Chapter Four
Six Months Since Superman Removed Himself from the Public
The damage to the city was in the billions of dollars range, but that was just property. Property could be rebuilt. The greatest cost of the battle was in the innocent citizens of Metropolis. Tens of thousands of citizens were dead. Metropolis was a war zone, as was Boston, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing, Mecca, Beirut, Berlin, London, and Moscow. The Reach had tried to take earth as a prize in their lust to conquer, but the combined forces of Justice League, the armies of the earth, and A.R.G.U.S under the leadership of Amanda Waller had turned them back. But the price paid was steep, damned steep.
With her sword in her right hand Wonder Woman stood in the middle of a street where most of the concrete and blacktop had been turned to rubble from battle. She was suffering from several wounds on her arms and legs, but she paid no attention to them. Now she was in rescue mode. Buried under the rubble of buildings and wrecks of cars were helpless citizens needed her help. Exhausted and battered she was doing her best to save lives.
In BDUs with an experimental energy directed weapon rifle in her arms, Amanda Waller leaned up against a demolished taxi. She was exhausted. Most of her men either needed medical attention or body bags. Her communication link was buzzing, but she ignored it. All she wanted to do was enjoy a few moments of quiet triumph at having turned back the Reach and their scarab wearing enforcers.
"It didn't have to be this way," growled a battered Batman.
Even in his armor, he was limping and hurt from battle. A flow of blood ran from underneath his cowl and along his right cheek. He had flown his Batwing into a battle cruiser taking it down, but almost to survive the ejection from his plane.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"Imagine if we had Superman and Supergirl here to help us. The damage would still have been great, but not as great as this. We needed them and you helped to drive them away. I ask you, Amanda, at what cost did you succeed," Batman said to her.
He wanted to make sure she understood her mistake to try to kill Superman or drive him away. Earth needed Superman, but he wasn't here for the people of earth.
"We succeeded, didn't we?" she retorted.
"Look at the cost. Superman could have shortened the battle, lessened the loss of life. Look at your men. I bet they would have liked Superman's help," Batman stated.
He was hurt and he was angry. Walking forward he stumbled. His left leg was definitely broke. Before he could fall on his face, Nightwing caught him and helped him to his feet.
"Batman, you need a doctor," he said.
"So don't a great many others," replied Batman.
Just then the sound of the Justice League transporter could be heard delivering people. Materializing in the debris was Queen Hippolyta, Philippus, Epione, Mala, and fifteen others.
"Mother," cried Diana.
"Daughter," Hippolyta responded.
"What are you doing here?"
"We came to help the injured and rescue those who we can. The justice League has transported teams of Amazons to each city in need," said Hippolyta.
Nightwing came up to them dragging the battered Batman. He looked at the Amazons in the chiton robes, armor, and swords and spears. A dozen smartass remarks came to mind, but he didn't care about their rules or manners because he needed help for Bruce.
"I'll take your help for Batman. He's badly injured," said Dick.
"Epione, give him aid now," ordered Hippolyta.
Hippolyta saw the pain and exhaustion on her daughter's face, as Nightwing and Epione now tended to Batman. This was not the time for sympathy or words of encouragement, though. They were Amazons with duties to perform. She walked up beside Diana.
"Come, daughter, show me what must be done, so that we can get started," she said.
"You may get your chiton dirty, mother," smiled Diana.
"So be it."
"In that case, my sisters can start digging in the rubble looking for injured people," said Diana.
Ceremony of Innocence
Elron was a trade and commerce planet. From slaves to the latest fashions they could be purchased their for the right price, or a bartered price. Since the Kryptonian ship they used was hers and not his, he allowed her the choice of ports where to stop. Maybe it was the influence of her time on earth, but Kara chose Elron for an extended stay. She called it a shopping vacation. The idea of shopping seemed relaxing and comforting to her.
Of course, Clark had no interest in shopping. In his case it was a combination of his Kryptonian genes and Ma and Pa Kent's common sense that influenced him. Wearing his armor with his family crest prominent on his chest, he went into one of the few bars that looked clean. Bellying up to the bar, he waved the bartender over and ordered an Almerac Ale, since it was one of the few alcohols strong enough to have even a slight effect on his physiology. He was about to pay when a voice from behind him said, "I'll pay for the drink for the last scion of the House of El."
Clark turned around to see a good looking human looking male standing in front of him.
"May I ask who are you?" asked Clark.
The man he stared at was in red, green, and yellow armor with a green cape. His face was handsome, though, there were signs of hardship and his dark hair was cut short. He could see a cowl hanging from his belt.
"My name is Scott Free. Born on New Genesis, raised in the fire pits of Apokolips, and currently a man looking for a place to live where he can call it home and enjoy life with his wife," said Free, who then pointed to a table where a tall, buxom, Amazon-like, dark haired woman sat waiting for him.
"Your wife?"
"Yes," Scott smiled. "Join us."
"Well, if you don't mind."
"I'd be honored to have a drink or two with a Kryptonian."
Ceremony of Innocence
The infirmary of the Watchtower was manned by Mr. Terrific, Dr. Mid-nite, and six Amazons, who were led by Epione. Those who were seriously injured were in the beds, while the rest were getting patched up so that they could return to search and rescue duty. The medical beds were filled with Batman, the Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, Ice, Vixen, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, Firestorm, Katana, and Green Lantern Guy Gardner. They were suffering from everything from broken bones to internal injuries while a long line of lesser wounds were being treated mainly by the Amazons.
Diana had transported up in order to check on many of the heroes who had been injured. She passed a limping Huntress in the corridor and then was stopped by Mera and Aquaman. Arthur appeared to be in a sour mood.
"Diana, we must leave," Aquaman said. "I've finally heard back from Atlantis and the war above has caused damage below. Warships are leaking oil, submarines stranded with their weapons still in their tubes, countless damage is being done to the ocean's Eco-system and I need to stop it before it gets worse."
"We are being transported down to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Metropolis," said Mera.
"Do you need assistance, Arthur, Mera?" she asked.
"No. Aqualad is gathering together forces. We'll deal with it without outside interference," said Aquaman.
"Good luck, my friend," she said.
Mera and Aquaman headed off towards the transporter room. Finally, Diana reached the infirmary to see the Black Canary having her left arm placed in a cast. Diana stood behind one of her Amazon sisters as she administered to the battered Black Canary.
"Dinah, there you are," she said.
"I'll be back at my post in a moment, Diana," said Dinah.
"No, you are injured. I can get someone else to oversee the search, rescue, and recovery effort," Diana told her.
Diana saw that Dinah's face was bruised and she looked like she needed sleep. Her own wounds had finally healed in their own and she was starting to regain some of her energy.
"No, it's my responsibility. I am the chairperson of the Justice League," said Dinah, as she stood up. "I can handle this."
"How is Batman doing?" Diana asked.
Her Amazon sister answered instead of Dinah.
"Princess, Epione says that he has a broken left tibia, as well as a damaged hip. He also has a broke left wrist, two broken ribs, and some internal damage. She has asked to transport several of the Justice Leaguers to the healing isle in order to use the purple ray on them," the Amazon explained.
"Where is my mother?"
"The monitor room assessing what else we need to do," she said.
"Thank you," said Diana then she looked at Dinah. "Before you return to duty get some food and coffee. Your system needs the energy to burn off."
"Not a bad idea," agreed Dinah.
Diana left the infirmary and headed for the monitor room. Her mother's willingness to help so openly and freely seemed odd to her. She needed to talk her.
Taking the elevator, she strode off of it and towards the monitor room when the doors opened. Entering the monitor room, she saw J'onn, Steel, and Hippolyta reviewing the screens showing Amazons, heroes, and first responders all over the world trying to save lives.
"In the end hundreds of thousands will have died in this attack by The Reach. Such a waste and so sad," stated J'onn.
"It is a tragedy," mumbled John Henry Irons, who was still in his Steel armor, but had his headgear off.
"Less would have died if Kal was here," said Diana, as she came up behind them.
"I agree," said J'onn.
"Damn those who drove him from our planet," said John Henry. "We need him."
"This Superman is that great a hero, a great warrior?" asked Hippolyta.
"His power rivals your Olympian Gods," smiled John Henry, who counted himself a friend of Clark Kent and Superman.
"He was the best of us," said J'onn.
"He's not dead, J'onn," snapped Diana.
"I am sorry, Diana. I miss him," said J'onn.
Hippolyta looked at her daughter. She could see that she was angry just because of meaningless use of the past tense when it came to this Superman. They needed to speak.
"Please, J'onn, let me know if there is anything else we Amazons can do during this time of sorrow and pain. You have my permission to transport your serious fallen to our healing isle. I will talk to the senate when I returned to Themyscira. Epione will handle the details," said Hippolyta, who then turned and looked at Diana. "We need to speak."
"Follow me, mother," said Diana.
They exited the monitor room and walked to the nearest conference room. After they entered Diana shut the door.
"I am surprised at your offers of assistance mother," said Diana.
"As I told you, Diana, I want the world to know about the best of Amazon culture. We are showing with our actions the greatness of our culture," said Hippolyta.
"I thank you for that, mother. We needed the assistance," said Diana.
"You miss this Superman, don't you?"
"He was... my best friend."
"He was your lover, too. Hera stopped your relationship. It was the price that needed to paid to bring us back," said Hippolyta. "Do you regret that price?"
"I don't regret it, mother. I just find it painful decision even to this day," answered Diana.
"Be strong, daughter. Nothing is impossible. Even a Goddess can change her mind," said Hippolyta.
"Hera doesn't change her mind."
"Give me a lever and a place to stand and I can move the world," Hippolyta quoted Archimedes. "All you are missing is the right lever, Diana. Keep that in mind."
Ceremony of Innocence
"I was traded by my father, the Highfather, to Darkseid for his second born son, Orion, in order to keep the peace. After being born on New Genesis I spent many an informative year on Apokolips," said Scott.
"Are you bitter towards your father?" asked Superman.
"No, not bitter. He wanted peace at all cost. I just don't think of New Genesis as home or as the Highfather as my father. Barda, of course, no longer views Apokolips as her home. We are in search of a home," said Scott.
"You might find a home on earth," said Clark.
"Really? You've left it as a home," said Scott.
"I've left it for now, but it is my home. I still think of it as home," said Clark.
"Interesting," said Scott. "Then again I expect nothing less from a son of Krypton."
"Please, tell me what you know of Krypton," said Clark.
"As the foremost escape artist in this or any Galaxy. In order to be the best, I've studied some of the great societies and their technology looking for advantages. This led me to studying about Krypton," he said. "It was a magnificent society. On the whole it was a xenophobic culture. Kryptonians had no time for outsiders, except for the House of El. If the outside worlds needed to be dealt with then the House of El handled it for Krypton. There are many who speak well of your clan."
Clark lifted his Almerac Ale and drained it.
"Shall I get us another round of ales?" asked Barda.
"Why not?" said Clark.
Ceremony of Innocence
Bruce was amazed at how good his body felt. Yes, he needed to use a cane for another week, but his back and knees which had taken a beaten these last seven years of being Batman and were almost arthritic now felt brand new. The purple ray used magic in order to heal. I wish I could get my own purple ray for the Batcave, thought Bruce.
Using the cane, he walked into the dining room. Sitting down at the long antique table, he wondered if Tim was joining him tonight, or did he have obligations with the Titans. It was hard for him to keep track. Dick lived his own life and he saw him mainly on the Watchtower. He sat down at the head of the table and looked down at the fine china that Alfred had set.
The bell-like sound of someone pressing the front doorbell went off. Bruce started to get up, but decided not to as he was tired of hearing Alfred lecture him on taking care of himself. He heard a murmur of voices then the sound of high heels on marble floors heading towards the dining room. He was perplexed at who it might be. The dining room doors opened and in walked Selina Kyle.
She was dressed in a short black skirt, white silk shirt, and a black leather jacket. Her short black hair had a bob cut. She looked like an invitation to flirt. Bruce smiled.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"You are convalescing. I thought I could help," she smiled.
It was her best predator's smile.
"Sit down," he said.
She took off her leather jacket and tossed it on an empty chair.
"Alfred is getting a setting for me. I've been invited to dinner," she said.
She walked over to the long table, stared at it for a moment then laughed. Instead of sitting away from him, she sat in the chair closest to him.
"Bruce, do you feed twenty here every night?" she asked.
"No," he answered.
"In that case if we are going to have dinner together, we need to find a more intimate spot," she purred.
"So, do we intend on having dinner together more often, Selina?" he asked her.
"You tell me, Bruce, will I be having dinner with you more often?" she said then offered him a Cheshire grin.
"There are a lot of rooms in the mansion. Some are more intimate than others," he said gruffly.
Selina laughed. In her way she made an offer of a real relationship between them and in his way he accepted.
"We can check those rooms out after dinner," she purred.
Ceremony of Innocence
Scott had updated their stellar cartography database for them. He then offered advice on what planets to see and which ones to avoid. Kara was excited to visit certain planets, none of which interested Clark. His interest in any of the planets became less and less the longer they were away from earth. They were all the same to him, not earth. He was happy to hear, though, that Scott and Barda were going to visit earth, and even seek out the Justice League for assistance.
Clark let Kara set the course and fly the ship, while he sat in the lounge contemplating something that Scott had told him about.
"Stay away from this group of planets. Right now they are in the process of defending themselves against a creature called Doomsday," Scott told him.
"Doomsday?"
"You've never heard of him?" asked Scott.
"No, never," said Clark.
"Well, Doomsday is a creature that once attacked Krypton. As a matter of fact Krypton is one of the few planets to be able to repel him. They sent him out into space," said Scott. "Now Doomsday lands on a planet kills all sentient life on it and moves on to the next planet. He's a nightmare come to life. Even Darkseid fears having to deal this is mindless, soulless creature."
"They didn't imprison him in the Phantom Zone?" Clark asked in Surprise."
"No, they just sent him blindly out into space," said Scott.
He couldn't explain it, but Clark felt guilty when he heard this information. His people had a chance to stop a monster and they didn't. A sense of responsibility burned inside of him. Doomsday. Someday he'd have to deal with Doomsday where his people didn't.