Superman/Steven Universe:
The Shield of Hope
(Note: I'm back everyone, with one heck of a story for you all. A multi-parter filled with epic battles and reveals. I worked super hard on this one and I am proud to show it off to all of you. Thank you all for the kind support that pushes me forward to write this story. You all are amazing. Now buckle up and get ready for a ride. :)
Chapter 21
Beach City, Early Afternoon
"Okay, okay, I just can you run this by me again Lane," Perry said from the other side of the line
Lois was at a pay phone on the street surrounded by two soldiers as she was making a call
"I am currently trapped in Beach City, being held against my will by the U.S. government," Lois explained with an exhausted huff receiving a moment of silence from Perry
"Who'd you piss off now?" Perry asked simply
"Wha-I-I did not…. My dad." Lois said annoyed
"Wow, that bad?" Perry asked
"This isn't just a family spat Perry….. Well partially it is, but there is something big going down here. I can't spare all the details because these jerks are watching my VERY PRIVATE CALL!" Lois yelled as the soldier behind her
"We're just doing our job Ma'am." The soldier said
"Lois, please don't yell at the troops," Perry said
"Listen I already have the story ready so once I get back get ready to print, also hire some lawyers because we may be sued by the U.S. government," Lois said
"We can't even afford a coffee machine, Lois," Perry said
"I know just….. This is important Chief. I have seen some shit these past few days, and the world needs to know what is happening." Lois pleaded
"I know, I know Lois I believe you. I will always take you seriously when it comes to a story, with recent events I feel like I need to believe the absurd. But I still can't help but worry about you when you go on crusades like this. And seeing how your father is involved I can't help but…." Perry said nervously
"My father has nothing to do with my investment in this!" Lois said defiantly
"Mmmmmmmmm…" Perry said his head shake could be felt from the other side of the line
"HE DOESN'T!" Lois yelled into the phone angrily surprising the soldiers
"Alright, don't blow out my eardrums. Just you and Olsen be okay over there alright." Perry said
"Eh it ain't too bad here, some kind folks are letting us Crash on their couch. Oh, but before I forget, did you hear anything from Clark?" Lois asked worriedly
"Worried about the country boy eh? Well not from him, but the Hospital he's staying at the doctor said he was sent there after some kind of fight in beach city. I managed to talk to him a bit, and he told me not to worry about him, he also asked me to tell you and Jimmy he's fine and he'll see ya soon." Perry said hearing Lois's sigh of relief
"Good, any idea where he is?" Lois asked
"Sorry, but no. Before I could ask the doctor, the connection went all weird, and I lost her, probably should've asked for a number." Perry said
"Alright, he's okay, that good. Perry listen I-." Lois said until
"Lois." Sam Lane said standing behind
"Need to talk to my Dad. Call you back." Lois said with a groan
"Go easy on the old soldier," Perry said before Lois hung up the phone
"Hello general," Lois said turning around
"Lois, where's Greg DeMayo?" Sam asked seriously
"I don't-Wait DeMayo what-Never mind I don't know where Greg is," Lois said
"Lois if you know anything….." Sam asked
"I know as much as you guys. We said goodnight to him, he went to the car wash, and the next morning he and his van were gone. And even if I knew where he was, I wouldn't tell you." Lois said spitefully
"Lois can you please not do this," Sam said annoyed
"Oh sorry am I inconveniencing you, I am so sorry. I mean it's not like I know how that feels, being kept someplace against my will, not being able to sleep in my own bed or call my friends who are worried sick about me." Lois said
"Lois you don't understand how volatile this is," Sam said his anger rising
"Oh yeah, this sleepy beach town is really volatile. Hey, how's it going with you raiding that little kid's beach house, wouldn't want any dangerous alien viruses jumping off the kids DJ Teddy Bear." Lois said fed up
"LOIS!" Sam yelled angrily
The two then glared at each other neither of them backing down as the intensity was reaching its boiling point between the two.
"General Lane Sir." A soldier said walking up and saluting
"Not now solider," Sam growled not breaking eye contact with his daughter
"This is really important sir." The soldier said
"And what pray tell is that?" Sam said still not breaking eye contact
"Um is this a bad time, should we do this later," Greg said concerned
The two Lanes heads immediately shot up to look at Greg Universe standing beside the soldier with a nervous grin and a wave.
Smallville
"Do you really need to go back?" Steven asked
"It's the right thing to do Steven. Those soldier guys are probably flipping out over the fact that I'm gone. I don't want anyone else to get in trouble because of me." Greg said as he held Steven
"But what if their angry that you're gone? What if they interrogate you? WHAT IF THEY DO THOSE THINGS LIKE THAT MOVIE WE SAW LAST MONTH!?"Steven yelled panicked
"I don't know what film you're talking about, but I don't think General Lane is going to hurt you or anyone in Beach city. He's an honorable man." Clark said
"Giving the guy a little too much credit their supes," Amethyst said
"He's a veteran Amethyst. He served his country and is still trying to serve it, sometimes old war dogs like us have trouble getting our heads out of the war." John said standing next to Clark
"I understand, but he is very dangerous. Are you sure you want to do this Greg?" Garnet asked receiving a nod from Greg
"You….. Are being very brave Greg." Pearl said simply not making eye contact making Greg smile
"We'll take care of your boy," Martha said
"I know you will." Greg smiled as he hugged his son one last time
Greg then entered his van, Lola gave a smile, and a lifted the Van and flew into the sky. Steven saw his father wave and he waved back as he vanished into the clouds.
Steven huffed as he looked out the window of the Kent house looking at the Golden fields that stretched out before the home. The sun was high in the afternoon, and clouds littered the sky. Steven felt terrible that his father had to go but was also proud of him for going back. At the same time, Steven's mind went back to Beach City and the residence there wondering if they were okay. Steven then thought about Connie, today was usually when she would come over, and they would hang out. She would be in for a surprise when she got to Beach City, he should probably call her and let her know about what's going on. But before he could ponder this further, he looked out to the front yard and Saw Superman in costume talking with the gems. Curiosity filled him, and he ran downstairs and out the door.
"Guys, what's going on?" Steven asked running up to the group
"Oh, Steven I thought you were resting?" Pearl said
"I rested, but what's going on? Clark's all suited up." Steven asked
"Looks like you all are going out," John said walking out to meet them
"Mr. Kent, we are going out. We're heading back to Metropolis." Garnet said
"Farmboy thinks he's got a lead with some scientist that worked with Luthor," Amethyst said
"Emil Hamilton, he worked for Lexcorp but was fired. There's a reason besides the one given in the papers. I don't know why but I think he may know something about what's going on with Lex's Project Crystal, the military, that green rock, everything. It's a stretch, but it's all we got." Clark said adjusting his cape
"It may help us with freeing Beach City from the Military. It's a risk, but we have to take it." Pearl said
"Then let's go!" Steven said excitedly getting some hesitant looks from the others
"Steven…. Dear….. I….. We think it'll be best if you stay here with the Kent's" Pearl said sadly
"W-What?" Steven said sadly
"Steve-O-buddy, this is gonna be super dangerous. The government is on the lookout for us, and they have tanks, guns, and jerks and robot suits." Amethyst said
"Clark was able to hide here for years without being found out, here you'll be safe for as long as it'll take for us to fix this…. Or if we come back," Garnet said
"What do you mean, if we come back?" Steven said tears welling up in his eyes
"Steven listen. We don't know what's going to happen, but they want you to be safe. And here you will be. We don't know how long we'll be gone, but Ma and Pa will keep you safe until we return. Do you understand?" Clark said
"Promise…" Steven said surprising Clark
"Promise me you'll keep them safe," Steven said looking up at Clark
"I promise," Clark said without hesitation
"Really?" Steven asked
"Steven, I don't lie," Clark said with a hopeful smile as he extended his hand for Steven to shake
Steven returned the smile and shook his hand. Steven's face then brightened in a realization
"OH WAIT! I-no-Lola, your Ma, and I made you something last night." Steven said excitedly pulling on Clark's arm
"You guys were up really late last night," John said
"Oh, you made something, what?" Clark asked curiously
"We mad you a uniform!" Steven said smiling
"What's wrong with what I have?" Clark said looking at his jeans and T-shirt
"Come on! LOLA, MS. KENT LET'S BRING IT OUT!" Steven said as he brought Clark inside
"Oh, joyous day come along Kal-El you'll love what we made," Lola said from inside
"You know we gotta see this," Amethyst said with a grin as she walked in the House
For the next 15 minutes, the gems and John sat downstairs waiting for Clark and the others who were currently upstairs. They soon heard descending footsteps as Lola happily made downstairs followed by Martha who had a small smile.
"So what have you been up to?" John asked as Steven came down the step.
"Everybody I introduce to you-SUPERMAN!" Steven said as he gestured up the stairs
Footsteps followed as red boots stepped against the wooden steps and Clark made his way downstairs. He now wore a full body blue suit that covered everything except his hands and neck. Along the waist, multiple yellow rectangles were going across looking like a belt and at the center right under the belly button was a red diamond acting as the buckle. He wore red boots that stopped two inches below his knees. On his sides atop the yellow rectangles were two large red Diamonds. Of course on his chest was his symbol red and yellow, and he wore his cape on his back. The suit was really showing off his muscular physique.
"Wow not leaving much to the imagination aren't ya?" Amethyst said with a laugh to Clark's embarrassment?
"Don't you think it's a little tight Martha?" John said nervously
"Oh hush you, he looks wonderful," Martha said
"It certainly catches the eye, I guess people will be looking at your suit so much they won't look at your face." Pearl joked
"We based it off of old Kryptonian clothes, they used to wear stuff like this all the time," Steven said happily
"Yeah well, this is Earth Steven," Amethyst said
Garnet said nothing the entire conversation but simply gave Superman the thumbs up making him smile. The four then walked outside getting ready to go Garnet making a bubble to encase them while Superman carried.
"Now Mas-Kal-El this suit is made from a synthetic Kryptonian fabric. It's almost as good as the real thing, this won't get worn or dirtied, and it'll take a lot to tear this. And calculating your increase in speed, I can safely tell you this suit can handle the G's. You won't have to hold back on speed." Lola instructed
"Thank Lola. We will come back, Steven looks after my folks for me." Superman said smiling receiving a thumbs up from Steven
Superman nodded as he took the bubble and slowly lifted himself into the air facing the direction of Metropolis.
"I'd hang on if I were you. Lola said I didn't have to hold back." Superman said
"Hold onto wha-?!" Pearl said but was interrupted when the rocketed across the sky in a pink and red blur a boom filling the air as they did clouds parting from the speed at which they traveled. Lola, the Kent's, and Steven looked up at the sky filled with the hope of their return.
Metropolis, Suicide Slums
Superman stood on the roof of a building overlooking an apartment while the gems were slowly trying to collect themselves from the trip.
"You really didn't hold back on the speed did ya?" Garnet said
"I think I felt my gem sink into my body and touch my back," Amethyst said with a groan
"Do you guys need a minute?" Superman asked concerned
"N-no, no we're fine. Are you sure this is the place?" Pearl said looking at the rundown apartment building
"This was his last known address," Superman said
"Looks like this Hamilton guy really fell from grace," Amethyst said looking out to the dirty streets and numerous homeless people
"The Suicide Slums named so because this is where people go when they think they have no more options along with the numerous….. you know. This place has a serious crime problem it's where I started out when I first came to Metropolis." Superman said
"Let's hope Dr. Hamilton isn't another statistic. Is he inside?" Garnet said standing next to Superman to get a good look at the building
"Can't really pick him out. But on the third floor farthest window to the left, not trying to play reinforce stereotypes but I see a lot of electricity being used with a lot of computer screens. Looks like the room of a scientist to me." Superman said
"Hm, how do you suggest we get in?" Garnet asked
"Well it's obvious Clark put on your civilian clothes, we will shapeshift and show ourselves as reporters to ask Dr. Hamilton some que- Where's Amethyst?!" Pearl started and stopped in realization
"BANZAI!" Amethyst yelled as she jumped off the roof towards the window Superman pointed out
She yelled as she soared over the street and crashed through the window rolling across the ground before slamming into a bookshelf making all the books fall on her.
"AMETHYST!" Pearl yelled jumping through the broken window
"What?" Amethyst said head popping out from the books
"Amethyst this is breaking and entering!" Superman said looking through the broken window as Garnet jumped through it as well
"What if the Doctor heard us?!" Pearl yelled
"Too late," Garnet said as she heard approaching footsteps
"ALRIGHT, YOU BASTARDS IF YOU THINK I'M GONNA LET YOU STEAL MY WORK YOU GOT ANOTHER THING-!" Dr. Hamilton yelled kicking open the door of his room holding a wooden baseball bat
He then saw the people who were standing in his room
"Coming," Emil said quieting down and just staring at them
"Oh hello Dr. Hamilton, I swear this isn't what it looks like," Pearl said nervously
"I-it's you….. All of you." Hamilton said amazed
"You know us?" Superman asked
"He does," Garnet said looking at a wall filled with photos, notes, and newspaper clippings.
There were blurry photos of Superman and the gems, of gem structures, and creatures. Sketches and notes of alien tech with hypothesis are written on them. And finally the Daily Planet paper with the picture of Superman and the Crystal gems fighting the Parasite.
"Thi-this is amazing. You're here, in my home, this is-!" Hamilton said with a laugh
"Emil what's going on up there, do I need to get the shotgun?" a female voice from downstairs yelled
"NO GRETA… It's just-I have friends over." Emil yelled downstairs
"What friends break a window?!" Greta yelled back
"JUST-WAIT IN THE CAR GRETA! I'LL BE WITH YOU SOON!" Emil yelled as he closed the door
"I'm sorry, she's my landlady. But this is amazing you are here, I have spent so much of my life looking alien life. Traveling, researching, making a deal with that….. Abominable man, and now you are all standing here. I have so many questions to ask." Emil said happily
"Actually Doctor we need to ask you some questions as well," Superman said walking forward
"That abominable man wouldn't happen to be bald and have an alliterative name would he?" Amethyst asked
"Lex Luthor, from recent events I believe you are already familiar with that man correct?" Emil said with a hiss
"Yes, you worked for him for some time and were fired. We would like to know why, the real reason why." Superman said
"You are very perceptive. The reason that viper gave to the news was not the true reason. But I feel like you need to tell me something" Emil said
Beach City
A massive crowd of people stood in front of a military tent, angrily yelling at the soldiers who stood in front of it trying to keep them calm.
"Will everybody please remain calm?" The soldier said
"You can't keep us here!"
"This has to be illegal!"
"I understand your grievances, but getting angry won't solve anything." The soldier said
"My family doesn't even live in town. We wanna go home." A female yelled
"I understand your concern Ms. Hand, but I promise this is only temporary." The soldiers said
"I am running out of supplies to run my business," Fryman said
"I can't make a percent of my deliveries if I'm trapped in the town," Kofi said angrily
"What are you hiding?! You're trying to cover up the truth!" Ronaldo said
"And what happened to Steven why are you tearing up his house?" Sadie said
The crowd got angrier and louder
"We have been cooperative, but we need actual answers. Why are you doing this? Who's even in charge here?" Mayor Dewey said
"The General is in the middle of important business and will address everyone soon." The soldier said
"BRING HIM OUT!" Nanefua barked riling the citizens, even more, making the soldier nervous
"Greg, where are your son and the fugitives?" Sam asked
"He's safe," Greg said
"Greg, we have no interest in your son. If you cooperate with us, we can get him back and have life finally go back to normal for the both of you." Sam said
"Sorry but…. My life stopped being normal a long time ago." Greg joked
"ARE YOU EVEN TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY?! NOW you're GOING TO GIVE US OUR DAMN ANSWERS OR YOUR GONNA SEE NOTHING BUT THE INSIDE OF A CELL-!" A soldier yelled at Greg startling him
"SOLDIER I WILL DO THE TALKING HERE!" Sam ordered making the soldier stop and back off
"I understand you have a strong connection with the fugitives, but it's my job to stop any potential threats to the U.S," Sam said
"But they aren't threats, please General you need to understand." Greg pleaded
"Sir, it's my duty to protect this country and the citizens in it. I cannot take that chance with them, no matter how good their intentions may seem." Sam said
"Save it, Greg. You can't shake General Sam Lane from the path he chooses, trust me I know." Lois growled
"Lois can we please not do this now?!" Sam said pinching the bridge of his nose
"You know just because you can't control something doesn't mean it's a threat. Or are you going to try and put the weather on military lockdown or subpoena an Earthquake?" Lois said
"When and Earthquake becomes conscious and starts marching through U.S. cities destroying people's livelihoods than yes I will!" Sam said
"S-should I go?" Greg asked reading the room
Metropolis
"So that's what he's been using my research for, BASTARD! I wanted our first contact to be peaceful not…. That!" Emil said annoyed
"Yeah, that was the third least welcoming thing I've ever been a part of," Garnet said
"Expand on that later. But you are aware of all that research they were conducting." Superman asked
"Oh they have been doing it for years, but the only started making progress once I joined. Before Luthor with a lot of my other works, I have been….. For lack of a better word obsessed with you ladies for years." Emil said walking to the wall
"Us why?" Amethyst asked
"Heh, it was so long ago you probably don't remember. I was only a child of 12 running through the woods of Connecticut taking pictures of animals for a science project. When from out of nowhere this beast unlike any I had seen before burst from the tree's and attacked me. I felt true fear at the moment and thought it was the end of me when the beast slashed me across the back. Then as my vision blurred, I saw four women descend from the trees and attack the beast saving me. And just as I blacked out, I saw the image of this giant Pink Haired woman standing over me and crying. When I woke up, it was night, and I was under a tree, my parents called the police looking for me. The story was that I tripped and fell knocking myself out, but I knew that wasn't what happened. Not that I could prove it the scar on my back was gone and there was no trace of the beast or there being anyone there." Emil said as he looked at the wall
"That's sounds….. Very familiar," Superman said with a smile
"Ever since then I have been obsessed with finding out what it was that attacked me and who saved me. I didn't dedicate my life to it, but it was always in the back of my mind. I began searching for people who had similar experiences monsters, giant women, wounds suddenly healed. There was quite a few across the country, most I dove deeper into was dead ends. Until one report in Arizona led me to something amazing, this huge hidden underground structure unlike any I have seen. A structure not made by human hands." Emil said as he pulled a picture of the wall handing it to the gems showing them a photo of the area.
"That's when I knew that this was so much bigger than I imagined, and I had to go deeper. But I still managed to make an impressive name for myself in science, and that caught his attention. About 2 years ago Lex Luthor approached me with a job, but even back then he had a reputation, and I was hesitant. But then he showed me a file from the U.S. government containing more information about you than I gathered in my lifetime. And with that, I accepted hoping to be closer to learning who you were." Emil said sadly
"Luthor worked with the government and allowed me access to all the governments' information on you, they took me to more structures across the world letting me learn more. It was through that how they learned of your light-based bodies and incredibly long life-spans to name some of the stuff we learned. Luthor and I came up with the hypothesis about there being a war for the planet thousands of years ago." Emil continued taking a seat at his computer
"Of course Luthor didn't let me have access to all this stuff for free. In return, I had to help him with his own projects such as project Metallo and Crystal." Emil said
"You helped him make those things?" Pearl said offended
"Yes, I did. He told me these would better mankind and I foolishly believed him, though deep down I knew he would use them to make weapons." Emil said sadly
"He used that Metallo to build a suit of armor that almost killed our friend using some funky green rock," Amethyst said pointing to Superman
"Green Rock?! So they used Earth Zero." Emil said
"Earth Zero?" Superman asked
"Yes along with the structures the U.S. Government asked me to look at an item they have been holding for years. Something they believed to be a spacecraft." Emil said
"My ship!" Superman said surprised
"So it's your?! Well, I was asked to look over it and the 'Funky Green' that was picked up from another site. It was difficult, but we managed to scrounge some information from the ship, and by some I mean one a single word, Krypton. The ship required some kind of key for it to activate fully." Emil said scratching his beard
"Krypton…. That's where I was from. We saw the ship at the Compound, and when I touched it, it just came to life." Superman said
"HA, so it was a genetic key I was right! The Earth Zero came to Earth minutes after your ship crashed emitting some kind of radiation that seemed harmless to humans, we believed it could be a power source. In the lab, we called it Earth zero, but after hearing that word from the ship me and the others jokingly started calling it Kryptonite." Emil said
"Krypton plus Meteorite equals Kryptonite. Not a bad name." Garnet said
"That Kryptonite made me feel like I was going to puke my guts out," Superman said simply
"So it was deadly to you, another theory proved right. Again they said it was to be a deterrent in case you were hostile but look at them using Metallo to build fighting suits and powering it with Kryptonite. How could I be so foolish believing that Bald Headed-Snake, but I did catch on." Emil said with a smile as he turned to his computer
"Both Projects Metallo and Crystal seemed to come out of nowhere. Luthor said they were personal projects that he was working on and needed help putting on the finishing touches, but that felt fishy. Then one time he left his personal computer on and I looked inside. For the last 2 years slightly before he hired be Luthor had been in conversations with an unknown party in regards to both Projects. I couldn't search any deeper before Luthor came back, but I knew something was up. So I checked the data on both projects and inspected the early alpha test on both. That's when I saw this." Emil said as he tapped away on the computer
Then the screen began showing a series of strange symbols flashing erratically and changing every second.
"What kind of gobbilty-Gook is that?" Amethyst said confused looking at the screen
"That is what I have been trying to figure out. But when I first saw them they were static, not moving and then just yesterday they started doing this. And here's the kicker, this didn't come from the Metallo, or the gems made they were receiving. Whatever formula Luthor used to make these things is making them receive a signal." Emil said
"From where?" Garnet said seriously
Emil simply pointed upwards
"Homeworld." Garnet hissed
"No it can't be, this is not the gem language this isn't…. anything," Pearl said as she watched the symbols
"But I believe this is because once I saw it, security came in and took me away. Next thing I knew I was fired, this fake story was written, and now no institution would touch me with a mile long pole. LUTHOR RUINED ME! I can't even get a job as a school teacher now, and it was because of this. I had to figure out the reason, so I spent months studying this trying to decipher it, but now I don't even know what's happening now. I have a theory, and that's why I'm getting out of Metropolis and going to the country." Emil said leaning into the chair
"Theory, what theory?" Pearl asked
"Dr. Hamilton, could I borrow your phone. I think I know someone who can decipher this." Superman said
Smallville
"La, La, La, La, Laaaaaaa, La, La, Laaaaa, La, La, La, La, Laaaa, La, Laaaaaaaa! And that's kinda the beat I'm going with, it's a work in progress. This would be better if I had my ukulele." Steven said sitting across from Lola as the phone rang in the background
"Well I think it's a wonderful start Young Mr. Universe," Lola said happily making Steven smile
"Lola, its Clark. He wants to talk to you." John said from the kitchen
"Coming," Lola said happily walking to the kitchen and taking the phone from John
"Hello Kal-El, how may I be of service…..Mmmmm…. Yes, I can do that, just reach into the first left compartment your belt…. Yes, it is a compartment, now you'll find a crystal in there put it on the device, and I'll handle it from there." Lola spoke into the phone
Metropolis
Superman then reached for one of the Yellow rectangles on his waist pressing it. A small compartment opened up, and a small crystal rolled out onto his hands.
"You three really did put your all into this suit," Superman said examining the crystal. He then walked over to the computer
"What is that?" Emil asked
"I don't know, but I usually just go with whatever she has," Superman said as he placed the crystal on the keyboard
The crystal then began to glow and shake. Then the computer screen started to flicker through various images of the symbols rapidly.
"Are you getting this?" Superman asked into the phone
Smallville
"Yes, I am. Mmmmmmm, this is surprisingly intricate. I'm gonna need the computer at the fortress for this. Please Hold." Lola said with a smile as her eyes suddenly went blank
"Lola….. Are you gonna sit down?" Steven asked from the living room
Fortress of Solitude
One of the many Lola copies was marching through the main hall of the fortress carrying a large shard when her blank eyes suddenly filled with life.
"Take this please," Lola said handing the shard to another copy
Pearl than ran through the hall and leaped towards the giant crystalline computer, a chair forming for her to sit on. She then turned the computer on, and it began to show the symbols, she then pulled up a shard.
"Alright let's see what we have," Lola said as she began to work the computer
Metropolis
"Lola….. Lola, are you there?" Superman asked into the phone looking concerned
"Did she hang up?" Garnet asked
"I-don't think so," Superman said unsure
"Hello, Kal-El and friends!" Lola said happily her face appearing on the screen making everyone jump and scream in fright
"Dangit girl, give us a warning before you do that!" Amethyst yelled
"I told you to hold," Lola said
"WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON MY COMPUTER?!" Emil yelled panicked
"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Hamilton. I've seen some of your previous works, they were good. And what you have done so far with decoding this is very impressive. Luthor was surely a fool to fire you." Lola said
"O-Oh, thank you so much! Your sister seems nice." Emil said pointing to Pearl
"We're not related." Pearl and Lola said at the same time confusing Emil
"Mmmmmmm, well I understand your confusion this is currently cycling through multiple different alien languages like some kind of Cipher. Even I don't know all the languages being used." Lola said
"Well from the symbols I got at first I noticed a similarity to the symbols on the ship and some from the ruins across the world. I made a base maybe you can work up off it find a common sequence." Emil said
"Well done Dr. Hamilton! By starting with the Kryptonian and Gem languages, I should be able to break this Cipher down, decode, and translate for you all." Lola said smiling
"That is the nicest anyone has ever talked to me in months," Emil said happily
"EMIL ARE YOU GETTING YOUR OLD ASS IN THE CAR OR WHAT?!" Greta yelled from downstairs
"YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" Emil yelled
"YOU ARE THE ONE WHO SUGGESTED LEAVING TOWN!" Greta yelled back
"Please tell us your close," Garnet said uncomfortably
"Al-most-there-and-DONE!" Lola said
The what they all saw appear on the screen surprised everyone in the room, it was a timer currently a 1 minute 59 second and 29 milliseconds and going down fast.
"Is that… a timer?" Amethyst said staring at the screen
"Oh no, Ooooooh nononononono. I was right, this was counting down to something, and I'm not staying for whatever it is." Emil panicked backing away from the computer
"If that's a timer what is it counting down to?" Superman said
Smallville, 1:00:05
"Lola, Lola are you coming back?" Steven asked tugging on Lola's cloak
"She'll be fine Steven leave her be. And John can you help me with the TV it's not working." Martha said as she examined a small flat screen that sat in the living room the screen was nothing but static.
Beach City, 0:48:10
Connie sat in the car while her father was talking to what appeared to be U.S. soldiers. There was some kind of checkpoint on all the main roads in and out of Beach City. And there was more soldiers and tents station around the small Beach town as well. They were not allowed to enter the city, and her father was trying to figure out why.
"I wonder what is going on in there." Priyanka Connie's mother said sitting in the passenger seat while Connie was in the back
Connie was wondering the same thing, and with the news of the gems and Superman fighting that monster at Lexcorp, she felt like this was connected. She wanted to call Steven and ask him, but for some reason, her cell phone wasn't getting a signal right now.
"Steven, what's happening?" Connie whispered worriedly
A cable company in Delmarva, 00:40:59
"Hello yes, I understand your TV isn't working we are working on it." A man said to an angry customer on the phone
"Yes we have been getting similar calls recently Ma'am, we are looking into it and will get back to you." Another said into the phone
"We are trying to find the source, and we will return your service." Another said
"What's going on we've been getting calls like these for the last 5 minutes." The manager said
"It's not just that sir. I've been talking with our divisions in Metropolis, Central, and Coast. They are all having the same problem. Not only that it isn't just us." A worker said panicked
Daily Planet, 00: 35:01
"Oh come on work!" Steve Lombard said as he slammed on the computer
"You young bloods are to depend on your tech. Back in my day we just needed a pen and paper to get the story down." Perry said walking through the bullpen
"But's it's not just Steve's Computer it's everybody's we can't connect to the internet. Not even my phone is working." Ron said holding up his phone showing Zero bars
"And the TV's acting weird to," Kat said as she tried to change the channel only to get static
Perry grunted as he looked across his bullpen, his journalist instincts telling him that something was coming.
Florida, 00:20:15
Lex Luthor was currently on a golf course playing with an elderly man when Mercy approached him.
"Lex, we've been getting reports from multiple Lexcorp branches losing internet and many other utilities." Mercy said
Upon hearing that Lex stopped mid-swing and took a moment to take in what she said. He then handed his club to the man and walked away.
"Feel free to continue without me," Lex said as Mercy followed him and entered a cart driving off
NASA, 00:10:48
"What do you mean you can't reach it?!" A supervisor yelled
"I mean we can't reach the satellite or any satellite. They're all dead in the sky nothing is working." A worker said
"We've received reports from China and Russia, they are experiencing similar problems. We are waiting for confirmation from England and Germany, but we are assuming they are having similar problems." Another worker said
"What the hell is going on?!" the supervisor said looking at his panicking command station
Beach City, 00: 04:10
"Hey what's up with my phone? Are you behind this to, they're trying to cut us off!" Ronaldo yelled along with the still angry mob
"Will everybody remain calm, we are not the source of your TV and internet troubles." A soldier said trying to calm the crowd
"Where's the general? We can't get in contact with base." A soldier whispered to another
00:02:00
"Why do you have to be like this?!" Sam yelled
"Well, you reap what you sow General!" Lois yelled back
"Lois I am your father!" Sam yelled
"Yeah pull out that card everytime you want me to step in line like one of your soldiers," Lois yelled back
"Gggggghhhhh, I swear your sister never acts like this," Sam grunted
"Oh yeah because she never questioned one of your orders so you spoiled her, but I ask some simple questions, and you scold me. EVERY-TIME!" Lois yelled
"Uh, okay this is getting a little heated. Maybe you two should get some distance from each other and cool off." Greg said knowing the situation was reaching a boiling point
"You don't know everything, Lois," Sam said
"I KNOW YOU WANTED BOY, AND INSTEAD YOU GOT ME! WE'LL SORRY TO BE A CONTINUOUS DISAPPOINTMENT GENERAL LANE!" Lois yelled filled with anger and venom stunning the two men who were next to her
"Ms. Lane…" Greg said shocked
"L-Lois…. You think…. I never….." Sam said his voice lowering
Space, 00:01:01
"The time has come." The determined voice said
"Begin the process." The stoic one said
"Let them know of the gift they are about to be given," the jovial one said
00:00:00
At that moment every device across the world, every phone, laptop, desktop, TV, and radio let out a deafening screech. Something that caught everyone's attention and brought their eyes to the nearest device. Computer, TV, and phone screens crackled with static no image to been seen in the fuzz. Then the screen went black and all there was the image of a purple upside down triangle with purple circles on each corner. The picture caught the eye of anyone who saw it, and then they heard a voice.
"Humans of Earth your planet is doomed. There is no avoiding it. Forces beyond your control have sped up the inevitable death and downfall of your species. You have our pity." The stoic voice spoke through all the devices. The voice was even translated across multiple languages so everyone can understand
"What the heck is this?" Lois said holding out her phone for Greg and Sam to hear
"But even without the outside force, your planet would still be doomed. Your resources are dwindling, your ecosystems irreversibly damaged. And you are destroying yourselves with wars over petty things such as power and monetary gain. You are as much to blame for your planet's demise." The determined voice said
"It's on everything," Steve said
"Start taking notes people, the world is gonna want to know about this," Perry said as he looked at the screen his feeling getting worse
"There is no use trying to fight it, what's done is done. Your world will die, and your race will be erased from the universe. There will not be a single shred of your world left, and it will be as if you never existed. But there is a way." The stoic voice continued
Martha, John, and Steven sat in the living room watching the TV and hearing the voices. All of them worried about their friends and family
"Through us. Do not fear what is to come, for this is a gift to you. For you have been chosen to be preserved. For when your race inevitably dies out, there will be something left to be documented. Rejoice, humans, for your world will live on." The jovial voice said
Lex held a tablet watching the transmission as Mercy drove the cart to an estate. He then noticed a shadow fly overhead followed by multiple shadows. He looked up into the sky eyes narrowed at what flew overhead
"We will take your Culture." The stoic voice said
In the Louvre people stood in the halls amongst the art looking at their phones engrossed in what was being said. Then something crashed through the ceiling of the museum and landed on the ground making the people scream in panic. Before a security guard could do anything he was knocked into a wall by a metal tentacle, the screaming intensified as the people ran. A humanoid shadow made its way down the hall its footsteps heavy. It knocked down a divided meant to keep people a certain distance away from the art, this one is the Mona Lisa. The shadow covered the masterful piece of art, and suddenly it was enveloped in a purple light
"We will take your history." The determined voice
In the British library, people were running out screaming and terrified as purple lights could be seen flashing through the windows from the outside. Then more shadows began to fly past as the people looked up and panicked.
"We will take all you have down to the molecular level, and have it delicately stored, organized, and alphabetized." The jovial voice said
A cow in India was eating grass without a care in the world. Then a shadow covered it making it look up. There was a soft THUNK, as blood began to dribble to the ground and the cow fell over dead as the shadow left.
"Your race will survive. But still, even with all this data. We will still require something more….. Biological. Which is where you come in Metropolis." The stoic voice said
"This…. Isn't Homeworld." Pearl said
"Uh, they're talking about where we are," Amethyst said
Garnet was looking at the computer with worry and interest, while Superman was walking towards the window looking out it and into the sky.
"You are called the city of tomorrow, sadly there is no tomorrow for your world. But still, you are a marvel on this planet, such impressive architecture, so many greats minds gathered within the boundaries of your city, and such a….. Diverse collection of your race." The jovial voice said
At the Daily Planet Perry was trying to direct his team so they can report on what's going on. Then something zipped passed the window catching Perry's attention and making him walk to the window. Once he looked up into the sky, his mouth was agape.
"Today humans of Metropolis will be a day to be remembered." The determined voice said
The people in the streets pointed up the sky shocked by what they were seeing
"A day to be celebrated." The stoic voice said
Daniel Turpin and Maggie Sawyer were trying to organize the Metropolis Police when he to noticed the things in the sky.
"For today is the day you all join THE COLLECTION." The jovial said
"Everyone…" Superman said shocked looking at the sky
Everyone joined and looked up equal shock filling them as they saw what was up there.
"Oh," Garnet said
"My" Amethyst continued
"Stars!" Pearl finished
In the sky there thousands of what appeared to be humanoid robots floating over the city. They had slim and sleek bodies, almost appearing skeletal. They're head looked like skulls with the back being some kind of dome. Their eyes glowed purple and with similar like electric veins on their bodies. And they all had the symbol that was on the TVs on their foreheads.
"Dr. Hamilton, I think it would be best if you and Ms. Greta stay indoors," Superman said as he focused on the robots in the sky receiving a terrified nod from Emil
Space
"Begin the sample preparation process!" all three voices said simultaneously almost sounding like one for a moment
(Note: Well wasn't that exciting and there's a lot more to come. If you like what you've read leave a comment, I will try to reply ASAP. Til next time everybody. :D