JL: The Newest Recruit
Part Two
Press Meeting and Musings
When Superman entered the Watchtower the next day, the first person he found in the satellite was J'onn. J'onn, who was watching the news on one of the many large screens, sent his new friend a smile. "I didn't expect you back so soon. You only left two hours ago." He studied the bags in Clark's hands. "I thought you were going home to sleep."
"I can go without sleep for a while." Clark looked around. "No one else is here yet?"
"Flash is on his way with Green Lantern and Diana of course is in her room studying. You were here longer than I thought."
"Diana has a lot to catch up on."
"How is the studying going?" J'onn asked.
"Great. Diana is a fast learner. She knew a lot more than I thought she would. Diana told me a group of her Sisters would travel to our world once a century and study the new changes of the world and they would teach Diana. It explains why Diana knew English so fluently instead of addressing us in her native Greek. The last time her people were hear it was the beginning of the twentieth century." He was confident when he said, "I think she will do well at the press conference."
"May I ask what are in the bags?" J'onn indicated the shopping bags Clark was holding.
"Oh, this?" Clark said innocently. "It's clothes and other stuff for Diana. I figured she would need some." J'onn only stared at Clark. "She is new to the world and she came to us just wearing her, um, outfit." Clark suddenly felt warm explaining his reasons to J'onn. J'onn only smiled. He didn't say it but Clark knew what the Martian was thinking. "I'll, uh, I'll check on Diana."
Clark hurried away and went to Diana's room. He knocked and a moment later, Diana opened the door. She smiled at him. "Superman. Hello. I wasn't expecting you back so soon."
"I had to pick up some things. May I come in?"
"Of course." Diana stepped aside and Superman entered.
"Any trouble with the laptop or questions with the books you are studying?"
"I'm having no trouble with the books. I've read most of them. The laptop is quite fascinating. I cannot believe so much knowledge is on this device. I'm getting better with my typing," she added proudly, recalling how earlier where Clark was slowing her how to type she was clumsy at it.
Clark looked over at the laptop screen and saw what Diana was viewing. "Studying Greece?" Clark asked seeing pictures of the ruins of Ancient Greece on the screen.
"Yes. I thought since I was here, I could see the home of my mother and Amazon Sisters before coming to Themyscira. I will like to see it in person one day."
Clark had wanted to ask what men did to her mother and Amazon Sisters to cause them to leave for Themyscira but he didn't want to pry into her world. Diana seemed wary of men and he wanted her to be comfortable around him before she opened up about her people's past.
"I'll take you there," Clark offered. "The ruins of ancient Greece are a tourist spot. I could talk the officials into letting you see it privately."
"Thank you." Diana had to admit she was surprised Superman would do this for her. She wasn't entirely sure of what to make of his behavior. Why was he so kind to her? Was he after something? Diana noticed the bags in his hands. "What are those?"
"These? Oh, um," Suddenly he was feeling awkward again. Not sure how she would respond to the things he got for her. He held the bigger bags up for her viewing. "Clothes. I thought you would like to change out of your uniform when you're not fighting with the League. I hope I got the right size." Diana took the bags and placed them on the bed. "The smaller bag has toiletries." He wasn't sure if Diana knew what that meant. He was right when Diana looked at him curiously. "Shower gels, sponges, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Hygiene stuff."
Diana seems to understand that as she took the bag and looked inside. She smiled kindly at him. "Thank you. I hadn't given much thought about any of this since leaving home."
Diana placed the smaller bag on the bed and examines the items in the larger bags. She pulled out two pairs of loose fitting jeans. She looked at the garment awkwardly before slipping off her boots and pulling a pair of jeans on. Clark immediately turned away. Diana didn't noticed Clark as she slipped on a sleeveless green tank. "Is this how these clothes suppose to fit?"
Clark turned to her. "Yeah." Even covered up, there was no way of hiding the curves. He bet she could wear a potato sack and look beautiful in it.
Diana looked herself over in the mirror. "The shirt is nice but these jeans are confining. Women wear these clothes?"
"Those are the loose kind. They have jeans that are tighter and shorter but I didn't think they would be comfortable for you."
Diana shook her head not understanding the women of this world. She slipped the clothes off and Clark looked the other way again. Even though Diana was wearing her colorful swimsuit underneath, he didn't feel it was right to look at her.
Diana went on to try on the other clothes: two dresses, a skirt, loose tees, a couple sweaters, a pair of boots, sandals and a pair of sneakers. The attire looked strange to her compared to what she normally wore on Themyscira but they were comfortable.
"Thank you, Superman," Diana told him as she folded the clothes neatly. "It was thoughtful of you to do this for me, but I have to ask why?"
"I knew you couldn't wear what you have on all the time. You're new to this world and I wanted to help. Oh, and you can call me Clark when it's just us."
"That's the name you use when you are in your other life," Diana stated. "May I ask what it is you do?"
Clark thought for a moment and figured why not. If he trusted Diana with his name, what harm would it be if she knew his profession. "I'm a reporter for the Daily Planet."
"Reporter." Diana recalled Superman telling her what a reporter does last night. "That's why you understand dealing with the press so well. You're one of them."
Clark smiled shyly. "Well, I'm a reporter to find out where I'm needed most. Speaking of the press, are you're ready for the press conference tomorrow?"
"I am. I want to help humanity, Clark. Perhaps, I can use my gifts to change this world. From what I read in the books and Internet, there's so much violence and injustice in this world. I do not understand how one can hate another because their skin color is different. The Captain of the Guards of Themyscira skin color is different from mine and she is one of my dearest Sisters."
"Maybe you do what Flash said: change their minds and change the world."
Diana recalled Flash singing that odd song to her and laughed. "I didn't understand half of what he was saying."
"You're not the only one." It was the first time he heard her laugh. He decided he would like to see her laugh more often. "I should be going, Diana. I know you have a lot of reading to do. I have to get to work in my civilian life but I will drop by as soon I'm off."
Diana nodded in understanding. "I will see you later then." As soon as Clark left, Diana looked at the items Clark bought for her. "How strange he would do this for me. He's a man and yet he's shown me kindness and generosity." What kind of man was Superman Diana wondered.
*****
Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Flash and Hawkgirl stood on a stage in front of the United Nations. Diana listened as Superman spoke to the press waiting for him to introduce her. He was an excellent orator she noted. The press in the room looked to him as a leader, as someone they respected and listened to his every word as he explained the events with the white Martians and explained the new Justice League that will be forming, introducing each member and the two new members her and J'onn Jones he introduced as Martian Manhunter.
J'onn addressed the people first taking a few questions from the press as he explained his origins and his joining the Justice League. Then it was Diana's turn.
Everyone was silent as Diana stood before podium. Reporters from all over the world stared at her, waiting for her to speak. "Hello, I am Diana, Princess of Themyscira but as Superman said earlier, I am also Wonder Woman. I come from an island of Amazons that are hidden from this world. We live in peace."
Superman watched Diana speak eloquently of being new to the world and how she was learning as much as possible. She spoke of her desire to help end the violence and hate of this world. She had the crowd of reporters on her every word. She could command the room with her beauty, intelligence and sheer honesty.
When Diana finished, reporters yelled several questions at her. Superman had thought to step in but Diana merely raised a hand and the reporters were silenced.
"I understand there is more you will like to know about me but at this time I am not ready to give an interview. I should like to understand this world and people more before I choose a newspaper or news network to give an interview. I implore you to give me time." She flashed a smile that won the sea of reporters over and even caused Clark's knees to weaken slightly. "Thank you."
Diana stepped off the podium and joined the League members while Superman concluded the press conference. When they left the UN, the Justice League got in the Javelin and John flew them back to the Watchtower.
"Nice going, Princess," Flash said pleased. "You had them eating out of your hands.
Diana looked to Clark for an explanation. "He said you had their attention."
"Oh. Superman prepared me so I think he deserves the gratitude. I don't think the press would've listened to me without his coaching."
"Yeah, right," Flash laughed. "You could've just stood there and smile and they would've done whatever you wanted." He leaned towards Diana. "So, now that Supes helped you deal with the press, how about I take you to a movie? It's a good way to observe the people in their everyday lives. No one can show you a good time better than the Fastest Man Alive."
"Being the Fastest Man Alive isn't always a good thing," Shayera said with a smirk.
"Oh, you're just saying that because you haven't been with Flash."
Shayera rolled her eyes and the conversation went over Diana's head.
"Thank you for the offer, Flash but there are things I like to read upon this world and see first. I'd also like to learn more about the functions of the Watchtower so I can be of better help such as flying the Javelin."
"I can show you how to fly the Javelin," Flash offered.
"I think it would be better if we get someone else," Clark suggested. "Green Lantern?"
"I'll show the…." he was about to say rookie but he corrected himself. "Diana."
"That's not fair!" Flash complained. "First, Superman gets alone time with Diana and now G.L.? Who's next Batman? The Martian? When's my turn?"
"Maybe if you stop acting like you want to jump Diana and show an interest in teaching her about the world, you would be taken more seriously." Shayera said.
"Hey, I can show her the world. The dating world," Flash wickedly added and was promptly smacked on the back of his head this time by Superman, much to the surprise of everyone. Flash crossed his arms and grumbled. "You people are no fun."
Clark looked over at Diana who was smiling as if mildly amused by all this. Seems the princess was catching on a lot faster than he thought.
*****
Clark Kent sat in a press meeting Perry White was giving to the staff. With the formation of the Justice League, he was busier than ever. Clark was glad to have his job as a reporter at the Daily Planet to have a sense of normalcy in his busy life.
The main topic of discussion at the meeting was the newly formed Justice League. It has been two months since Diana asked the public to give her time to adjust to this world before giving an interview. Perry White was insistent Diana had enough time and that one of his reporters land the story with Wonder Woman. He wanted to know more about J'onn but Wonder Woman was top priority just as Superman was when he first arrived in the world.
Lois Lane was sitting across from Clark she was jotting notes down in shorthand writing. 'SM DNR WW' which translated to Superman. Dinner. Wonder Woman. Superman was scheduled to have dinner with Lois Lane. It was their first time since the formation of the League. He knew Lois was going to bring up Wonder Woman. Lois would say anything to use Superman to get a story with Wonder Woman, which he would freely allow but he preferred to honor Diana's wishes of settling in this world first.
Perry's words drowned out of Clark's mind as he thought about Lois. Superman was dating Lois but Lois never gave Clark the time of day. That was the double edge sword to his relationship with Lois. Though Lois secretly dated Superman, she saw Clark as the country bumpkin reporter she work along with and felt nothing for him romantically. That was the problem in his relationship to Lois. She didn't know he was Clark Kent. He wanted Lois to fall for Clark first before letting her know he was Superman, but with Darkseid brainwashing him to do his bidding and turning him on the Earth, thus leaving the people of Earth think Superman had turned evil. It was Lois who embraced Superman, believing in him. At that time, he needed that comfort and support as he worked his way to earning the trust of the people again.
Clark vowed to tell Lois the truth but couldn't find it in himself to tell her. He knew this was a problem the longer he dated Lois but what would happen when he tells her? Would she be angry with him for keeping this secret from her or would she understand? Either way, Clark felt he was screwed because no matter the response Lois was going to be furious with him.
There was also Diana. There was a pull to her he didn't understand. Beautiful. Innocent. Strong. Intelligent. When he bought those clothes and accessories for Diana, he told himself he was being a nice guy helping a new person out. It was what his parents taught him. That excuse could only work for so long and even now two months later it was weak. Clark knew Bruce was paying for everything. It was announced in the first Justice League meeting that all the League members' personal needs in the Watchtower would be seen too. So, why still did he tell Diana if she needed anything he would get it for her? Why whenever he was shopping for himself he thought of things Diana would need or like? Why was he still bringing her things even when she didn't ask for it? Clark knew but he didn't want to admit it to himself just yet.
Her responses to his thoughtful gifts were questioning, too. Whenever he brought Diana anything, she would express surprise, then thanks but look at Clark not sure she should accept it or not. Perhaps she was trying to figure out why he would do this? She did have a distrust of men but she didn't look at him as just a man. She saw him as something more. He was caught off guard when she asked if he was a God.
Women. Lex Luthor was easier to figure out.
When Perry ended the meeting, Lois gathered her notes and notice Clark looking glum. "Why the long face, Smallville?"
Clark looked up at Lois. "Oh. Nothing."
Lois shrugged. "Well, you glumness can't kill my mood. I got twenty bucks I land that interview with Wonder Woman and I bet you I'll get it before she *finds* herself in this world."
Clark actually smiled. He knew how she was going to get the story but he humored her. "How are you going to get a story with Wonder Woman?"
"I have sources in high places."
High places indeed Clark thought with a roll of the eyes.
****
That evening, Superman had dinner at Lois' apartment. Lois wore a nice, sleek black dress. Lois was a bright reporter, strong, and intelligent but not a great cook. Lois mainly lived on microwave dishes and quick fixes.
"Dinner's delicious," Superman said taking a bite into his chicken.
Lois smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I made it myself."
Liar. During lunch today, Lois 'tricked' Clark into helping her plan her dinner menu with Superman where she mentioned she was going to buy her meal at the market.
Clark expected Lois to go right into the Wonder Woman interview over dinner but she talked of other things instead. Clark saw that she was going for subtlety. It was when they were eating dessert, Lois said, "You know, Superman, I was wondering if you could do a favor for me."
Here we go. "What is it?" He feign innocence.
"Before I ask, tell me what's it like working with Wonder Woman?"
"Good. She's a valuable member to the team. She's strong, intelligent, a quick learner--"
"Beautiful?" Lois inquired.
He wasn't expecting that but his voice was neutral. "She is. Does that bother you?"
"No. No. No," Lois said quickly. "Just making conversation. Think I can get an interview with her?"
Superman smiled. "I don't know. She's still learning her way around the world. She's quite innocent--"
"Innocent?" Lois mocked.
"She is. Wonder Woman's never been exposed to this world before. She's still learning about the people. Wonder Woman said she will grant the interview when she is ready."
Lois smiled flirty at Superman. "But you will convince her if need be, right? I can be fair in an interview."
"I'll try, Lois."
"Try?" Lois smiled. "Surely you can do better than that." Lois rose from her seat, walking to Superman.
Clark looked at her nervous. What was Lois up to? "I'll recommend you, Lois, but it is Wonder Woman's call."
Lois wrapped her arms around Superman from behind. She leaned her head against his. "I've also been thinking about something else, Superman. We've been seeing each other for quite a while. You trust me to keep our relationship a secret. Don't you think it's time you trust me to tell you who you are like your name?"
"Lois you know my name is Kal-El."
"That's not what I meant," she almost yelled. They went over this several times. Taking in a sigh, Lois said, "Remember our first interview? I asked you who you were; that you didn't walk around in a cape and tights on a daily basis? You said that's an interview for another time. Well, don't you think it's time I get that interview…. between us of course."
Superman hated whenever this was brought up but Lois was right. They were secretly seeing each other and yet they were in the same spot as they were when they first started their relationship.
"You know I can't. If anyone finds out about us, your life could be in danger."
Lois rolled her eyes. "Y'know, you're starting to sound like a broken record. We've been sneaking around all this time without anyone knowing. What difference would it make if I know who you are?"
"Lois, I can't."
Lois took her arms off Superman. "You still don't trust me enough with the truth."
"Lois, that's not true."
"The hell it isn't! If you trusted me, you'd tell me. If you love me, you'll tell me."
Help! Someone help!
Someone was calling for him. Clark wanted to stay with Lois but duty called. Superman stood. "I'm sorry, Lois, but I have to go. Trouble."
"Oh, no you don't," Lois denied him to leave. "Don't you dare walk out on an argument!"
"Someone needs help. I have to go. We'll talk later." Superman gave Lois a kiss on the cheek and flew out her window.
Lois crossed her arms scowling. "I hate it when he does that."
****
Diana entered her room a little weary from her recent battle in aiding the Justice League. Diana slipped off her clothes and changed into a nightgown. It was another piece of clothing given to her by Clark. 'Something you could sleep in', he said. Diana smiled. Diana was comfortable sleeping nude like she always had but admitted to herself she hadn't slept that way since Clark gave her the gown. He was thoughtful. Sitting upon her bed, she noticed the brown leather bound book also given to her by Clark. He thought with all the new things she was seeing in this world, she should jot her thoughts down in something. Lately Diana hadn't the chance to write in it until now.
Diana opened the book, the pen inside and began writing. She started off writing how Man's World was different from her own and the recent adventures she's had including the one tonight where she helped Aquaman deal with his traitorous brother and saved the world.
Six months ago, I arrived in the world of Man. I'm getting a better understanding of this world and I'm still learning new things about the members of the Justice League.
John Stewart goes by the name Green Lantern. Unlike Superman, Batman, and Flash he doesn't hide his identity. He walks freely among the world. He's not worried who knows he is Green Lantern. Flash told me he was in the military. That explains his tough attitude which can be annoying and insulting. Sometimes he judges too quickly. He misjudged me by thinking since I'm new to this world I wouldn't know what to do. Over the past months, he has seen the error of his ways as I've proven I can handle myself.
J'onn is a welcome presence. He's the only company in this satellite when the others are gone. Sometimes when there is nothing on the monitors, we would talk. He would tell me about his life on Mars and the family he loss. He would talk more of the good times. I in return would share some of my life on Themyscira. While I've a fondness for Ice Mochas, J'onn has a fondness for Oreo cookies. The treat is sweet but I think J'onn is addicted to them. He could eat an entire bag in one sitting. It is nice to talk to someone who is new to the world as I and compare our thoughts on the things we've seen, but I feel he has an advantage over me. He has interacted with males and females of society while I've not.
The males in this world are many things. Some are fools; some are brave, some are intelligent; some well, I've not figure out. One such person is Flash. He can be rude and offensive but oddly funny. He always try to lighten the mood with a joke and makes what I've discovered terrible at passes at me. Flash also is the less focused person on the team, which is cause of him getting in trouble where I or one the others must save him. He's valuable to the team but constantly irritates John. Still, I think John sees him as a valuable ally and actually likes him despite the contrary.
Batman is another member of the team I've not figure out yet. He uses fear and intimidation to scare criminals. He's bossy and intimidating to the others with the exception of Superman, J'onn and myself. (I think that is because I don't let myself be pushed around by him.) Batman is everything my mother and Sisters taught me about Man: dangerous, violent, distrusting. I recently witness Batman interrogate Deadshot into why he wanted to assassinate Aquaman. I didn't hear him but Superman did and though he didn't want to tell me, he later confessed Batman threaten to put Deadshot's head up his rear.
Batman is many things that rings true to what my mother and Sisters say of men but there's also a different side to him. He is a noble man with a good heart. Two weeks ago, I was in Gotham touring the city and he wasn't happy. Apparently, he doesn't like anyone in his city but that didn't stop me from accompanying him on his night in Gotham. We came across a pimp beating up on prostitutes. After we dropped the pimp with the proper authorities, I learned one of the girls was a runaway. I saw Batman give her a card where she could find a job. It was from Waynetech. I asked Batman how does he know they would give her a job. He only said the owner owed him one. I think there is something more to that. Maybe in time I will know.
Shayera or Hawkgirl as she goes by is the only other female. She's very strong, aggressive. She would've made a great Amazon. However, sometimes I think she is too hard. Shayera has questioned me about my Sisters and how we can isolate ourselves from Man and if we missed them. I've not been in the company of man since coming to this world so it didn't bother me living without them. Shayera commented some of my Sisters probably missed the company of a man. I didn't think so but perhaps I'm not the best person to judge. I was also under the impression she meant it as women mating with men but that concept is foreign to me also. Flash seem to think I'm closest to Shayera because she is a female and in the eyes of others, I suppose that would make sense but I'm not closest to her. Surprisingly, it's a man I'm closest too.
Superman. I'm not sure what to make of him. There's something about him that evokes honesty. Of all the League members, he intrigues me the most. My mother spoke of men as if there was nothing redeeming about them. Men were deceptive she said, used their power to control others; were savage barbarians. Superman's not like that at all. He uses his powers to help others. He doesn't abuse it like the Gods have done. Superman doesn't flirt with me like Flash. He doesn't give me stares as I've seen on men. He treats me with respect and a friend. He challenges the preconceptions I have of men.
He's also very kind, buying me clothes and necessities I would need. He didn't have to but he did. In the beginning, I thought he was doing that to get something out of me, but I've learned he did it because he is a good person. A good friend. He's also a friend that caused me to feel things I've not felt before. Mentally, his presence is welcomed because I don't feel so different in this world. Strange I feel he could understand me more than my Sisters because of our similar gifts. Physically, I don't understand some of the feelings that overcome me when he's near me. It's nice but I don't know what to make of it. Perhaps in time I will.
****
Two weeks later, Superman flew to the Watchtower to check on the League and see if anything was going on. Clark wondered if he be witness to another of Flash's pathetic attempts to flirt with Diana.
Clark shook his head as he recalled Flash trying to show off to Diana about how he saved John on trial before the Green Lantern Corps on charges of destroying a planet which he was cleared of. Flash was shameless in his attempts to impress Diana. Clark wasn't sure if Diana was aware Flash was asking her out on a date the times he flirt with her. Poor Flash. He wondered how many times would Flash make a fool of himself before he realized Diana wasn't into him.
Clark found J'onn and chalked up a conversation with him. "I wasn't expecting you this evening, Superman."
"It was a slow night in Metropolis, I'd thought I fly in for a few hours in case something comes up."
J'onn knew that wasn't the real reason for Clark's trip here but humored him into thinking he believed it. "The only activity we had were Green Lantern and Flash in Gateway City earlier. Green Lantern doesn't want to admit it but he enjoys Flash's company."
"They're like The Odd Couple." J'onn looked to Clark for explanation. "Old TV show."
"I see. Diana has returned from Greece today."
Clark feigned innocence. "Did she?" When she wasn't at the Watchtower or on League business, Diana was spending her time traveling the world, observing the people and their culture. Clark didn't see Diana as often as he like but he was happy that she was enlightening herself in the world she wanted to protect. "I wonder how that went. Seeing the home of her people had to be a humbling experience."
"Yes, I wanted to ask how it went but Flash pulled her away and wanted to share his story of being in Gateway City with Green Lantern."
"He tries too hard," Clark said. "She's never going to go for him."
"And who do you think would attract a woman like Diana?" J'onn asked.
Clark was suddenly tongue tied. "Who's to say? Diana has been in this world for six months. Her world is completely different from our own. It'll be a while before she wants to date anyone. *If* she wants to date anyone."
At that moment, Flash ran in the room bursting with excitement. "J'onn guess what?" Flash saw Clark. "Hey, Supes. I didn't know you were here. You won't believe this! I got a date with Diana!"