The Marshall and Superman

Chapter 10 Working Together

SANTA FE, NM JULY 30

It was the biggest trial in New Mexico's recent history. A large smuggling ring had been brought down; drugs, weapons, humans, pharmaceuticals, you name it – if you had the $$$, you could get it. Three of the top leaders were on trial and if convicted would be sentenced to Colorado Super-Max.

Lana was picked to lead a team of 4 marshals to do the transport. It was her biggest assignment since the Lex Luthor trial. She was confident, but had a small case of nerves; who wouldn't? Well, maybe her husband wouldn't. At least he never would admit it!

Clark had slipped into Metropolis to meet her for lunch. They were at a small Thai restaurant with a private table jn the back. They knew the owners quite well; this secluded table seemed to be reserved just for them.

"Clark?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"This upcoming case . . . it seems to be ripe for trouble. I really would like to talk with you and the JL about some backup for my team."

"Would you like me to set up a meeting?"

"I really would. Could you?"

"Let me make a call." Clark stepped out to the back alley and called Oliver, aka Green Arrow. They set up a dinner meeting at Sherwood for Friday evening at 19:30. Lana is grateful.

SHERWOOD FRIDAY

Oliver welcomes their guests and introduces his wife, the former Chloe Sullivan, to Clark & Lana. Chloe and Clark are old friends from Smallville. Chloe and Lana hit it off right from the start. Oliver starts the conversation.

"Lana, tell us what you can about this case you are assigned to."

"Certainly," Lana starts. She tells them what she can, then asks for discussion and ideas about support. The outcome is that Oliver (Green Arrow), Bart (Flash), and Clark (Superman) will provide support for Lana's team; they will remain out of sight for the most part, only acting when necessary. Lana will coordinate the actions of the two teams with Clark (via telepathy).

After business is done the two couples relax on the back patio, getting better acquainted. They decide that after the trial and transport are done, they will take a mini vacation together as a foursome – schedules permitting and destination to be decided. They part feeling good about the evening.

TRIAL & AFTERMATH

Everything goes smoothly until the transport from court to prison. The airfield the top Brass at the marshals mid America HQ chose to use was in a rural location (where in NM isn't rural?) 20 miles distant from Santa Fe. The supporters of the accused chose an excellent location to attempt an ambush; the JL had noticed this potential weakness and were prepared. The trio of JL supporters were strategically hidden and ready. As the transport convoy rounded a corner, they were suddenly surrounded by a dozen heavily armed thugs. As previously arranged, the convoy stopped and Lana picked up her bullhorn.

She talks, "put down your weapons and surrender, or run for your lives! You are surrounded."

The thugs look around and see no one. They break into raucous laughter and obscenities. They are supremely confident.

(Clark, are you 3 ready?)

(Yes) He confirms over comms with Oliver and Bart. They identify the leader of the ambush team. Bart is tasked with the 1st move. Using his super-speed, he flashes past the leader and disarms him of his assault rifle and the Sig tucked in his belt. The man saw nothing and is furious. He roars obscenities and grabs weapons from a team mate.

Lana speaks over the bullhorn again, "See what I mean? You are surrounded, this is your 2nd warning! Let us proceed on our way."

The ambush leader shouts at his men, imploring them to be ready for anything.

Clark has the next move. He is to disarm the leader again, but he will pause in front of the thug long enough for some of his men to get off shots – which will bounce off of him of course. They are softening up the ambush team. Clark's move works perfectly; the thugs are amazed. They look around for these unseen enemies.

(Nice move, my love!)

(Why thank you.)

(Is Oliver ready?)

(He is.)

Green Arrow is next. He has an arrow notched; it contains a healthy dose of knockout gas. He aims toward the leader with a very high trajectory, so those on the ground are not likely to see it descending. They don't see it coming. It lands just to the right of the leader; a hiss is heard as a greenish gas starts to spread among the thugs. Those closest to the arrow drop like autumn leaves.

Lana shouts, "Marshals go, go, go!" There are 5 vehicles in the transport convoy; those with a prisoner contain a driver and 1 marshal and one LEO. Two other 2 contain a driver, 1 marshal and 2 LEO. So, 9 marshals & LEO burst forth with assault rifles blazing. The ambush team is on the run; the JL team picks off stragglers being careful to make sure the leader is captured alive and secured. They also observe where the ambush team is running and spot their vehicles. They notify Lana who informs other authorities who will take care of them.

Lana and her team finish the trip to the airstrip, where the prisoners are loaded into aircraft and successfully complete the trip to Colorado Super-Max.

After the mission is complete, Lana and the JL team gather at Sherwood to debrief. All are satisfied with the close team work and the outcome. Lana will be reporting to her superiors with recommendations as to how the two organizations might work together even better in the future.

VACATION – CARRIBEAN

Oliver & Queen Industries have a condo in the US Virgin Islands. The afore-mentioned 2 couples coordinate their schedules and spend 5 days together. Sunning, swimming, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, dining and more. Chloe and Lana are becoming fast friends. Neither Clark nor Lana had ever been to the Caribbean before; they were hooked!