A More Just Society
January 12, 1940
Jay pressed the buzzer. He was on the steps of a brownstone building in New York City, at an address that had been delivered with the markings of the one they called the Sandman. It was silly, but he felt the jitter of nerves, like a schoolboy waiting for his date to come down. The door opened without anyone behind it. There was a spacious hall inside, splitting off into several corridors and ending in a wide set of stairs. The interior was pleasant, but a bit bare, like no one had lived here for some time.
"Please come inside," said a voice, disembodied from anyone present. "The others are on the top floor."
Jay heeded these directions, winding his way to the top of the building, the fifth floor. The meeting room was more humble than Jay anticipated, with oak bookshelves lining the walls and a round table in the center. A camera was set up in the corner of the room.
He was relieved to see that Alan was already here, talking with someone who could only be Hawkman, on account of the wings that he had folded up behind his back. Jay had listened to the radio reports on him, seen his picture in the papers, but it did not justice to the sheer physical presence of the man. Black Canary chatted with Hourman and a shorter man in a blue mask. The Atom or something like that. Sandman stood by the table, observing the others. He couldn't wait to tell Joan all about it. They all acknowledged Jay's entrance with a greeting.
"Figures you would be late," said Alan.
"You'd be amazed how much trouble you can get into running from Missouri to New York."
"Don't sweat it too much, we're still waiting on one more," said Black Canary.
"If he's even coming," said the Atom.
As if on cue a flash of golden light made everyone squint as Doctor Fate appeared in the room.
"Greetings," said Doctor Fate.
"Well I'll be," said the Atom.
"If we were going for theatrical entrances that one wins," said Hourman.
"I assure you, dramatics were not my intention," said Fate.
"We're just impressed," said Jay.
"Time to start?" said Hawkman, mainly to Sandman.
"We're all here," said Sandman, "Have a seat," as he gestured to the table.
There was a formality to the proceedings that Jay hadn't expected. The heroes filled in around the table. A chill ran through the air. Everyone unconsciously shuddered except Doctor Fate. A figure came into focus beside Fate, a man in a green cloak with chalk white skin.
"What's this about?" said the Atom, shooting up form his seat. He was the most active, but Jay saw a flicker from Alan's ring as well.
"Hold friend," said Doctor Fate, "This is another of our ilk. The Spectre joins us."
"I would attend this gathering of champions," said the ghostly figure. The voice was even more sinister than their appearance.
Sandman was the first one to speak. "We would be glad to have you. Any ally of Doctor Fate's is a worthy member of our cause."
The others didn't look as enthusiastic, but the Spectre took their place at the table, beside Doctor Fate.
"This was your meeting Sandman. Why don't you take it from here?" said Hawkman.
"All of us know at least the broad strokes of why you're here. You all heard either my pitch or Canary's. The world is changing. We're a potent reminder of that. We share something beyond powers or a flair for costumes. We have all taken up the challenge of defending those who can't defend themselves. To take a stand against injustice.
In these eventful times, I believe that men and women such as ourselves should pool our powers, our experience and our wisdom to better protect the country. And the world. The crisis at the World's Fair showed me that we are better together. And I've seen the reports that more and more of us have teamed up on our own.
This is a move to formally create a team that could work together in the aims of justice and freedom."
The heroes murmured in agreement. Jay figured they were all here for the same reasons on a basic level.
"I understand that this is asking a lot from each of you. That there are concerns that need to be addressed. But, I wanted to perform an act of trust on my part, one that I don't demand of any of you," said Sandman.
He removed the gas mask, revealing a man with green eyes and rounded spectacles.
"My name is Wesley Dodds. This building is owned by me, albeit indirectly. I donned the mask when I started having nightmares that warned me of tragedies to come."
Everyone was quiet for a time, before Canary cleared her throat.
"I'm Black Canary. Or Dinah Laurel of Gotham City. I don't have any fancy powers to dazzle you with, but I'm here all the same."
"You can call me Jay, Jay Garrick. I'm the Flash from Keystone City. I'm mighty proud to be able to be here with all of you."
"Rex Tyler at your service," said Hourman. "I get my powers from this pill that I developed." He held up a small red capsule. "I call it Miraculo."
"Fancy stuff," said the Atom. "Name's Al Pratt. I trained with the toughest boxer around, 'Battlin' Joe Morgan. I may not look like much, but I pack a mean punch."
"I bet you do. I'm Carter Hall. Hawkman."
"Did your compatriot not wish to join us?" said Wesley.
"She is still adjusting to the life. In time I'm sure she'll come around," said Carter.
Alan didn't look thrilled, but he spoke up all the same.
"I'm known as Green Lantern, but you can call me Alan," he said removing his mask. "I'm an engineer in New York. This ring and this lantern grant me my powers."
The Spectre did not join in.
Doctor Fate also hesitated. At last, he lifted the golden helmet off to display a man with sandy hair and angular features.
"I am the sorcerer known as Doctor Fate, defender of order. Also Kent Nelson," said the man with a wry smile.
Jay could tell the atmosphere had lightened. The tension ebbed away, replaced by enthusiasm.
"Quite a group we got here," said Hourman.
"There will be more in time," said Sandman. "I've seen it in my dreams."
No sooner had he spoken the words, then the space by the doorway crackled. A purple disc spat out a young man in a green suit with red bow tie. Masks were back on in seconds. Fate's helmet floated back into place. Most of them got up from their seats.
"I'll be darned," said the intruder. "It worked."
"Johnny? Is that you?" said Black Canary.
"Hey! You're that Black Canary lady," said Johnny. "And you're Green Lantern. The Flash. Hourman, Doctor Fate. I don't know you," he said pointing at the Atom.
"Lemme stop you right there kid," said the Atom. "You got five seconds to tell us what you're doing here before I clean your clock."
"Relax Atom. Johnny ain't a threat," said Dinah. "Isn't that right kid?"
"No need to be worried about me," said Johnny, performing an exaggerated bow of contrition.
"He still needs to explain himself. How'd you get here?" said Hawkman.
"It's a little embarassing. I was feeling down when Canary never got back to me after our meeting. So, I asked the Thunderbolt to bring me to her team meeting when it happened. Course then I forgot all about that. Till I went out to fetch the paper and I end up here."
"The Thunderbolt?" said Jay.
"Where are my manners? SAY YOU," said Johnny with aplomb.
A bolt of pinkish electricity swam around his body, before settling into a humanoid form behind him, save for its lower half, which remained a fluctuation current. It gave the group a wave that made Jay's hair stand end on end.
The group stood there gawking for the most part, until Dinah went up to Johnny.
"Would you mind stepping out into the hall for a minute? Give us a chance to talk things over," said Dinah.
"Sure. I can do that."
When she shut the door behind him, Hourman said, "What in God's name was that?"
"Quieter," said Hawkman.
"He can't hear us," said Doctor Fate.
"Do you know what that is Doctor Fate?" said Jay.
"The boy wields a Thunderbolt. Often mistaken for a genie in your mythologies, it is a creature of irrepressible power."
"So our friend out there has something that can grant him wishes?" said Alan.
"That is a close approximation. It is limited by the directions of its master. In this instance, this Johnny Thunder."
Atom pinched his forehead through his mask, pacing in a circle.
"So that clown gets a genie?" said the Atom.
"He's a sweetheart. Only wants to help," said Dinah.
"Yet you chose to not invite him here," said Alan.
"He doesn't have the discipline for this."
"He's here all the same," said Jay. "Maybe that means something."
"It means we need to show him the door," said the Atom.
"That much power in his hands could be a threat," said Sandman.
"Maybe we're looking at this wrong," said Alan.
"What do you mean?" said Hourman.
"We don't need to let him join us. Not truly on the team. But, there could be value in keeping him close. To keep an eye on him."
"Oh brother," said Al.
"No, Green Lantern's got a point," said Jay. "Besides, isn't part of this all about seeing the good in people?"
"Can he be trusted to not reveal confidential information?" said Hawkman.
"I bet there's a way to make sure of that," said Dinah.
They let Johnny back into the room. The Thunderbolt was gone.
"Johnny Thunder. We've been discussing what to do with you," said Doctor Fate. "And we've come to the conclusion that the team is willing to offer you an honorary role."
The young man's face lit up.
"No kidding."
"But," said Green Lantern, with a wagged finger, "that means we have to know we can trust you. There will be important secrets. Things you can't divulge. We all have people close to us, who we want to protect. We need to know that you can honor that need."
"Can you do that for us Johnny?" said Black Canary.
"Easily. Say you!" The Thunderbolt reappeared. "I wish that I can't reveal any of the team's secrets."
The Thunderbolt shrugged.
"Did it work?" said Hourman.
"He needs more specifics. What's your name?"
"The League of Heroes," said Atom.
"Ehh, we can do better," said Black Canary, to Al's dismay.
"The Crime Busters?" said Hourman.
His suggestion went unacknowledged, other than a conciliatory pat on the shoulder by the Atom. Everyone turned to Sandman.
"It was your idea," said Black Canary.
"Hmm. I liked the thought of a society. A society founded on the principles of justice."
"How about the Justice Society?" said Jay.
"The Justice Society of America," echoed Hourman.
"Works for me" said Dinah.
"I like it," said Al. Green Lantern and Hawkman agreed.
Doctor Fate waved his hand over their table, with the engraved words appearing at the center.
"So it is done."
"I won't reveal the secrets of the Justice Society of America," said Johnny. Pink lightning wrapped his body for an instant, but he was otherwise unchanged.
"Now that that's settled, let's continue," said Sandman. "It would be prudent to elect a chair person. I don't believe that we need a particularly rigid hierarchy, but it would be wise to have someone who sets the agenda and takes the lead on matters that concerns the entire team. It would be on a changing basis of course."
"An election?" said Jay.
"Indeed," said Sandman.
"Someone that we can place our faith in," said Black Canary.
"Not all of us know each other that well. Not yet," said Hawkman.
"Too bad Superman's not here," said the Atom. "He'd be an easy choice."
"I won't lie. I was hoping to see him here," said Jay, tilting his helmet back. "The man inspired me."
"I think he did that for most of us," said Alan.
"It was easier to go out there knowing he was around," said Black Canary.
"Oh I know. I'll bring him here," said Johnny. "Thunderbolt find Supe…"
He was cut off by a green bubble that formed over his mouth. Alan released him shortly after.
"That's alright, Johnny. If Superman wants to be a part of this team, he can join us in time."
"Let's vote then. Someone here, now. Someone that can lead us." said Hawkman.
"Ladies first," said Hourman. Black Canary rolled her eyes.
"I vote for Sandman. He organized this, he's got the vision."
"I would decline if I could," said Sandman. "I feel it would be better to have one of you lead. To take up the challenge and make it your own."
"Whoever gets the most votes, gets the most votes," said Hawkman. "Your turn Atom."
"I'll pick you Hawkman."
"I cast my vote for Black Canary," said Hourman.
"I hope this isn't your idea of flirting," said Dinah.
"I vote for myself," said Hawkman.
"Can he do that?" asked Johnny.
"It's permitted," said Sandman.
"The Flash," said Green Lantern. Jay was flattered, but he hoped it wouldn't go to him. He hadn't the first idea how he would lead the group.
"I vote for Black Canary," said Johnny.
"You don't get a vote," said Hawkman.
"Oh."
"I appreciate it kid," said Dinah.
"I vote for Green Lantern," said Jay. Alan grimaced a bit. Jay just grinned.
"Black Canary," said Sandman.
"Green Lantern," said Doctor Fate.
"So what're we at?" said Atom.
"One for Sandman. One for Flash. Two for Black Canary, Green Lantern and Hawkman." said Doctor Fate.
"Maybe we will need Johnny to vote after all," said Hourman jokingly.
"A tie-breaker then?" said Jay.
"Green Lantern," said the Spectre.
Another gust of cold flowed through the room. Jay could tell that many of them had forgotten or tried to ignore the fact that the Spectre was still with them.
"That's that then," said Hourman, clapping Alan's arm.
"To our first chairman," said Jay.
"To Green Lantern," said the others.
The particulars of Jay's powers granted him the ability to see the full breadth of Alan's reaction, from minor horror to consideration of rejection to muted acceptance. It was a wondrous thing.
"If that's what you've decided. I'll do my best to honor that confidence," said Alan.
The actual bulk of the meeting was surprisingly mundane, if not for the nature of the subject matter. They agreed upon a schedule of meetings, a rotation of active duty and a way to summon one another if things became dire. Doctor Fate produced a series of signal rings that could be activated anywhere in the world. Or so he claimed.
"Before we wrap up there's a matter that needs proper discussion," said Alan. "The war."
That darkened the mood a few notches. Even Johnny understood the particular gravity of the subject matter.
"Roosevelt says we're neutral. I think we need to follow his lead," said Alan.
"That could be a tough sell for my other half," said Hawkman. "She's got unfinished business with a group of Nazis."
"They're a rotten bunch. Them and anyone that follow's their ideology. And they started this conflict. But, it's not our place to go marching into the fighting," said Alan.
"Even with what they're doing in Poland? With what they might do to the other countries in Europe? I'm just a man, but Green Lantern you could probably give them a lot to think about all on your own" said Al.
"I'd love nothing more than to be Hitler's comeuppance, but I can't choose that on my own," said Alan.
"Any act of aggression by an American superhero could drag out country into war. Are any of us prepared to take responsibility for that action?" said Sandman.
The silence that followed was a good enough answer.
"There is more to this conflict than we can currently see. It would be wise to stay our hands for now," said Doctor Fate.
The others agreed, with varying levels of enthusiasm. Hawkman in particular appeared dour.
"Gee folks, let's not end our first meeting on a sour note," said Jay. Pointing to the camera, "Johnny, why don't you take a photograph to commemorate the day."
"Could you leave me out?" said Hourman. "The hood's not right yet."
"Come on Rex. It's important to capture the moment. For posterity," said Jay.
"Oh alright."
Johnny set up the camera. Green Lantern looked stiff, dignified. The Atom flexed, showing off. Hawkman glowered. Hourman did his best to appear relaxed. Sandman stared into the lens, his mask incapable of emoting. Doctor Fate gleamed. The Spectre appeared faint, as if they weren't there at all. Jay and Dinah flashed their best smiles.
The bulb flashed.
It was to be one of the most famous images of the 20th century, maybe in all human history up to that point.
If Superman was the signal that heralded the dawn of the heroic age, then the Justice Society was the confirmation that heroes were here to last. They would run, stumble and get up to run onward, carrying the torch of justice and liberty as far as they could take it, nurturing thef light that was the human spirit.
If only those heroes seated around that table knew how dark it would become in the next few years.
How many wanted the light snuffed out.