Chapter 30

"Blood On the Highway"

New York

It was late. Clark quietly got out of bed, mindful of not disturbing Karen. Slipping on his trousers and shirt he moved out to the living room. The balcony doors were open. It was softly raining, a cool breeze shifting the curtains. He moved over to close the doors, but stopped to look out over the city. Even at this late hour he could hear noise coming from every direction. It always lived up to the moniker, the city that never sleeps.

Clark ran his fingers through his tussled hair. The breeze felt good against his skin. The woman he loved was sleeping in the next room and that knowledge filled him with indescribable joy. It was a perfect moment. Whatever might come, he felt lucky to have found her. Ma had been right; it was as simple as he loved her.

Karen had told him about the vote. Anger wasn't the emotion he had felt, which still surprised him. It was melancholy. He guessed after the conference nothing should surprise him. Perhaps he'd just hoped for more from those that knew him.

Clark reminded himself that was tomorrow. Right now he just wanted to enjoy the momentary sensations of being alive. His mind was at peace with his decisions whatever the future might bring. Gazing up into the rain at the night sky, Clark took a step out onto the balcony and let the droplets splash against his face. He just wanted to fully experience everything about this moment. He realized he was going to have to make some decisions and that change was coming, but that could wait until tomorrow.

The sound of Karen stirring brought a smile to Clark's face. He slowly turned and walked back inside. He reached the bedroom doorway and she looked up at him half asleep.

"Clark? Are you coming back to bed?'

"Yeah,' he replied. He slipped off his shirt and trousers and moved over to the bed and climbed in next to her. Her arms instinctively wrapped around him and pulled him closer. He lay there for quite awhile, just holding her. The smile never left his face.

Metropolis

Clark was in a rather contemplative mood as he made his way through the rain to his apartment. It was Saturday, so while he didn't have to work at the Planet there was the League's vote. He knew Bruce was probably the instigator of it. Clark even understood the logic behind it. Public opinion already seemed to be turning against Superman and by extension the League. By addressing it now, Bruce probably hoped to unify the members and get past it. Clark also knew it was Batman's way of sending a message to him.

Part of Clark, his pride and vanity, yes it had them, wanted to win the vote and then tell them to shove it, as he would do as he damn pleased. As satisfying as that thought was, Clark knew it wasn't an option. He was Superman. Because of all his amazing gifts, he couldn't let his honest anger out the way Bruce or Diana could. That would only make the problem worse. He'd been able to win the public's trust and respect by seeming to be above those sorts of things, like an angel or some other benign protector. Maybe that was what worried everyone about his dating Karen. It made them see that he was like everyone else, with the same wants and desires. It made him much too real.

Clark was still rolling over his options as he opened his apartment door.

"It's about time you got back, we have a crisis," Kara immediately shouted.

Clark stood in the doorway looking at the living room. Kara was already dressed in her Supergirl costume and the living room looked like a makeshift war room.

"Hello to you too," Clark replies, closing the door. "What's all this?"

"Well, since you decided to spend all you time with your girlfriend, someone had to come up with a plan," Kara informed him. "The vote's in just a few hours, Clark, we have to be prepared!"

"Really? I thought you wanted me to break up with Karen too," he asked.

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm going to just sit by and let those jerk-offs vote you out of the League! We're family and family sticks together! I mean how would it look if B'wana Beast is still holding a grudge because he thinks you cut him off in the cafeteria line or The Creeper has some weird loyalty to Batman and that's why you lost the vote? I'm not going to let that happen, Clark!"

Clark smiled and walked over and hugged Kara.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, now let me go," Kara complained. "God, she's already turning you into a hugger like her."

"I just wanted to let you know I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's not necessary," Clark chuckled.

"Oh, don't worry, you don't have to do anything, I've got it all covered. "Kara said. "See, I broke the board up into who's for you, who's against you and undecided. I figured if I twisted few arms here and there, I can make this a landslide for you."

"Kara, twisting arms is called vote tampering."

"Don't get all technical on me now, Clark, I want to win! If that means I have to sweet talk a few, threaten a few, even punch I few, I will."

"You can't hit them, Kara, they're not villains, they're voters and League members," Clark pointed out.

"Why is it I never get to hit anybody," she protested. "You won't let me hit that little pervert Toyman and now I can't hit any of the members? How about just Captain Atom? He's been talking a lot of smack when you're not around?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, he's such a douchebag! Just one punch, Clark, please?"

"Okay, maybe him." Clark shrugged.

Kara smiled in satisfaction and moved back over to her board. She started shifting some of the names around. Clark glanced at it and noticed Diana's name was in the undecided group.

"Why is Diana in that group,' he asked.

"Well she's the one that seconded the motion to have the vote, Clark," Clark explained. "Her and Ollie, but I think I can get Dinah to make him switch his vote."

"Diana voted against me," Clark whispered. He slowly sat down on the sofa, stunned by the news.

"Yeah, but I don't think she really wanted to," Kara said. "I'm sure I can get her to change her mind."

Clark had stopped listening to what Kara was saying. An overwhelming sense of sadness and hurt went through Clark. Diana was his friend, in many ways his best friend. Since she arrived in the Man's world, as she called it, he'd always tried to be there for her and help her adjust. He thought she knew and understood him better than just about anyone. If she would vote against him, then perhaps he'd been fooling himself all along. He'd always hoped his friends would see that underneath the cape, he was a man, just a man, but now he had to wonder about even that.

"Oh, what am I doing," Kara exclaimed. She was so busy with her board and figuring out all the angles, she hadn't noticed the look on Clark's face. "Zatanna is definitely in your column. She'd probably vote twice for you if she could. Maybe I can get her to use some of her magic on some of the others? Nothing too obvious, but a resounding victory would be perfect!"

"Kara, stop," Clark gently said.

"What? Why?"

"Just let it go," he replied. "I love you for what you're trying to do, but I'm going to have to handle this my own way."

"But Clark, I want to help," Kara complained. "It's not right what they're doing!"

"I know, but I'm going to have to deal with this my way. Hey, I love that you came to my defense. You're right, that's what families do, but this time, I'm asking you as family to let me handle this alone.'

Kara looked at him and saw how serious he was. Reluctantly, she put her markers aside and sat down next to him. Clark put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

"Thank you."

Kara leaned into him, not happy about it, but knowing she had to let him do this his way.

"I suppose this means I can't hit Captain Atom either," she grumbled.

"Na, go ahead," Clark chuckled. "I might even let you take a few swings at Toyman next time, but no promises."

The Watchtower

Slowly the members began to gather from all over the map. Part time members, honorary members, retired members, they all wanted to be here for this. Everyone was aware of what was happening. They all watched the news and saw how public opinions had shifted against Superman and by extension the League. They understood that the League was supposed to be bigger than any one member and if a member's actions were hurting the League it was best for all to distance that member from the League.

That all sounded good in theory, but they all knew Superman wasn't just an ordinary member. Since it's inception, he was the face of the League. Some wondered if there wouldn't have even been a League without him. Now they were being asked to judge if the League was better off without him.

Shayera found Jonn standing to the side of the main hall watching as the members filtered in. He had been strangely silent during all of this. She had her own concerns about what this meant, but wanted to see how her friend was dealing with it.

"Hey, Jonn, I see you went back to your old uniform." She smiled, hoping to break the ice.

'My wardrobe suddenly felt insignificant in the face of what is happening today." His voice was as detached and calm as always, but Shayera thought she saw a different look in his eyes.

'Why haven't you said anything, Jonn," she finally asked. He seemed to think about it for a moment before turning to her.

"Because I understand how this also affects me, Shayera," he began. "I'm an alien, like you and Superman. When I first arrived, I felt the fear this world had for me. It was Kal-El that changed that.'

"Yes, he was one of the first ones to welcome me, as well," Shayera admitted.

"Batman also helped liberate me from the prison I was being held in," Jonn pointed out.

"I know, he didn't vote against me after the invasion, either."

"I find myself seeing both sides of this. I too believe the Justice League is important as an agent for good in the world. I find I want to believe it is bigger than any one member. I want to believe the goals and reasons behind it are more important."

"But," Shayera asked.

"But I am a man, as well," Jonn admitted. "I have known the kind of love Superman has found. No one should be denied that in their life, no matter what others think or fear. So here I stand, an alien just like Superman. A member of the Justice League, just like Superman. I find myself wondering if this can happen to him, how quickly could it happen to me? I'm not as well known as he is, so it would be even easier for this to happen to me. Some would protest, but not as many or as loudly."

"I'm an alien too, Jonn, I've already considered how it could happen to me," Shayera admitted. "You add that I'm thought of as a traitor, I doubt there would be much protest at all if it was me."

"I know," Jonn nodded. "Yet the idea of this vote is understandable to me as well. I believe Batman is a good man. I think he believes that by having this, it will strength the League by airing out all the fears and concerns the members have."

"Is that his only reason, Jonn," Shayera skeptically asked.

"No, but I haven't read his mind if that's what you're thinking. His demons are his own and I would never intruded. Pain like he's suffered shapes you and affects your outlook and judgment. Where others see paranoia, I see aa a deep need to protect others from experiencing that pain and suffering. It's at his core, it's what makes him the hero he is, the constant war to make sure no one else suffers the lose he has. It's why the mission is so central to his life. It's what is driving him to do this.'

"But this is a mistake, Jonn," Shayera pointed out. "By doing this, he's only adding fuel to the fears others have."

'That's why I've been silent," Jonn admitted. "I fear my voice would just add to the fear. One alien taking another's side."

"All it takes for tyranny to breed, Jonn, is for good men to remain silent," Shayera forcefully stated.

"Yes, but you haven't spoken out either, Shayera, why?"

"I-I-I wanted to," she replied, off balance by his question. "It's just with the invasion and my role in it, I-I thought it would hurt more than help."

'So it seems we both have our share of fear," Jonn said. "Perhaps this is the time for both of us to overcome them and add our voices to the debate."

"Maybe you're right."

Across the hall, Wildcat and Vigilante were sitting together watching as members arrived.

"Never reckoned I see something like this happening, I got to tell you," Vigilante observed.

"History always finds new ways to repeat itself," Wildcat replied. "You live as long as we have, you see it happen, both the good and the bad."

"This is definitely the bad."

"Something like this gets going, it takes on a life of itself. That's what really worries me," Wildcat offered. "I've never even been friendly with Superman, but if this can happen to him, I keep thinking who's next?"

"I think no matter what happens with this vote, I'm going to pull out for awhile," Vigilante said.

"You're leaving?"

"Just for awhile. Spending so much time up here in this tower ain't good for ya. It isolates you from the world. There's a big beautiful world down there and I ain't seem most of it yet. I been thinking it's time I did."

"So what, you're just going to chuck it all and go find the world like you're in Easy Rider, or something," Wildcat asked.

'I don't need to be in a fancy tower to help people," Vigilante replied. "I figure as I travel around, I'll find plenty of people that can use a little help.'

"That does sound interesting," Wildcat admitted. "It's been awhile since I've done any traveling."

"Why don't you join me," Vigilante asked. "I've got an extra Harley and would appreciate the company."

"I think I might just take you up on that offer, friend," Wildcat smiled.

As they shook on it, other members arrived. Everyone seemed to be excitedly whispering, wondering what would happen and where everyone stood.

Zatanna had just arrived and was looking around for her friends. She spotted Wally sitting all alone. He didn't seem like his usual self.

"Hey, Wally, what's with you," she asked. He looked up at her and she could see the sadness in his eyes.

"This is all my fault, Zee. If I'd just kept my big mouth shut none of this would be happening," He lamented.

"Oh, don't be so stupid," she replied.

"Thanks for making me feel better," he glumly said.

"Oh, snap out of it!' She gave him a smack.

"Why are you and Shayera and Dinah always hitting me," He complained.

"Because we're your friends, that's why."

"I noticed you don't hit Ollie or John, how'd I get so lucky?"

"Because you're different then they are, more like one of us,' she explained.

"A woman? Thanks, you can stop trying to cheer me up now," moaned Wally.

"Not a woman, you idiot," Zee fired back. "Look do you think the only reason Shayera hits me is because I'm a woman?'

"No, I guess not."

"Of course not, it's because we're really good friends, same goes for Dinah. It's why we can say really bitchy things about one another, but none of us hold a grudge. We're BFFs. For your information, we think of you like that."

"You think of me like that?"

"Yeah, I mean come on, can you imagine Ollie or John sitting around like we do discussing all the latest gossip or doing something crazy like the whole kissing Diana fiasco?'

"No, I guess not," admitted Wally.

"God no, John would probably lecture us and Ollie would probably turn it into a workers of the world unite speech. You're our friend, Wally and that's why as a friend I want you to stop blaming yourself. It was going to come out sooner or later you know that. It's way too good gossip that Superman and Power Girl are getting it on for it not too."

"But look at what's happened," Wally replied. "I mean this vote? We're voting on kicking Big Blue out of the League! I feel responsible!'

"Well, don't," Zee firmly said. "This wasn't your stupid idea. If it was up to me, I'd kick all the morons that vote against Clark out of the League!'

"Shocker," Wally said with a smile. "You're on Superman's side, who would have guessed?"

Zee slapped him again.

"Ow! Couldn't you find another way to show that we're friends, please?"

"No, this one works so well, why change now," Zee laughed. "Look, stop feeling sorry for yourself, it's not your fault. Superman doesn't blame you, so you shouldn't either."

Wally smiled at her words, appreciating what she was saying to him more than he could say.

"Thanks Zee."

"No problem, that's what friends do," she smiled.

"So about this BFF stuff, doesn't that mean we're going to have sleep over's and pillow fights, with you, Shayera and Dinah in nighties, cause I'm totally down with that."

The smile slipped from Zatanna's face and Wally saw the anger in her eyes.

"You're going to hit me again, aren't you?"

On the platform at the front of the hall, Diana, John and Dinah stood on the side looking out over the crowd. Batman appeared out of nowhere, as was his usual way.

"I think everyone's here, we should get this started," he stated.

Reluctantly, Dinah agreed and signaled the other founding members to come to the stage. When they arrived they all walked out together. The chatter stopped and the hall fell silence as the members saw them. Dinah stepped up to the mike, as acting chairwoman.

"Thank you all for coming," she began. "As you all know by now, due to recent events a motion has been put forth on whether for the betterment of the League we shouldn't dismiss Superman as a member. As chairwoman I'm obligated once the motion has been seconded to bring this to a vote of all the members. As chairwoman, though, I think it's best if the member that brought the motion explains it to all of you before we vote. Batman?"

Bruce had not expected her to do this, and he was not happy. Giving Dinah his best Batman glare, he moved over to the microphone. A pin dropping could have been heard.

"The League was set up to be a sentinel if you will, for Earth. The idea being that some threats are too great for any one hero to face alone. In essence the League is bigger than any one member. The League's role has expanded to assist nations with natural disasters and other global issues. It is able to do this only with the cooperation and support of the governments and people of Earth. Without that support and cooperation, the League cannot function. If any member, by word or action, negatively affects that relationship and puts it in jeopardy, it is the League's responsibility to severe ties with that member for the greater good of the mission. This applies to all members, even Superman."

Bruce stood for a moment, looking out over the members and then silently turned and resumed his previous spot. Dinah gave him a look and the walked back to the mike.

'So there you have it, that's why we're all here today. Because this is the first time this has ever come up, I'll admit I'm not sure how this should actually go. As Batman said the League is bigger than any one member, so to me that means we are all equal, one hero, one vote. I know this has been the subject of a lot of private conversations, but I think since we're all here, we should open up the floor to debate. If anyone has anything to say, now is the time.'

She looked out over the assembled heroes and they in turn looked at each other. No one seemed to want to be the first to speak. As the moments ticked by, the silence grew more and more uncomfortable. Finally, both Aquaman and Captain Atom stood up.

"If no one else is willing, I will step forward," Arthur said.

"Excuse me, Aquaman, I believe I stood up first," Captain Atom interrupted. "I have the floor and would like to support this motion. I think for the benefit of the League we have to look at the big picture."

"Pardon me, Captain, but you are mistaken," Aquaman interrupted. "I'm sure you feel strongly about this, but as a senior member and a sovereign of a nation, I believe I take precedent. Step aside you'll get your chance."

"With all do respect, Aquaman, you barely show up here half the time," Captain Atom fired back. "We're all equal or didn't you hear the chairwoman just say that?"

"Oh, please Captain, don't be naïve, some of us are obviously more important than others.' Arthur's words were dripping with condescension. "Don't worry, I won't be long and you can get on with your little grandstanding against Superman once I'm finished."

"Why you arrogant bastard," Captain Atom shouted. He was about to say more when Dinah gaveled them both down.

"Shut up, both of you," she said loudly. "If you guys want to have a pissing contest, do it later! I'm the chairwoman and I'm not recognizing either of you until you cool down. The floor's open for anyone else that wants to speak."

"I'd like to say a few words." The voice came from the back of the room and as everyone turned they saw Superman standing there. The heroes parted as he made his way towards the stage.

"Yes, of course, Superman, I didn't know you were back," Dinah said in shock. "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough, "he said as he stepped onto the stage. Clark glanced at Bruce and Diana. Bruce just stared back at him while Diana couldn't seem to meet his eyes. That melancholy feeling came back to Clark. He turned and looked out at all the assembled heroes. These are good people, he told himself, but this is wrong. He took a moment to gather his thoughts and then slowly began to speak.

"As the subject of this vote, I realized I needed to address you all. Batman is right, the League is bigger than any one member and you do have the right to kick any member out for the good of the League. We all understood that when we signed up. I believe this vote is wrong, but as just one member I was outvoted while I was gone. I accept that is part of the process too. What I can't accept is the reason behind this vote. To allow it to continue sets a dangerous precedent in my view. It's giving into fear. Therefore, as this is voluntary I hereby resign my membership.'

Everyone reacted in shock and shouts filled the hall. Superman asked for quiet and eventually got it.

"The League is important and it is my hope and wish that you all move past this and continue its good work. For me I will carry on as I always have. If the need arises, I will always be willing to help each and everyone of you. What I'm not willing to do is allow others to dictate my life. To do that is to turn myself into a slave and I am unwilling to do that for anyone. I hope one day you all can see that.'

Clark glanced at Bruce before continuing.

"We all do what we do because we chose to, not because we were forced to. As soon as we give over that right to a government or any group, we become nothing more than mercenaries, hired thugs for the highest bidder. I won't let the fears of others dictate my life. Fear only breeds more fear no matter what the motives behind it. I chose another way.'

Clark held their gaze for another moment and then walked out. They all watched him leave and then the room erupted. Everyone was talking at once and Dinah gave up any thought of gaveling them to be quiet.

Captain Atom stood among a group of heroes expressing his views.

"Yes, I think he did the right thing!' Captain Atom said. "It solves the problem for the League, but the bigger point in still there! He's an alien! If people are afraid enough of him and her together, sooner or later someone will have to take him down for the greater good. I don't relish that day, but I have a job to do."

Someone tapped the Captain on the shoulder. When he turned around, Kara's fist was already heading for his face. The impact sent him flying across the room and into Wildcat and Vigilante's table. The Captain was a little dazed as he looked up to see Kara standing over him.

'That's one alien's response to your bullshit, Captain! Try and remember it, you douchebag!'

She stormed off and no one got in her way. Vigilante and Wildcat watched her leave and then looked down at Captain Atom.

'Boy, you just never learned when to shut your mouth, do you," Vigilante asked.

"First Superman whoops you, now his little cousin," Wildcat added. "You need to stay away from that family, Captain.'

"She-She didn't whoop me," Captain Atom stammered, as he tried to stand.

"You keep telling yourself that son," Wildcat chuckled. "Vigilante, I think it's time we hit the open road."

"Now you're talking partner."