Disclaimer: I did not invent the term 'meta-gene'. The series Young Justice is owed that credit.
Chapter 11
All of the quotes were taken. Clark was even able to track down Senator Francis and Clay and get a few words out of them. Kassandra had finished her legal analysis of the legislation. They worked all day and night over the weekend combining notes to create the completed article.
Their article was published in the first edition of the October 1st paper on the front page and the Daily Planet website:
"Throughout human history, whenever two groups of people with differing ideologies, religions, even looks would meet these differences would sometimes lead to misunderstanding and war. In modern times, humanity still endures conflicts based on these reasons. However we pride ourselves on the progress that we have made in fostering tolerance and acceptance across social groups. Our lacking perfection in this progress aside, few people would attest that life today is the same or worse than life was just 40 years ago. Nevertheless recent events make it evident that humanity has far to go on its path to peace and prosperity for all peoples, and is still afflicted with the prejudices and fears of yesterday.
Six months ago an unprecendented event took place in which we learned that we are not alone in the universe and that that other life could possess abilities beyond our imaginations. This astonishment was compounded by the discovery that individuals with extraordinary abilities exist on this planet. Although superheroes have existed for a while now such as the Flash in Central City, Aquaman, Batman in Gotham, and the Green Arrow in Star City, many believed that people with extra abilities gained them by accident. Curiosity into the process that would allow seemingly average individuals to gain abilities from accidents that should have otherwise killed them led the scientific community to the deeper study of human genetics and eventually the realization that this capability is ingrained in certain people from birth. Cadmus Labs discovered what they have dubbed the 'meta-gene' and call the people with this extra active gene 'meta-humans'. Although fascinating to the scientific community, the public has greeted meta-humans with some trepidation.
In a way it is understandable by the rest of humanity to be wary of such individuals as they could possess extraordinary powers. But this fear has been expanded into the form of legislation that is now on the floor of Congress. It is our opinion that the passage of such legislation would be a grave and wrong choice.
The Meta-Human Registration Act, also known as Security for Americans Act, is a bill that was composed by several members of the House and Senate. At the forefront are the Senators James Francis (R) PA and Richard Clay (D) NY. In the past they have been vocal about superhero activity seeing them as vigilantes that interfere with police investigations and struck a controversial cord when they voted against Superman's honorary United States citizenship. As such their participation comes as no surprise. What is confounding about this legislation is the involvement of Lex Luthor the CEO of Lexcorp. Although he hasn't been shy about his disdain for Superman for the damage to his property during the Metropolis invasion, he has never given comment about the existence of other superheroes. Nor has he expressed interest in pursuing a political office. This leads to a troubling conclusion to what end this legislation will serve.
This legislation would require all meta-humans to register in a government census. The census would entail giving out personally identifiable information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. They would also be required to list their abilities. In conjunction with these criteria, any meta-human engaging in crime fighting activity would have to identify themselves and work cooperatively with local authorities.
The Senators and Luthor cite the increase in hero activity is in relationship to recent increases in criminal activity, especially crimes perpetrated by meta-humans, whom some have called super-villians. They claim that meta-humans pose 'an unique and considerable danger' to the American people and that this legislation would help prevent damage to American welfare. However both the Senators and Lex Luthor refuse to acknowledge that the meta-human criminals in question are most effectively stopped by superheroes or in other words, other super-powered people.
Although a few proponents have slipped into some xenophobic rhetoric, stating the individuals are 'freaks of nature', most agree with the forgers of the bill stating what they believe is an obvious truth: these people are dangerous and need to be watched. They say that they would be doing other Americans a disservice if they didn't protect them. Others feel that not all meta-humans are dangerous, but don't know of a way to tell the difference between a helpful and a hurtful person. Their distrust stems from the fact that although the superheroes are helpful, they don't follow any known rules as one protestor stated outside the Congressional Building:
'If only they had a way to represent themselves. Especially the superheroes. If they would come out into the open and let the public decide, like with Superman, we could trust them. Sometimes we can't even trust the police. But at least they have to follow rules. What rules do these meta-humans or superheroes follow?'
Critics state several concerns about the legislation. One of which is the violence against meta-humans that are discovered. And that fear should not be the basis of laws. From a legal standpoint some argue that this legislation would violate constitutional rights, for example the right to privacy.
Whether or not the Constitution protects the right to privacy ultimately depends on the opinion of the Justice interpreting the Constitution. Some take a narrow view, while others view the Bill of Rights as encompassing a general right to privacy as the 9th amendment states to protect enumerated rights not explicitly expressed in the Bill of Rights. As well as the 4th amendment which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures without probable cause. It is possible to cite violations of 14th amendment's rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as many meta-humans if they are found out are subject to unlawful searches, discrimination in the workforce, and even violence. However one should note that in times of crisis often legislation is passed that would otherwise never be considered.
Despite the disparity in feelings toward the legislation both sides agree that the public should ultimately vote on this decision. Not only because it would be the American thing to do, but some reason that they would wish a vote would occur out of loyalty to their heroes.
'These people are powerful, but so many of them fight to defend us,' said a protestor against the legislation.
'Even if this law is passed it won't stop any violence perpetrated by meta-humans. The only way to stop a bad meta-human is with the aid of a good meta-human,' said a local merchant from Metropolis.
In every city where super-heroes reside, local officials and the common people have lauded them as a bastion of morality and justice. Even the town of Smallville and the city of Metropolis, two places where the citizenry would be most justified in their hesitance to trust powerful people, have almost unanimously rallied behind Superman and other superheroes. Why?
Because they represent the power behind the good they do. They represent their communities and protect them from threats the police and other forces would be unable to attend to. When our entire world was threatened by an alien military force, our own strength was too weak to stop them, but we put our hope into a man who so loved the world that he sacrificed his own to save ours. They are some of the best humanity has to offer; standing side by side with our men and women in uniform to protect and serve. These heroes in these cities put their lives on the line without anyone knowing their true names. They do this not for glory, but for what is right. They do what they do to inspire us to listen to our better angels and become heroes ourselves.
A meta-human could one day become a super-villain, but he or she could also become a superhero. Or they could spend the rest of their lives as loyal citizens working to better humanity in their own, perhaps more private way. Going about their lives like everyone else inherently they deserve the chance to prove to the world that they are not to be feared as they could be our greatest allies in fighting whatever dangers we face.
The future is uncertain. And it is our opinion that we should trust in hope that all people have the capacity for good. 'It is not our abilities that show what we truly are; it is our choices.' Right now we face a difficult choice: to be controlled by fear or led by hope."
He and Lois were different in approaching the publishing of their articles. Lois loved to read the comments they garnered if only for the satisfaction of informing people while possibly ruffling a few feathers in the process. Clark however liked to absorb the quiet before the storm of Internet commentary. So with the printing of his article, Clark was above the clouds on patrol. No matter how it was received he knew that he, Lois, and Kassandra had done their best. Even so he was nervous to read the comments that it would generate. The Facebook statuses, the tweets, the blog posts. At least it would create a conversation. Clark grimaced. The Internet rarely had 'conversations'.
Most of the time with his articles he generally avoided the comment section for his sanity's sake, but when he did trek into that dangerous territory, the comments bounced off him like bullets. He was adept at spotting and ignoring trolls and frankly he didn't have time for just unpleasant people. Always open to constructive criticism, justly correction, and healthy debate, Clark actually appreciated those comments, but the moment the name-calling and fighting started he would disable the comment section swiftly. Whatever he wrote about was of importance to him, but he chose to not see those comments as a personal attack on him. This article was different though. It felt as though this was a personal confession of his own frustrations about being super-powered in a world that greatly feared that. This was personal.
He had lived through ostracization and verbal and physical abuse. And it was horrible. The only reason he had come out of Smallville with a good heart and head was because of his parents. Some other people weren't so lucky and he didn't want anyone else to live through that.
His thoughts were interrupted when suddenly Clark heard sirens. Clark was glad for the interruption and the opportunity to lead through hope. He zeroed in on the police dispatcher:
"Robbery. 211S at Metro-1 Bank on 47th and Baker St."
Clark descended upon the robbery calmly. It was the usual fare: people in black clothes wearing transparent, but obscuring masks. Two men and one woman were waving around their guns and barking orders for everyone to stay on the ground. Meanwhile another woman and man pair stood behind the tellers with guns trained on their heads as they shoveled money into open bags.
Clark zipped in and knocked all of them down with very little effort. The patrons looked around cautiously.
"It's alright everyone. The police are on their way," he said confidently.
"Superman!" A boy in a t-shirt and jeans called out and pointed directly behind Clark.
He turned to see one of the robbers pointing a gun at him. This robber was tall and muscular. He could tell that underneath his mask his face was angular and his eyes were black as night. More annoyed that the man recovered consciousness so quickly, he walked with authority, but with no degree of fear. He walked closer though more slowly this time. Not of his own volition as somehow his muscles felt heavier than usual and he felt a small ache in his right temple.
"Put the gun down and no one will get hurt." He said sternly, but he swallowed thickly. He looked at the gun briefly. What did that criminal have to gain by shooting him? It was strange. Although Clark did notice that this gun was a different weapon he was using than before. It had slots cut into the side of a silver metal and the inside of the gun glowed a slight green.
"Let's agree to disagree," the man said menacingly.
The other burglars were regaining consciousness. Apparently he hadn't hit them that hard enough. When they saw him they all pulled out weapons similar to the first man. They were all glowing green on the inside. His limbs weren't working and it took a great deal of effort to stand straight. It was like his body was slowly filling with lead. He blinked trying to clear the fuzziness from his eyes, but it didn't work. Nothing worked.
"Are you feeling alright Superman?" one of the other men surrounding him asked him mockingly. He was tall and wiry.
"Yeah," said a lithe and muscular woman standing to his right, "you're looking a little green."
The stout one and the red-head at the teller station remained silent.
There was a ripple of laughter. From the corner of his eye he saw a stout one move to strike him, he dodged the blow, grabbed his arm and threw him into the wiry one. Momentarily distracted by the display, he was able to super-speed to the woman, bat the gun out of the way and push her into the wall. The only ones left was the stout one and the red-head. Both of whom were shouting.
"Shoot him! Shoot him now!"
The red-head pulled the trigger, but it jammed. She hit it repeatedly allowing Clark to fly over the teller's station and push her to the ground. Then he pulled the stout man's legs out from under him. He heard him land with a thud.
Clark was panting and sweating as he walked slowly around the station toward the entrance of the bank. He could hear sirens outside.
"Superman!"
It was the boy from before. Clark turned just in time to see a flash and hear a gun fire. The man's black eyes were glittering. Clark looked down and confusedly touched his hand to his chest. When he removed it his hand was stained red, he was confused at first almost curious about this red liquid coming out of him, but then fire ripped through his body. It was a pain he had never experienced before. Intense burning in his veins. Like acid. It consumed him from head to foot, until he felt nothing. Absolutely nothing.
"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are; it is our choices." Professor Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (movie)