Chapter Five
The assassination attempt on the life of the Princess of Themyscira and the revelation that she had super human abilities were all people could talk about. Not only did these receive national coverage, but it also became somewhat of an international sensation. And because of Diana's heroics, people began calling her Wonder Woman. It was shorter and easier for most people to call her that, rather than Princess Diana of Themyscira, and just calling her "Diana" seemed rather presumptuous considering her elevated position.
Diana and her guards had gone to Metropolis General to check on Elora. She came successfully out of surgery but was still in critical condition. Once Elora's condition improved, Diana would make sure to have Elora transported back to Themyscira where she would make a full, yet faster, recovery. She was determined to end Etheon's threat to her life and the rest of her people. She knew that if he succeeded in killing her, Etheon's next target would be her mother. He would also do his best to eradicate the rest of the Amazons. The man harbored thousands of years of hate and a calling for vengeance. There was no telling how far that immortal man, who had a vendetta against a nation of Amazons, would go. Until the time came to transfer Elora to Themyscira, Diana gave orders to her guards that the Queen not be informed until Etheon was captured. She pointed out that they would further endanger the lives of Hippolyta and any reinforcements she would bring with her. Diana knew it was not wise to keep her mother in the dark but she could only think of her mother's and sisters' safety. Only if Etheon was successful in his quest for vengeance would one of the guards inform the Queen.
Governor Martin had assigned round the clock security at the hospital for Diana's injured guard. Since gaining international attention, he wanted to make sure that he did his best to maintain favorable relations with a foreign diplomat. However, he preferred to keep that maintenance at arm's length via telephone. If he was going to make a run for the Presidency in a few years, he needed to stay alive and as far away from dignitaries who attracted bullets as possible.
Senator Martha Kent, on the other hand, arrived at the hospital with her son, aide, and secret service agents in tow. Diana was relieved to see that Martha showed no visible signs of being harmed by stray bullets, and embraced the older woman with heartfelt sincerity. "Senator, I hope that you are here to be examined for injuries by the physicians."
"I'm fine, Diana. Don't worry about me," Martha reassured Diana.
Diana looked to Clark, who simply nodded back to her.
Martha caught them silently communicating. "Really, you two. Diana, you did a fine job deflecting those bullets away from us. Thank you. And you, Clark. You should know better. I'm not made of glass."
"Yes, mom, but you're my mother."
"Exactly." Martha countered.
Clark looked like he was about to add another comment. So Diana interjected. "You shouldn't be here, Senator. What if that man comes back for me at this moment, and you do get hurt. I would feel responsible if anything happened to you."
"The hospital is surrounded with policemen and federal agents. Not to mention the media. This is not the park where there are plenty of spaces to hide and an open area to shoot someone. And I'm the last person you should be worried about. I'm worried about you, Diana. And besides, as a member of the United States Senate, you are a guest in our country and we need to make every effort to show that we care about you."
Ronald, Martha's aide, had only been a member of the Senator's staff a few months. Although the Senator was very professional and more than proficient in her position, he noticed that Martha had a habit of becoming everyone's surrogate mother. Ronald had become used to it. As much as he secretly enjoyed working for a mother-figure, Ronald felt that it was not proper to address a member of royalty so informally.
The Amazon guard Delleia found it perplexing that her Princess would allow this Senator, even a female one, to speak to Diana as if she was none other than Hippolyta herself. The Senator's concern for Diana was admirable and reassuring, so Delleia remained silent but watchful.
Diana smiled at Martha. "Thank you, Senator."
"Please call me Martha, dear. There are plenty of people who call me Senator." The older woman said. As if an afterthought occurred to Martha, she continued, "Oh, Diana, let me formally introduce you to my son, Clark."
"We actually met at yesterday's press conference, your Highness." Clark said this as he extended his hand to Diana.
Following Martha and Clark's lead, Diana took Clark's hand. "Yes, we did. Thank you for assisting us earlier by getting Elora the medical help she needed."
"We heard that she's out of surgery. That she's going to be fine." Clark added. Diana grimly nodded.
"And this is my aide, Ronald." Martha introduced the young man who appeared apprehensive, yet in awe, as he looked up at the beautiful Princess.
"Uh…Hello, your Highness." Ronald's voice raised a couple of octaves.
Diana greeted him with a smile that could melt ice. "Hello. Senator Kent must think very highly of you to have you as a member of her staff. Meeting you is an honor."
A blush crept up Ronald's cheeks. "I…uh…thank you, your Highness."
Ronald tried unsuccessfully to maintain his serious composure. Clark could only empathize with the guy as he noticed Ronald was fidgeting with his collar and jacket.
"Diana, dear, why don't we find a more private area to discuss some options for you to consider." Martha suggested this as she looked around the floor of the ICU. There were a handful of nurses and doctors at a nearby station. There were no other visitors in the waiting area. The visitors that were there earlier had dispersed to the hallways at the sight of the imposing Amazons carrying spears and swords.
Diana let out a sigh and nodded. "The rest of my guards and I were actually going to go back to the hotel for a while. My suite should suffice. You can all follow us there if you think that is a good location." She looked for Martha and Clark's agreement.
Instead, Martha replied, "Actually, I think it would be best if we find an empty room on this floor." She turned to her son, "Clark, find us a room, please."
"This way." Clark led the way to an occupied room, with Martha, Diana, Delleia, and Ronald close behind.
Before entering the room, Martha asked both Ronald and Delleia to give the trio some privacy and wait by the door. Ronald unquestioningly said, "Yes, Senator." Delleia, on the other hand, looked to her Princess first. Diana gave her a quick nod, giving her approval that Delleia respect the Senator's request.
As soon as the door was shut, Martha was the first to speak. "Diana, I don't think you should go back to the hotel. Whoever tried to kill you knows that's where you're staying. He may come after you there."
"My mom's right, you know. He missed his chance earlier and I'm sure he's pretty pissed off, too. He could be waiting somewhere in the building or across another rooftop." Clark added.
Diana simply looked at mother and son. "Then I'll meet him there. I'm not afraid."
"Yes, but you don't know who else he'll hurt while he's trying to kill you. More of your Amazon sisters? Innocent bystanders?" Clark knew that Diana cared more about the safety others than her own, and hoped that she would see the sense to agree with him and his mother. When he noticed the look of concern dawn on Diana's face, Clark continued, "Until we know more about him and come up with a plan to stop him, I think we need to get you someplace safe. Somewhere he can't find you."
Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Diana retorted, "Very well. Your reasons to hide me seem valid. I certainly don't want any more harm done to my sisters, or to anyone who gets in his way. And where would you suggest I stay in the meantime?"
"Why the farm, my dear," Martha answered matter-of-factly.
At the mention of the Kent farm, Diana relaxed her stance. She enjoyed being back at the farm the night before. It was welcoming, comforting. And miles away from prying eyes. Diana smiled at the thought of going back to the farm.
But Martha's next words took that brief smile away. "Then it's settled. It's been a while since I've been home. I'll make dinner."
"What?!" It seemed both Clark and Diana exclaimed their surprise simultaneously. Once again, they quickly exchanged silent concerns over Martha's wellbeing.
"Martha, your safety. If anything happens to you…" Diana started.
"Mom, Diana and I can handle this situation by ourselves…" Clark began.
Martha raised her hand in a signal of silence. "Ah…Shush…I don't want to hear from either of you. This was my idea, and I'm not going to abandon Diana in her time of need. I just can't go back to Washington right now, especially if something happens that I could've had a hand in helping."
"What about Ronald? And your secret service agents?" Clark asked his mother, trying appear contrite but at the same time he needed to justify more concerns.
"I'll send Ronald back to DC to run the rest of my staff. He won't be a problem. My two shadows on the other hand, they go wherever I go. I've tried to get rid of them a few different times, but they just don't listen."
Seeing that further arguments with Martha would be futile, Diana relented. "I know that a couple of my guards wouldn't hear of leaving my side. I'll make sure the others stay here to watch over Elora's progress."
"Ok, that sounds like a good start. We'll take my car and our security teams can follow us in yours. And then you can tell us all you know about the man who attacked you." Martha clasped and patted Diana's arm. "Let's go then."
"Wait. Mom. How are we going to actually get home? There's a barrage of media people downstairs. When they see the three of us getting into your limo, you know they would give their souls to find out where we're going with Diana. I'm betting that they'll want to follow us as well."
"One solution at a time, Clark," his mother stated. "I'm sure we'll think of something in the elevator."