Chapter Twenty-Nine

"It's alright, Ma, I think I can make it"

Primus 5

Strange times sometimes bring out the most unlikely defenders. After Clark walked out, his words seemed to linger in the air. It took several moments, but then the howls of protest began. Perhaps his words had hit too close to the mark or just too close to the bone. Now that he was gone, most delegates agreed they would not stand for it. It was like a time lapsed 'Oh Yeah!', too little, too late.

Maxima was probably one of the most vain and self-centered beings in the galaxy. She thought of her wants and needs first, second and usually third. She was spoiled, pampered and indulged by her people at every turn. She'd been denied only one thing in her life, Superman. As much as she wanted to hate him for turning her down, something about him had touched her deep inside where no one had before. In her own way, she actually did love him.

Now that he was gone, she was miserable. Another chance missed. Slowly, as she sat lamenting this latest failure with him, the shouting of the other delegates started to filter into her brain. Truthfully, she hadn't really paid much attention to anyone else at the conference besides Superman. Looking around, she saw for the first time that they all seemed very angry. Even the little blue man with the big head seemed upset. What was he a Guardian or something, Maxima tried to remember.

Listening to their words, she realized they were angry at Kal-El. Now that Almerac had a parliament, she had to endure this sort of thing all the time, but unlike back home, she was actually interested in the topic at hand. Maxima felt her blood start to boil as she listened to them slander Kal-El. She found her slim fingers curling into a fist the more she listened. It suddenly occurred to her that they were afraid of him. As she looked from one delegate to the next, she saw that same look of anger in their eyes, but also the fear just behind it. How stupid are these people, she wondered?

"I think we have no choice but to levy sanctions against the Justice League in protest," The Thanagarian delegate shouted. That was too much for Maxima.

"Veto!" She shouted, just as she would in her own parliament. She didn't want to hear anymore of that foolishness.

"Madam, this isn't your home world, you don't have that right," the Guardian said in exasperation.

"Besides, your feelings for him hardly make you impartial." The Rann delegate derisively observed.

How about me crushing your little pin head, you toad, Maxima thought, but held herself in check. Besides being pampered and spoiled, Maxima was also rather bright. She had learned very quickly back on Almerac, that while the form of government might change, so could she. She learned she didn't always have to physically threaten her opponents to win the day.

"You're right, delegate, I do have feelings for Superman and I'm hardly impartial, but that's only because I know the man. Apparently I'm the only one here that does.'

A clamor went up, disputing and protesting her words, but she calmly waited until they subsided.

"Deny it all you want, but I can see the fear in each of you," she began. "If you fear Superman, you don't know him at all. He's not like you. He's decent, honest and kind. You say it's because he's with this Kryptonian woman that you're concerned, but I think it's because deep down you know he's better than you. That's what really eats away at you, the fear that he's just a little better than you are."

Delegates protested, but Maxima held the floor.

"You talk of sanctions, for what," she asked. "He's committed no crime against you or your people. I admit I wasn't paying that much attention, but I do remember you railing against his technology, yet rock boy's pet over there immediately demanding some of it. I get it now, why you're all so afraid and upset. You're putting yourself in Superman's place and thinking of all the things you would do if you were he. You think if you've thought about doing them, how could he not have? I'll tell you, because he's not like you."

Maxima stood, her gaze holding the entire assembly.

"He's not petty and hungry for power like you, 'she said. "I think you all know that. I've heard some of you mention the time Darkseid brainwashed him, but that's like holding a rape victim responsible for the rape. Even after being violated, he didn't kill Darkseid. Can any of you say you wouldn't have wanted blood if you were violated like that?"

The room was silent as Maxima let her words sink in.

"You're all worked up into such a fever pitch that you think you need to do something. You let you fear run wild and create nightmares that may never happen. You all need to slow down. Are you all so eager for a confrontation that you're willing to force one on him? If you let your fear rule the day, you will end up chasing illusions when there are real dangers already out there. Stop and think, just think about what you are proposing."

Maxima looked at each delegate and then sat down. Several moments passed before anyone spoke.

"Perhaps sanctions are best held off for now," the Guardian finally said. "I suggest a wait and see attitude might be called for."

One by one, the other delegates reluctantly agreed.

As Maxima exited the conference and headed for her ship, a small smile crossed her lips. They probably thought I was just another incredibly gorgeous face, she thought. You owe me one, Kal-El.

The Javelin

Clark was almost back to Earth, but his mind was filled with so many problems and worries. He needed some time to think and there was only one place he wanted to go, home. He contacted Jonn to let him know he was back, but asked his friend not to make it official until the following day. Jonn seemed to understand and agreed.

The Watchtower – Later

A weekly meeting of the original seven plus some others was just winding down. The subject of the tension on the station was on everyone's mind. Most simply hoped it would blow over, but secretly they knew it wasn't likely. So as Dinah was about to call the meeting to a close, Batman spoke up.

"I think we need to address the current situation," he began. "We can't pretend it isn't happening or that everyone isn't talking about it. If we continue, this will just fester and get worse."

"What do you suggest, Batman," John asked.

"I think we need to face this situation head on. The League is more important than anyone of us, including Superman."

'Hey, whoa, I don't think I like where you're heading there, Bats," Wally said. "Big Blue kinda the symbol of the League as far as I'm concerned."

"Maybe it's time that changed, Wally," Batman replied.

"What are you suggesting, Bruce, we kick him out," Dinah asked. She was clearly shocked at the thought.

"Not exactly."

"What the hell does that mean," Dinah said.

"Look, the reality is everyone on the station is talking about this," Batman began. "You can hear the concern everywhere. When people are afraid like they are down on the planet, governments feel the need to get involved. That means the League will take the focus of their suspicions and attention. I think as a whole we need to ask ourselves if it isn't better for the League right now if we distance ourselves from Superman."

"Aw, come on, you're not going to let a few crackpots influence you, are you Bruce," Wally asked.

"If it was just a few crackpots, no Wally, but it's not. Why do you think all those alien races only wanted Superman at that conference? This is bigger than just us at this table or even Earth. We have to consider the larger picture. I think we need to call for a vote of all the members."

"A vote to do what," John asked.

"Dismiss Superman from the League," Batman replied. The shock was evident on everyone's face.

"No, no way, bad idea,' Wally spoke up.

"That's one opinion, or vote," Bruce responded. "I think it would be good for the League if all the members got a chance to voice their opinions, as well."

"Since when are you for majority rule, Bruce," Dinah asked.

"When it affects everyone in the League. Look, I don't want to dismiss him anymore than you do. By letting everyone vote, we can air out all the issues and fears."

"And if they vote to kick him out, what then," John asked.

"If it's for the good of the League, we should do it," Batman answered. "Look, I know this sounds hard, but I think we need to do this for Superman too. He's put himself in this situation and doesn't seem willing to realize what it's doing to everyone else. Maybe this will be a wake up call to him to take this more seriously."

"I still don't like it," Wally grumbled.

"That being said, the proposal is still on the table," Batman replied.

"Does anyone second it," Dinah asked. Bruce turned and looked at Diana. She had been silent during the whole discussion. She's gone back and forth with this idea since Bruce first told her about it. While she could see the logic behind Bruce's arguments, it still felt like a betrayal of Kal. She was just as confused as everyone else. The words that kept repeating themselves in her mind were 'that they were doing this to protect Kal' and that 'something had to be done'. Diana looked over at Bruce and saw him waiting. Even as the words left her lips, a sense of regret filled Diana.

"I'll second the proposal."

"As will I," Green Arrow added. The others sat in stunned silence, just looking at the two. Wally had a look of stunned betrayal on his face as he stared at Diana. She saw this and part of her wished she could take the words back, but knew they were already out there. Dinah looked around at each member and then bowed her head.

"With it being seconded, I think we should call for a vote not just of everyone at the table but everyone in the League. I think we should do it as soon as possible, tomorrow," she reluctantly said. "Unless there's any other bombshells you want to drop, Bruce, meeting adjourned."

Silently the members got up and headed for the door. Wally seemed filled with sadness, unlike anyone had ever seen before. The last two remaining in the room were Shayera and Jonn.

"Why didn't you say anything," Shayera sadly whispered.

"I'm an alien too," he replied.

Smallville

Clark had stopped at the farm to see Ma. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say and fell into their usual routine. He had dinner with her and listened to all the local gossip. After dinner he excused himself and went out for a walk. For the next two hours he just wandered over the fields, his mind playing over everything that was happening.

The sun was just starting to set as he came back to the house. Martha was standing on the porch waiting for him.

"Find any answers?" She asked with a smile.

"Not really," he admitted.

"All this talk about you and Power Girl is bothering you, isn't it?"

"How did you know about all that?"

"I know Kara thinks we're one step up from Amish, but we do have satellite TV out here, Clark. It would be hard to miss it."

"I don't know what to do, Ma," he admitted.

"I can't imagine all the pressures you're under son," she replied. "As Superman, you have so many responsibilities. I know you're trying to do the right thing for everybody."

'I'm trying, but I don't see a way to do that this time."

"It seems pretty simple to me," Martha said.

"Oh really?"

"Yes," Martha replied. "Do you love her?"

"Yeah, yeah I do," Clark quietly admitted.

"Then you have your answer." Martha smiled. "Go to her, son."

"But what about everyone else, and what they want?"

"Clark, you can't live your whole life around everyone else's expectations," Martha said. She moved down off the porch and walked with Clark a ways. "I know what that's like. When I was young, everyone thought there were big things in my future. They thought I'd move to Metropolis after college and get a big job at one of the companies there. It seemed everyone else had my whole life planned out for me. The only problem was there was this fellow. He was an ex-jock, who was just going to take over the family farm. Everyone told me not to waste my time with him, to concentrate on the future. The thing was they didn't see all the things about him I did. They didn't see how caring a man he was, how decency and honor made up his character. They didn't see that I was in love with him."

"Pa." Clark smiles.

"How'd you guess?" Martha teased. "The thing is, Clark, everyone told me it was making a mistake and i was throwing away my future. They didn't understand that I didn't have a future if he wasn't apart of it. I've never for a moment regretted my decision."

"He didn't either," Clark replied.

"That's a precious thing, Clark. We only get one go around in this life, don't spend the rest of yours with regret. It's your life, son, when you've found the one to share it with you, don't let anyone take her away."

"Thanks Ma.'

"Now I think you need to go tell this girl you love her," Martha instructed. "I expect to meet her very soon."

Clark leaned down and kissed his mother on the cheek before silently lifting off into the sky.

New York

Karen was as angry and upset as she could ever remember being. The news of the vote tomorrow had just been sent to her. She couldn't believe it. Her first instincts were to go find Batman and tear him a new one. She knew he had to have something to do with this. Then she realized he couldn't have done it on his own, others had to agree.

The fact that Clark was gone only made it worse. She missed him desperately. She physically ached not being with him. Now he would come back to this. Karen knew how much this would hurt him. It would be her fault. She'd be the new Yoko. The woman that got Superman kicked out of the Justice League.

As much as that bothered her, the thought that it might all be too much for Clark to bear and he would pull away from her was worse. If she hadn't been sure before, Karen knew now she was in love with Clark. The future without him in her life was unimaginable. It wasn't anything like she expected, being in love. The fairy tales had it all wrong. It wasn't hearts and flowers, rainbows and knights in shining armor like the stories, but something far more elemental.

It was knowing finally you'd found the person where all the games stopped. The person you didn't have to hide the real you from. It was about being vulnerable to another being; completely open to them and knowing they were with you in return. It was about the day-to-day things, waking up next to each other, being the first person you saw in the morning and the last person you saw at night. It was learning all the little quirks and idiosyncrasies that made them unique and letting them know yours.

People do fall out of love, but they never forget that first realization of being in love. Karen hoped this wouldn't force Clark to fall out of love with her.

There was nothing she could do and it frustrated her to no end. She almost called Kara to see if Toyman had escaped, just for the chance to hit something. She stalked around her living room, clenching and unclenching her fists, the anger building and building. Finally in frustration she punched the wall, putting a huge hole in it.

"You'll never get your deposit back now."

Karen whirled around at the sound of his voice. The balcony doors were open and Clark stood just inside the room. He was silhouetted by the moonlight. In the next moment Karen rushed into his arms. His lips sought his, as they held each other tighter than any other beings could. Neither complained as passion overwhelmed them.

"You came back," she whispered. "I was afraid."

"Don't ever be, I love you," he whispered in reply.

"I love you, too."