Author's Note – I do not own any of the characters, Marvel and DC do.
I'll be updating on saturdays, so consider this a bonus chapter.
Again, this will be a slow chapter, heavy on the philosophy.
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Chapter Two
Discussions
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Superman stood on the stage, looking out at the crowd before him. Quickly checking that his holopad was set so that only he could read the words it was projecting, he smiled as Principal Kelly finished his introduction.
"Thank you, Principal Kelly. Good morning everyone and welcome to the first public debates about the nature and consequences of and for those with metapowers. I have already recorded the speech I am about to give, the discs will be on sale for production cost only or you can download it for free, although I do ask that you make a donation to the charity of your choice if you do so."
A sussuration of whispers went through the crowd and Clark waited for them to quieten down.
"Let us first look at the archetypes of superheroes. The two primary archetypes are the Protector and the Avenger. The Protector's role is to support the law, rescue those in trouble and ensure that criminals are captured and delivered to the law-enforcement services to be punished for their crimes. I have met one who is perhaps the quintessential Protector, Steve Rogers, or Captain America, a man who lives up to and then exceeds the legends surrounding him.
"The Avenger's role, however, is different. The Avenger acts where society and the law has failed. The path of the Avenger is a dark and twisted path and it is only too easy to fall into the role of vigilante, killing without any true reason.
"As you can tell, in our society, Protectors such as Captain America have an obvious place. The role of Avenger is far more problematic and if someone sets out to be an Avenger, then they are doing it for all the wrong reasons."
Clark paused and took a sip of water before continuing.
"Many people fear that those who have powers will abuse them. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely is the quote that they use. The quote is derived from a statement by the first Baron Acton, Sir John Dalberg-Acton. His words were 'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men'.
"As a Kryptonian, I am perhaps the closest to invincible as you will find on this planet. Since I am aware of that, I made certain that I could not use it to do something like take over the world by ensuring that knowledge of how to defeat me… how to kill me… was placed with those whose job it is to protect the world from those who would seek to rule it. I have limited myself willingly, so that all know that there is no need to fear me, that I am here to help and protect.
"There are many who have powers and abilities which separate them from normal humans. These powers may be because they are extra-terrestrial in origin, because they use technology, mysticism or extreme training. It may be because their very DNA grants them new abilities. What is important is not what powers they have but how they use those powers. If they seek to aid others, that makes them heroes. If they seek to use the powers to steal, to rob or to injure, that makes them villains. And if they just want to live a quiet life, then they should be allowed to. Several so-called villains I have met have taken that path because they were forced to, because they were shunned or hated simply for possessing powers. It is only too easy to drive someone into becoming a villain and it is a situation that happens too often. Before you choose to lash out at someone simply because they have the ability to make things change colour, ask yourself if your action is truly justified. Ask yourself how it would be if the situation was reversed."
Clark looked out over the silent crowd, noting that most of them seemed to be at least not discarding his words without thinking about them first.
"Metahumans are not arbiters of the law." Clark said after taking another sip of water. "We have the same rights and responsibilities as those without powers. We cannot legally act against those we think are going to break the law, nor should we be able to, for that is the path of the vigilante. Instead, we wait until the crime is being committed, then we perform a citizens arrest and hand the perpetrator over to the proper authorities.
"The real issue, however, is when the criminals are powered. If they can materialise weapons, how can they be prevented from doing so? If they can phase, how can they be held?
"Each situation must be taken on a case-by-case basis. Often, the reason why a supervillain acts as they do is at least as important as what they do…"
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"…and that concludes my speech." Superman finished. "Senator Kelly, I yield the floor."
Clark bowed slightly, then walked to where Mystique was waiting for him.
"You did brilliantly." She whispered. "You really cut his legs out from under him, he was scribbling notes and alterations to his speech every time you made a new point. I have to ask, though, why didn't you use my argument?"
"I'm saving it for if it's truly needed." Clark whispered back, noting with some amusement how Mystique's heartrate increased as the air from his whisper brushed past her ear. "I think we should listen to Robert Kelly for now."
"I suppose." Mystique sighed as she turned her attention away from her hunky fiancee.
"…and the American Public has a right to know who has powers!" Kelly finished triumphantly.
"I can roll my tongue, does that count as a power?" A voice called from the audience and Kelly frowned at the burst of laughter that followed.
"I can wriggle my ears! Where do I register?" Another person shouted and the laughter increased. Kelly slammed his notes onto the podium, then closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
"While Superman has made many good points," He started, his voice so controlled that only a few people realised how close to being enraged he was, "There are still many mutants who will use their powers selfishly, against the greater good of America…"
"Ouch." Clark winced. "Whenever I hear the phrase greater good, I know that the person saying it usually means for the good of what I think should be."
"Agreed." Xavier said from behind them, causing Mystique to jolt in surprise.
"…so that is why they should be registered!" Kelly finished triumphantly.
"Thank you, brother." Edward Kelly said as he walked onto the stage. "Now, if everyone will hold on for a moment, we will prepare for the next stage."
"I'm up!" Roberto said, activating his aura as he walked onto the stage. Strolling to the raised platform and the podium fixed onto it, he lifted the platform up and then rose into the air, carrying the platform to its storage area behind the now-bare stage. A moment later, he returned with a half dozen chairs attached to a metal bar. Landing, he quickly detached the chairs and placed them around the stage before flying off with the bar, waving as he did so.
"Useful." Edward noted as the audience applauded the show of power. "Robert, if you could sit over there. Clark?"
Superman rose from his seat and walked onto the stage, earning a round of applause. Moving to the seat that Edward pointed him to, he paused.
"We have several other guests joining us for this part." Edward said, then he grinned. "Although I'm certain you guessed as much from the extra chairs."
A round of laughter and scattered applause rose from the audience, then quietened down as Edward started to speak again.
"The other guests we have are… Professor Charles Xavier from the Xavier Institute for the Gifted."
Xavier touched the armrest of his hoverchair and floated onto the stage, smiling gently.
"Tony Stark of Stark Industries!"
A roar of repulsors marked Tony's entrance to a round of cheering.
"Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America!"
The applause and cheering of the crowd was almost deafening as Steve almost marched onto the stage, pausing only to shake hands with both Kelly's.
"And last, but not least, J. Jonah Jameson, Primary owner and editor-in chief of the Daily Bugle!"
JJJ strode onto the stage,his unlit cigar clenched between his teeth as he waved to the cheering crowd, then he nodded to Clark, glowered at Tony and sat next to Robert Kelly.
Edward moved over to stand by the sole unoccupied chair. "Now, I will ask for questions, The questions may be general, with everyone answering, or aimed at a specific person, but until everyone has had a solo question, they may not be asked another one. First question… you, miss."
"Amanda Sefton, student at Bayville." She said, one hand still resting on the shoulder of Kurt Wagner, who was smiling up at her. "Question for everyone, how did you feel about Clark's identity as Superman being revealed?"
"May I go first?" Clark laughed as Amanda sat down again, having delivered the question that they had agreed on beforehand. "How do I feel? Well, you must understand that for me, Superman was, or is a mask that I wear while trying to help others. The outfit is easily recognisable. But when my identity was disclosed, I was worried. Not for myself, although I enjoy being simply just Clark, but worried that those who hate me might choose to strike at my friends and family instead. That they may try to attack me and thus put others in danger. I worry that having everyone know that I, Clark Kent, am Superman, will bring danger to others."
Clark sat down as the audience erupted in murmurs and JJJ frowned thoughtfully.
"Professor?"
"I also was worried." Xavier said calmly. "I had been aware, since even before Clark joined us, how much good he does in the world. Several of my students have their own powers, such as Roberto who helped to rearrange the stage earlier, and Clark is a shining example of what people can become if they are willing to use their gifts to help others. Although his mother, his sister and his newly adopted son live at the Institute, I still worry that they may be targeted by those who hate Clark simply for what he is. An extraordinary young man who seeks to aid others."
"Tony?"
"Hey, I went public and it hasn't hurt me." Tony laughed, then he sobered. "Clark is far stronger than I am, far tougher than any suit I've built so far, so I didn't see the problem. Besides, if anyone tries to go for his family or friends, they'll have us Avengers coming down on them with the wrath of god. And given we have the son of Odin on our team, that's meant quite literally."
The audience laughed at that and Tony winked at them before sitting down again.
"I stand with Tony on this." Steve added. "Sure, he's arrogant, annoying, disregards orders…"
"And those are my good points!" Tony joked.
"…but since I owe my life to Clark, I'll do whatever it takes to protect his family. I am certain that he would do the same for me and the family I have discovered I have."
"Mr Jameson?"
JJJ looked up. "Hmph? Oh, right. He's one of the few heroes that actually deserves the name, but until now, I thought that someone who hid behind a mask couldn't be trusted. I had some bad experiences with masked men when I was younger… but if someone wears a mask to protect others… I'm still thinking about it."
"Thank you." Edward said, then he looked at his brother. "Senator?"
Robert Kelly looked away from JJJ with a slight frown.
"I still believe that all those who claim to be heroes should be registered."
"And their families?" JJJ growled.
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"Interesting." Doom mused, then he glanced over at where Magneto was sat in a chair that was only slightly less ornate than his own throne. "I believed until now that Xavier was a simple pacifist, but I see now that I judged him unfairly. He prefers peace, like Chamberlaine."
"That damned appeaser." Magneto snarled and Doom looked at him.
"Chamberlaine had no stomach for starting a war but he was willing to make a stand when needed, to take the fall so that his country could survive." Doom stated. "I studied him and his successor. Unlike what you may think, the history of the United Kingdom is a rich and varied one with many lessons to learn. They held onto the largest empire in history and dissolved it before it could collapse into warfare."
For a long moment, Magneto remained motionless, then he nodded reluctantly.
"Good. Now, how goes the creation of my son?"
"He is growing and the neural programming you supplied is being implanted even as we speak." Magneto said, then he frowned slightly. "I have to ask, why did you choose to not use loyalty programming?"
"Because programming can be modified and I will not have my heir so weakened."
"But he may decide to overthrow you?"
"If he tries and fails, I will know that he was not worthy to be my heir." Doom stated. "If he tries and succeeds, then I will hand over all of my power for he will have proven himself. However, I intend to train him myself, to teach and raise him that he will choose, choose of his own free will, Eric, to grant me his loyalty. And when I am too old to rule, I shall step down from my throne and my son shall rule as I have taught him. And my daughter?"
"Growing as well." Magneto confirmed. "Although I am curious about the source of the human DNA you used."
"My mother's remains." Doom said calmly, ignoring Magneto's jolt of shock. "I believe in keeping power in the family."
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"I still can't believe that you got ol' grumpy on our side." Peter laughed as they relaxed in their seats, the wreckage of a Martha Kent meal in front of them. "Before I joined you, he was convinced that I was a menace. Now… I never expected the Bugle to say anything good about me."
"Bigotry flourishes in the shadows and retreats from the light of understanding." Xavier said before taking a sip of tea. "Hopefully, this will counter the growing tide of mutant hatred."
"So, what next, do we open a business?" Roberto asked with a grin. "Mutant Moves, for when you need your things moved in a hurry?"
A round of chuckles greeted his quip.