"Sweetheart, I am sorry. This was not the way to do this."
Diana sat back in her chair, "Shayera, I voted my conscience, and you have voted yours. I won't pretend to like it though."
Shayera leaned in and whispered into Diana's ear. "I love you. And you promised to abide by the League's decision."
"It is not necessary to remind me."
"Please trust me on this. The conversation about our involvement is not over."
"The League just voted no. I think that ended the debate."
"No it didn't. I said I would stand by you, and that is what I intend to do now."
Diana just stared at Shayera. "What are you talking about?"
Shayera stood and addressed the table. "While we have voted that the League not get involved, there is still one more thing to address."
"What is left?" Superman asked.
"When I first entered this room, I had a discussion with Lois. She left immediately afterwards."
"So what?" John railed.
"So…" Shayera tapped her com link, "Shayera to the control room."
"Kara here Shayera, go ahead."
"Has Lois reached her destination?"
"She has."
"Is she ready to be patched through?"
"Yes. One moment and I will send the feed to the conference room."
Shayera sat down and all eyes were on the large monitor hanging behind Superman.
Within moments the screen lit up and Lois was seen sitting with another woman.
"Mother," Diana whispered, shocked.
"Ladies, and gentlemen," Lois started, "I have been given an exclusive interview with Queen Hippolyta of Themiscyra. She wishes to address your group before she addresses the world."
"What the hell is this about?" John yelled.
Diana opened her mouth to reply, but was beaten to the punch. "Watch your language and tone in front of my mother-in-law John." Shayera snapped.
"Thank you for granting me this time, your Majesty." Lois began.
"I am pleased to have you here. Diana speaks very highly of you. It is my wish to make an announcement, and I am grateful to be given the opportunity to address the League. It has been my goal to build relationships outside of Themiscyra with our neighbors in Europe. We joined the European Union to do just that. And while I am still hesitant to become overly involved in the politics in other countries, the matter in Kasnia warrants my immediate attention."
"In what way?" Lois asked.
"The Queen of Kasnia has been a strong friend to the Amazons. We have been collaborating on several projects, and the women here have benefitted greatly from the alliance."
"What projects?"
"That is not a subject I am willing to discuss at this time. However, Kasnia has issued a personal call for aide. And after careful consideration, Themiscyra will answer. As we speak, the Amazons are preparing to join Queen Audrey's cause. I am going to send a force to Kasnia to assist in defending the country from the NKFR. I do not believe in terrorism as a proper method of warfare. The group there has shown no regard for the citizens, and has demonstrated that they are nothing more than armed murderers."
"How soon will the Amazons be going?"
"Soon. We need a little time to gather our numbers and armor."
"How long will the Amazons stay in Kasnia?"
"As long as it takes to stamp out the NKFR."
Lois nodded, "Queen Hippolyta, will you be going as well?"
"No. I will not be leading the group. My daughters will be."
"Daughters?"
"Yes, daughters. Diana, my heir, and her wife, Shayera Hol, both Princesses of the Amazon nation. And both very capable leaders."
"While the League is aware of the recent marriage, the world has not been informed. Will you be doing so?"
"Yes." Hippolyta shifted and the piece of paper that Shayera had given Lois was seen in her hand. "With the decision to send the Amazons, I knew that Diana would answer the call of her island home. Shayera recently informed me that if I made the decision to involve Themiscyra that she would be honored to go with Diana to represent her new family and people. She is not just an Amazon by marriage. She was granted Amazonian status by our patron goddess. Given her history as an intelligence office of Thanagar, and her strong presence in the League, I am proud to call her my daughter. As I am sending her as a part of our faction, I want the world to know in what capacity she represents us. "
Diana turned to Shayera, "You contacted my mother?"
"I did. I told you that you weren't going to stand alone. We have a date with an army of Amazons in Kasnia."
Diana blinked a few times. "I could kiss you."
Shayera winked, "Later, not in front of your mother."
"This is bullshit!" John screamed. "We voted no on League involvement."
Queen Hippolyta stiffened, and her tone became strict. "The League may have voted no. But the League does not dictate what Themiscyra, or her citizens do. As Queen of the Amazons of Themiscyra, a nation belonging to the European Union, I am formally requesting that the League release Diana and Shayera from their duties for a time to see to our needs. Make no mistake though, Green Lantern, that there will be no vote in that regard."
"Oh snap." Flash chuckled.
Lois smirked, "Is there anything else you wish to add?"
"I expect my daughters to come to Themiscyra immediately. Diana, we are gathering a council tonight at that the palace. You and Shayera are required to be in attendance."
Turning her attention back to the screen, Diana answered, "Shayera and I will be there as you command."
"I will see you then." The screen went blank just as Hippolyta uttered, "How Diana has not crushed that little man I still do not understand."
Superman turned to the table again. "Well, I guess that is settled. Diana, Shayera, take your leave."
"No way!" John sputtered. "They are still members of the League."
Batman scowled, "The League does not interfere in a country's politics. We can't here either. To do so would be hypocritical."
J'onn nodded. "Batman is right. We let Captain Atom serve in the United States' military, and he leaves when called. The League raises no objections when he goes, and we cannot treat Diana and Shayera any differently."
"Out of curiosity and it will stay in this room, what projects are the Amazons working on with Kasnia?" Superman asked.
Batman answered, "Reproduction technology."
"How the hell do you know that?" Flash asked.
"I make it a point to know."
"Re-reproduction?" John stuttered.
Shayera smiled. "That's right John. Reproduction. The Amazons want babies. Kasnia has been helping them achieve their goals without the obvious presence of men. This has ensured that the Amazon nation continues to flourish. This way if two Amazons want to have children," Shayera looked at Diana and grinned, "then they can have them. Lots of them. A big army of them. A bunch of dark haired…"
Diana giggled, "Winged,"
"…beautiful…"
"…stubborn…"
"…amazing…"
"…fierce…"
"…children."
Flash blushed. "I think that is great. I have a question though. Can I volunteer for the project? I would happily help an Amazon reproduce."
Batman rolled his eyes. "God, Flash."
"What? It's a sincere offer."
Diana smiled. "Thanks Wally. I, will, uh, ask."
John sat back stunned. "You are really going to go?" The question was aimed at Shayera.
"I am John. I am an Amazon, and Diana and I are a package deal. I wasn't kidding when I said I would follow her anywhere."
"But Audrey…" John started.
"Is going to get help from the Amazons. It has been decided."
"How can you be okay with this?"
Shayera sighed, "Because I trust Diana." The redhead turned to face her love. "I do. You were honest about your feelings, and although I may not like your reasons, I won't turn my back on you, your mother, or the women of Themiscyra."
Diana cupped Shayera's face. "My mother isn't on the screen anymore."
"Then you should kiss me."
Flash squealed, "Yes you should!"
Diana and Shayera laughed out loud. Diana dropped her hands. "Later then?"
"Awww…" Flash pouted.
John stood up and walked out. "I am done here. This is disgusting. You can both rot."
"Well, he is full of mature sentiments today." J'onn stood. "Diana, Shayera, good luck."
Batman nodded curtly and followed.
Superman looked at the two women. "Be careful. This isn't a game. Keep each other safe. I will contact Kasnia, and speak to Audrey about sending Dinah and Helena. IF there is a meta-human involved, we will join you immediately. And, Shayera…"
"Yes Superman?"
"Using Lois was a nice touch."
Shayera smiled. "I figured she would love to have the scoop."
"I am sure to be hearing all about her award winning journalism over dinner tonight." Superman chuckled and left.
Wally stood, and shuffled his feet. "Diana, I…I wish I was going with you. I hope you know that."
"I know. I appreciate it. You are a good friend."
"The moment Dinah and Helena find proof, I will be there. I realize the situation is serious, but I have to confess something."
"What is it?" Diana asked concerned.
"I am jealous."
"Of what?"
"You two. I wish I had someone that loved me like you two love each other."
Shayera smiled. "That is really sweet Wally."
"So, if I end up in Kasnia…" The Flash was beginning to grin.
Diana rolled her eyes. "We will introduce you to several women."
"Score!" Wally ran around the table at a blinding speed and quickly hugged Shayera. He turned and embraced Diana tightly, and didn't let go.
After several moments, Shayera cocked her eyebrow and spoke. "Wally?"
"Yeah?"
"Let go of Diana please before someone else in this room gets punched." Shayera playfully scolded.
He stepped back blushing, and he zoomed back around to the other side of the room and bent over.
"What are you doing?" Diana asked.
"Looking, looking, found it!" He stood up with a tooth in between his fingers. "You guys want to know how fast I am?"
Diana and Shayera looked at each other with confusion on their faces. Shayera spoke up, "I don't follow…"
Flash chuckled. "I am soooo fast that I am going to get this little beauty underneath John's pillow tonight. I might leave him a quarter too!"
Shayera roared. "Oh God Wally. I wish we were going to be here. Don't get killed in the process please."
"Pshh. No way he catches me in the act. But if he does, I will simply remind him that I am Diana's best friend."
Diana smiled. "You do that. Remind him how hard girls hit. Tell him that just because I am the one making Shayera scream in ecstasy now, there is no need for him to be an asshole."
Shayera's eyes went wide. "Diana!"
Diana winked at Wally. "Deal?"
"OH YEAH!" And with the utterance Flash sped out of the room.
Diana grabbed Shayera around the waist. "How deep in the dog house am I?"
Shayera smiled brightly, "Deep."
"How deep?"
"You shouldn't encourage Wally. And I can't believe you said that!"
"Merely a statement of fact."
Shayera giggled, "This is true. You do have your ways."
"Some you haven't even seen yet."
"Diana…"
"Yes?"
"Is it later?"
"Is what later?"
"You said you would kiss me later. Is it later now?"
Diana responded by locking her lips onto the redhead's. Her hands roamed from Shayera's waist to her hips, and then up to her face. After a few moments, Diana pulled back and rested her head against her wife's. "I love you."
"I love you too. More than you could ever imagine. Now let's go, before…"
"Before what?"
"Before I decide that table should be witness to somewhat more scandalous behavior. Possibly an active participant…"
Diana grinned and kissed Shayera again.
As the pair walked out hand in hand, Shayera leaned into Diana's shoulder. "You know I am a bit disappointed about something."
Diana stopped immediately. "What?"
"You only knocked out one tooth. I think I could have managed at least two or three."
A/N: Well, Diana and Shayera are off to Themiscyra to rally the Amazons. And the world will be made aware of just how "involved" Shayera and Diana are. What do you think Audrey's reaction will be? Next chapter will be chock full of Amazons, some of which we have not seen before, and one who was prominent in the last story. Thanks for the reviews...if you have not done so before, please leave one now. It takes very little time, and lets ltlconf and I know how we are doing. For anonymous, you were dead on with your assessment that even if you are not together with someone anymore, it does not mean that you do not care what happens to them. They made you happy at some point...so Shayera will show trust...to some degree. :) Sorry that Diana didn't punch Lantern again, as some of you requested...but I think we are done with him for a while...happy reading! P.S. Loved Hippolyta and Flash!
