I think this chapter is a littler shorter than the last one. Sorry.
Next one will be much longer.
One week ago…
General Lane and several other military leaders from across the nations sat in a secret room at a secret location to discuss what they would do if Darkseid did decide to officially attack the planet, if it was Darkseid to begin with. The ship that hovered directly over the island of Themyscira could be seen clearly day or night. The moment the Watchtower had picked up on it, warnings went out to all the members of the Justice League of America and International.
The nations were alarmed. Those who were enemies on Earth because allies when a threat to the entire planet became possible. So here they were, men (and a few women) of honor and of the highest military rank sitting in a room and trying to figure out what to do. Some called for the use of atomic weapons and others were unsure if they would be even able to reach a ship that had crossed galaxies. Humanity had not even gotten past Mars.
The Green Lantern John Stewart would be helpful but even he would not be enough and no other support would come due to an attack on a distant galaxy calling most of the other Lanterns away. The Blue Lantern Saint Bro'Dee Walker would be arriving in less than two days. Even if he did arrive in time for an attack that has not been given a specific date, would he be enough?
"Colonel Kane, what do you think?" asked General Lane after presenting his plan; an ultimate plan that they hoped would bring the downfall of the Apokolips ship. When several of the international leaders objected, he turned to Kane. "From one army man to another."
Colonel Kane scanned his audience and thought for a moment before replying. "They're right. We have to trust that the JLA and JLI will do their jobs. That doesn't mean we shouldn't create a contingency plan. Major Steve Trevor is speaking with the Amazons at this very moment. If we get our way, they will allow us to temporarily come onto the island and assist them in the battle."
"What if it doesn't work?" asked an admiral from England's Royal Navy.
Colonel Kane mulled it over for a moment. "Then I agree with General Lane. We go to Plan B."
Themyscira Island, Now…
Batman stared at the cold, pale body of Kara Zor-El. She was dressed in a light cotton material, courtesy of the Amazons, with the House of El symbol sown in silver thread on her chest. The warriors had done an excellent job of cleaning her body and preparing her for the funeral.
"Don't you think it's a little soon to have a funeral?" Batman only acknowledged Nightwing's presence by the slight turn of his head.
"It's custom to burn the body. Superman doesn't want that. As a compromise, Kara will be given a funeral rite here on Themyscira now and then buried in the Arctic at Superman's Kryptonian Fortress."
"What about The Flash and Blue Beetle?" Nightwing was standing next to Batman now, his face staring intently at Kara.
"I've retrieved all the data I need from them. They were shipped out this morning and will be buried at home. And Nightwing?"
"Yes, Batman?"
"I'm sorry. I know you and The Flash were close."
Nightwing had been looking at Batman's face as he spoke. When he stopped, Nightwing looked down at Kara again. "Oracle should be here. Kara was her best-friend. She should be here."
"The Amazons have agreed to let PGN do a live broadcast of tonight. Oracle will join us in the Arctic."
"How long will Supergirl have to remain here?"
"Just until the sun rises. Once it does, Wonder Woman will relinquish her."
Nightwing took in a deep breath and crossed his arms. "Supergirl's not some possession to be traded off."
Batman turned to Nightwing. "Supergirl was an honorary Amazon. She remains here until sunrise."
Nightwing looked past Batman then said, "Fine." He walked away as Wonder Woman approached. She placed her hand on Batman's shoulder.
"It's time, Batman." He nodded and joined Superman who was standing off to the side. The camera woman and Cat Grant reviewed how the proceedings will go.
The Rest of the World, Now…
It had been two days since the news of Supergirl's, The Flash's, and Blue Beetle's death was shared with the world. Tonight would be the live broadcast of Supergirl's funeral wake being held on Themyscira. National City, Supergirl's first home, wanted her to be buried with them but the mayor did not argue when he was given Superman's request to have her official burial at his fortress.
In Gotham City, Katherine, Bette, and Stephanie sat on Bette's couch to watch the live broadcast. Detectives Maggie Sawyer and Harvey Bullock were busy with paperwork at the GCPD precinct, but the television in the corner of the room was on and turned to PGN. A handful of uniforms had stood in front of it but got shooed away by Captain Levy, the head of the Homicide Division. He didn't, however, stop them from hovering nearby when the service was less than 30 minutes away. Now, they were all frozen and watching the screen. Even the few criminals waiting to be processed had grown quiet as the minutes ticked down.
Barbara Gordon and Jason Todd sat across from each other at Beantasm and fixed their eyes on the television. They hadn't spoken the moment the news had come on.
Helena Bertinelli and the recently returned Karen Starr, who had been away on a mission for the Justice Society of America, were eating dinner in Karen's penthouse. "You should be there," said Helena as they were cooking.
"Superman's taking her to the Arctic. I'll be at that one." Helena stopped stirring the spaghetti sauce and placed a hand on her best-friend's shoulder. Karen reached up and placed her hand over Helena's. They stayed like that until the sauce started to bubble.
In Smallville, Lana Lang, Mrs. Kent, and Derrick Albright waited at the Kent farm. Lana had driven Derrick all the way from Kansas City, Missouri to watch the service with Mrs. Kent. Lana would, when it began, would do her best to describe what was happening on the screen since he had lost his sight years ago after an incident that Kara had kept from turning into a disaster.
In Metropolis, Lois and Lucy Lane were at Lois's apartment. They had been cooking but after the half-burnt pizza wasn't enough to satisfy their stomachs they ordered Thai food. "Where's Clark?" Lucy had asked when she was looking over the menu.
"On assignment. He won't be back 'til next week."
"Oh." Lois stopped editing her article and turned towards her sister. "Lo? Do you think Linda is really dead?" The possible death of Linda Lee-Danvers spread quickly once news of the earthquake in Qurac hit the internet. Lois felt torn, tell Kara's secret and thus Clark's, or assuage her sister's fear?
"I don't know, Luc. It's hard to say right now. They're still dealing with the instability of the environment from it and the aftershocks." Lucy nodded but said nothing. "Hey, the PGN broadcast will be airing soon and I'm not spending my night off with you for nothing." Lucy reluctantly held a hand out to Lois who grabbed it and dragged her to the couch. "Come on, let's get comfortable and watch a rom-com until our food gets here."
Jimmy and Veronica were at a bar swapping weird stories. She had decided to extend her stay in Metropolis for a few more days. The bar was playing some soccer game between the Star City and Central City teams but the bartender promised to change the channel when the time came. "Hey, bartender, it's time." The older gentleman nodded and turned the channel. A few groans let out across the room but settled down when they saw what was playing on the television.
Cat Grant was standing in front of the camera with a microphone under her chin. "This is Cat Grant of PGN. We're here live at Themyscira Island, home of the Amazons. In a few moments, the funeral service for Supergirl who was also known as Kara Zor-El of Krypton will begin. We-" Cat got briefly distracted before motioning for the camerawoman to turn the camera. It swiveled to the left and showed a large group of Amazons and costumed superheroes with the occasional military man or woman interspersed amongst the heroes.
The main aisle between the two sets of people gave a clear view of Supergirl laying on an altar with a thin, white shroud covering her body and face. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman stood on the right like statues. Wonder Woman glanced at Superman and Batman before stepping forward. She was dressed in full Amazonian garb, which made her look more like Queen Hippolyta than Wonder Woman.
She lifted her head as she looked across the crowd and spoke in a soothing yet commanding voice. "Let us begin…"
