she sat, no more informed about the threat on her home that she was five minutes before. Kal tried to still her leg movement with an assuring hand to her thigh. She impatiently brushed his hand away and immediately felt a twinge of guilt after seeing the flicker of hurt cross his features. She'd have to deal with that later.
"So, do we give them the fight they want or not?" Wally asked, all levity gone from his demeanor. "Nobody attacks my hometown and gets away with it."
"Obviously, they've discovered our surveillance and chose to strike when we're stretched thin. J'onn has monitored all off-world activity and it appears to be completely random, suggesting that portion of their plan to be a distraction from these attacks." Bruce continued.
"I've already got the Lantern Corps on that. They've called in some allies to track and monitor the off-world activity so that we can focus on Earth." John supplied.
"Diana, I'll take Boston and you can help Donna back on the island. And J'onn's already in Metroplis, Kal. " Kara offered. They both nodded their thanks.
Bruce nodded in response, "Very well, then, we all know what to do. Be safe everyone and as always,.. don't get dead out there." Ollie shook his head, Bruce really needed to work on that catch phrase.
With that, the room began to clear as all prepared to battle. Kal and a reluctant Diana remained behind to speak with Bruce before going their separate ways, both having noticed the obvious disappointment in his eyes when they arrived at the Watchtower.
"We don't have time for this." His back was still turned, surveying the real-time reports received from Nightwing in Gotham. He was being short with them, dismissive even.
"Bruce, again, we're sorry-"
"Twenty minutes, Clark." He cut him off.
Diana hung her head, allowing the gravity of their lapse in judgment to settle fully upon her. Kal felt the same but hated to see they look of defeat in her eyes.
"J'onn tried to reach you both for twenty minutes via the psy-link we share and you two blocked him out." He spoke, disappointment laced in every syllable.
"We are very aware of that, Bruce, and we assure you it was not intentional." Diana weakly defended.
"I'm sure it wasn't." The sarcasm dripped from his lips.
Kal'd had enough. "Listen, Bruce. We've apologized and I can assure you Diana and I are berating ourselves more than you possibly ever could. But I refuse to stand here while you take out your anger on Diana. We screwed up, okay?"
"I was a fool to think this wouldn't happen." Bruce shook his head. "I had my reservations, but nooooo, 'Clark and Diana would never shirk their duties for a little fun'. Guess I had that wrong."
"Bruce! We didn't shirk anything; the Justice League is full of capable members, willing to step up and assist." He had never needed use of his Kryptonian patience in a conversation with Bruce before this moment. Yes, he and Diana allowed themselves to become distracted, but thankfully others were available to hold off the threats until they arrived. But Bruce's ire was relentless.
"Bruce, I would like to at least know that you will be reasonable about this before I leave. That you will be willing to discuss this once I return from assessing the threat to my people." Diana interjected; she really did not have time to get into this right now.
"If you recall, I didn't ask for this conversation, Diana."
A sad sigh left her lips. "Very well, then. I must go."
Kal shook his head at his masked friend then stopped Diana with a hand to her elbow. "Diana." The look of utter shame, regret, and anger in her eyes caused his heart to skip a beat and silenced any words he would give her from his lips. Instead, he held her gaze, praying that he could relay how sorry he was for the circumstance but definitely not for what transpired between them at the Fortress. Her lack of response only served to further his worry and he released her elbow. She disappeared through the doorway without another word. He turned around, leveling Bruce with a glare before exiting as well.