Fic: Period of Adjustment (5/?)
Title: Period of Adjustment (5/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Jason, Richard/Lana, Perry, Martha
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,370
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer:DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Beta: hanakt
A/N: In this next chapter, Lois and Clark come to an understanding about the past and the Justice League members meet for the first time. I tell you, anytime I have to go back to memory swipes, leaving earth and all that fun stuff, my head hurts. *lol* Btw, I’ve never written any League members, well, except a few scenes with Oliver Queen on Smallville, so please bear with me while I feel these characters out. I hope you like it! Thanks to my beta for all her support and encouragement. I appreciate it! Read on!!
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4)
Chapter 5: Secret Meetings
Previously:
“I’ll say,” Lana said narrowing her eyes at his retreating back. “You know, I’ve read up on Mr. Bruce Wayne, and it’s a fascinating story. He was orphaned at a young age, raised by close friends, and the only heir to an enormous fortune. I can see why Lois wants to meet him and interview him.”
“Being rich does not make one fascinating. He looks like a playboy to me. He didn’t even remember his date’s name,” Richard said trying not to sound jealous.
Lana shrugged. “Well, enough about him. Let’s order,” Lana said, as she could see that Richard was getting worked up a little.
Richard couldn’t help having a twinge of jealousy. Lana will probably see him again since the man is her boss. He groaned to himself. That’s all I need.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark would both like to forget Perry’s words, but they were sitting there between them refusing to be ignored. After falling into bed exhausted after their first day back at work, Lois and Clark had not found the time to talk about what had happened at the office the day before. They knew it would be a painful conversation, but it had to be done.
The next day, Lois was at her desk making calls to her sources about the League. Clark sure is being secretive about his meetings. I guess I can understand why. As she checked her desk drawer for supplies, she saw the note. It was from Clark. He wants me to meet him on the roof at noon. She checked her watch and it was about that time. She grabbed her bag and headed to the elevator. It looks like we’ll have that talk sooner than I thought.
Clark was there waiting for her when she arrived, but what she wasn’t expecting was to see him standing on the ledge and in the suit. He didn’t seem to hear her, so she watched him for a moment. Lois’s mind went to their rendezvous yesterday and what she had said in the heat of the moment… that she would be lost without him. At the time, it had been a purely emotional outburst, which she still didn’t understand, and thinking back on it now, she couldn’t remember her emotions being so out of control before.
He turned then and smiled, but didn’t say anything. Lois stood very still as he hopped down from the ledge and slowly walked towards her, his cape moving with every step. She was frozen to the spot and her heart was pounding in her chest. He picked her up and she held on tight as he leapt into the sky before she had a chance to say anything. Once they were above the clouds, he leveled off and it seemed to her as if they were heading south.
I’ll never get over flying like this. It always feels as if we’re in a dream and it’s not really happening, but it is. Lois finally found her voice. “Clark, where are we going? We don’t have a lot of time,” she said amazed at how breathless she sounded. She looked down and she could see they were over the ocean.
“This won’t take long,” he answered her and looked down to get his bearings.
Lois was relieved they were high enough that no one would see them. “Clark, you know, now that we’re married, people could get the wrong idea if anyone saw us together like this,” she said nodding at the suit.
“Don’t worry, I was careful. Look, we’re here,” he said and landed on a beautiful sandy white beach. He set Lois down but held her close to him not wanting to let her go.
“Where exactly is here anyway? It’s beautiful.” Mesmerized by the scene before her, she took off her shoes, took his hand and started walking towards a dwelling she could see up ahead just beyond the trees.
“We’re in the Caribbean, Lois. This island is completely private and secluded. The bungalow and this island belong to a friend of mine.” He stopped walking after a moment. “I thought we should talk privately.”
“Really, a friend? Remind me later to thank this friend of yours.” She couldn’t help but be impressed. “It is private, I’ll admit that, but I can’t believe you brought me hundreds of miles to a secluded and private beach just to talk,” she smiled quirking an eyebrow at him.
He caught her look and then it dawned on him. “Oh, you thought … Lois, there’s not enough time to do that, is there?” He smiled at her expression.
Lois laughed and grabbed his hand. “Come on, is there any food inside? I’m starved.”
The bungalow was lovely. There was a living room, a dining area, a kitchen and a bedroom, all appointed with dark woods with white, blue and aqua accents, all beautifully designed and arranged. The fridge was stocked with snacks, fruit, beverages and sandwiches. “Someone has been here recently,” Lois stated rummaging for food in the fridge.
Clark twirled and was in jeans and a tee shirt in seconds. “Well, it is lunchtime. Let’s eat and then, we’ll talk.”
Lois heard the swooshing sound and knew what had happened. She took a deep breath, turned to face him and pasted on a smile. “Let ‘s eat.” They took their food out on the veranda to have lunch to enjoy the weather and the lovely view. They talked about safe topics, Jason, work and the League. Clark promised he’d have a story for her in day or two.
~o~o~
After lunch, Clark sensed her reluctance to talk about the day before, so he asked her if she wanted to take a walk on the beach hoping it would help her relax. They walked hand in hand for a few minutes. He stopped walking, turned her to face him, and lifted her chin to look at him. “Lois, I can see you’re reluctant to talk about this.” He sighed. “If I could change the past, I would.”
“I know that, Clark.”
He held tight to her hands. “I wanted to talk about Perry and what he said, but there is something else I’ve wanted to say and please stop me, because I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”
“Go on, I’m listening.”
He took a deep breath. “When I first came back and I found out you were engaged to another man and had a child, I didn’t think I could bare that much pain,” he barely managed to say as he closed his eyes.
Lois squeezed his hands and sighed, knowing it was way past time for them to clear the air between them so they could move forward. “Clark? Clark, look at me.”
He opened his eyes and stared into her beautiful eyes.
“All of that is in the past now. We’ve both done things we’re not proud of but none of that matters now.” She brought his right hand up to her chest and placed it over her heart. She raised her right hand and placed it over his heart. “The point I’m trying to make is ... we stopped, Clark. We stopped hurting each other. We healed our hearts, Clark. We did it, and now, we’re together ... forever.” She went into his arms then, holding him close.
Clark was so moved, all he could say was “forever.” He pulled back, leaned down and kissed her finding a response that he wanted and needed. Slanting his mouth against hers, he picked her up and she wrapped her arms and legs around him. He briefly came up for air. “Lois, we don’t have time for this,” he breathed but continued to rain wet kisses down her throat.
“Just a quickie, Clark,” she panted sticking her tongue in his ear. His effect on her was immediate as she leaned more fully against him and sought his mouth with hers, aching for his kiss.
As their kisses increased in intensity, Clark moaned. "God, you're so beautiful," he panted against her ear. He couldn’t think about anything but being inside of her right now. He slowly dropped to his knees and laid her on the sand, hiked her skirt up, and pulled her panties off. She reached for the snap on his jeans, pausing to stroke the outline of his erection through the denim. She helped him push the jeans off his hips and then wrapped her hand around the base of his erection, stroking upward along the hard length and feeling a droplet of moisture there. Clark closed his eyes for a brief moment. We really don’t have time for that. After a moment, he pulled away from her tormenting hand and stroked her long legs and shapely thighs coming closer to her center. She drew in her breath sharply. “Oh, Clark, now please,” she pleaded closing her eyes and opening her legs wider moaning for him to take her.
He drew her leg up over his hip and rubbed against her entrance and pressed his full length into her in one deep thrust. It felt so good being inside of her that he had hold still for a moment to get some control. Lois couldn’t be still. She pulled his head down and kissed him hard, wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer. His hands gripped her bottom, holding her tightly to him as he drove into her, seeking release. They both couldn’t get close enough. Clark's cry of rapture followed hers by mere seconds. Lois stroked his dark head as she tried to catch her breath. Several moments passed before either of them could speak.
“Are you alright?” Clark asked.
“I’m fine now,” Lois said holding him close.
He stroked her hair and kissed her temple. “Do you want to tell me now why you were so upset when Perry brought up Niagara Falls? I thought we had moved beyond that Lois.”
Lois sat up then, gathering her clothes together. Clark did the same. She shook her head trying to make sense of her feelings. “I honestly don’t know, but when Perry said those words, Niagara Falls, and he went on and on about Jason and how much you had hurt us, the memories came flooding back, and along with the memories, came the pain. It felt like I was drowning. I just wanted it all to go away.” She touched his cheek. “But you were my lifeline, Clark. You’ve saved me so many times in the past and I’m sure they’ll be more times in the future.”
“Don’t say that Lois. I want you to be safe and happy always.” He stood up then and pulled her into his arms, kissing her temple, holding her tight and stroking her back.
Holding back tears, she whispered, “this is when I’m safe and happy, Clark, when you’re holding me like this.”
Clark dropped his head to her throat nuzzling softly. He kissed her cheek and stroked her hair. “I love you, Lois.”
“I love you too, Clark,” she said smiling. “Thank you for bringing me here, and Clark, I promise not to let the past hurt me or us anymore.” She stroked his hair. “One day, I’ll look back at the past and remember the good times, because we did have a lot of good times, Clark.”
“We did, didn’t we?” He smiled back. “Come on, we have to hurry now.” They both laughed as they hurried back to the bungalow, and then headed back to Metropolis.
~o~o~
The Watchtower, later that evening:
Bruce and the other members had just arrived. While waiting for Clark, they were all fitted with their communication devices. All the members were ready to get started, excited about working together to stop crime and put the bad guys away. A large roundtable had been set up for easier discussions and everyone could see each other while they planned strategies.
Clark walked in a few moments later ready for their first meeting. There was chatter, but the room went silent when he entered it “Gentlemen and lady, please take a seat everyone, and welcome to Metropolis and the first meeting of The Justice League of America. It’s good to finally meet all of you in person. We’ll skip the formalities for now. We all know of or heard of each other. Now, as you all probably know, this is an historic occasion. Nothing like this has ever been done before, a league of superheroes banding together for the betterment of mankind. It’s new and I don’t expect everyone will welcome us with open arms.”
“Oh, we’re not that naïve, Clark, believe me. We’ve all been around the block and have endured our fair share of mistrust and envy,” Bruce stated.
“Well, mistrust and envy are milder emotions that could lead to more intense reactions. We should all be on our toes for anything and anyone who might have something to say about how they really feel about us. Does anyone have any questions before we get started?”
“We understand congratulations are in order?” Bart grinned knowing the answer.
“Well, yes, I was married a little over a week ago, and I have a son, Jason, who’s 6.”
“Congratulations, Clark,” everyone chorused happy for him.
“Thank you all very much,” Clark replied as he slowly walked around the table. “You’ve all read the manifest and you all have your communication devices, and they’ve been tested and retested, so you shouldn’t have any problems contacting each other no matter where you are. You should also take note that this League is a democracy. If we have any disagreements about how things are done, then there will be a vote. If you have any questions about why we’re here and what our goal is, we have only one goal and that is to save lives. The bad guys will not win, not here, not anywhere.”
“Exactly who are the bad guys and when can we start kicking some butt?” Green Lantern wanted to know.
“It’s not a who, but a what. You’ve probably all heard the name ‘Intergang,’” Bruce stated. They all looked at each other, nodding their heads in recognition.
“Just how big are they?” J’onn J’onz wanted to know.
“Aren’t they nationwide? We’ve all heard the name before,” Arthur asked.
“Bruce, I’ll let you fill everyone in on what we’re up against,” Clark said.
Bruce stood up and went to the main monitor, punched in a few key words and a list of businesses, heads of those businesses and the one man who was the head of entire organization came up onto the screen. “To answer your question, Arthur, yes, they are nationwide, but they are headquartered here in Metropolis. The organization has been run at various times by Morgan Edge, Ugly Mannheim, Boss Moxie, and once taken control of by Luthor. Intergang was brought up to date by Morgan Edge, with considerable backing from Darkseid of Apokolips, shortly after Clark arrived in Metropolis.” Bruce stopped at that point in his speech and glanced at Diana.
Diana looked straight ahead refusing to acknowledge Bruce’s attempt to get her attention, inside the memories were still keen in her mind, but she refused to go there.
Clark nodded for Bruce to continue. “This timing was carefully planned to take full advantage of Lex Luthor's devotion of more and more of LexCorp's assets towards stopping Clark after he had entered 'his' city. Intergang found a niche from where they could make a grab for power. Now that Luthor is currently in a prison psych ward, a vast variety of crimes have plagued the streets from the time Clark left and they’ve intensified since his return. I think they’re sending Clark a message, that they can’t be stopped, but we have our own message to send them, and I can’t wait for them to receive it.”
“Thank you, Bruce,” Clark said. "Are there any more questions?”
“Who’s Darkseid? He sounds ominous,” Arthur asked.
Clark stood at his chair, took a deep breath and stated. “Darkseid is a very formidable foe, even more so than Lex Luthor. Not only does he have superior intellect, but he is considered a New God on his own world,” he said not feeling the need to elaborate at the moment.
“He’s from another world, like you Clark? How powerful is he? He must know you’re back in Metropolis,” Bart inquired wanting to know more about Darkseid.
“I see no reason why he would come back here, and once Intergang realizes we are here to stay, then we’ll send a message to the entire syndicate once and for all, that they can’t run roughshod over this country, not anymore.”
Bruce listened and realized that Clark hadn’t answered Bart’s question. He would talk to Clark about Darkseid in private. He’s one foe Clark can’t ignore. “I have one more thing to say about Intergang. Listen up, everyone,” Bruce said, as he pulled the Intergang legitimate business list up onto the monitor again.
“I have a question about these businesses. So if they’re legitimate, how do we stop them?” J’onn asked.
“There’s only one way, from the inside. I have several people in place, but it’s a slow process. One bad move and they could disappear,” Bruce believed.
“What do we do in the meantime?” Diana wanted to know.
“We hit them in the small areas around the country, take care of the small time businesses, just enough for them to take notice of us. I know it’s not what we had planned, but it will send a message that we’re not going anywhere and that we mean business,” Bruce said.
“Thank you, Bruce,” Clark said. “Let me just say that my leaving earth was a personal and purely selfish decision, but I’m back now. I’m not going anywhere. Earth is my home. The sooner the thugs and criminals realize they’re up against not only me, but the best superheroes this country has to offer, they’ll have no choice but to sit up and take notice. Speaking of taking notice, the press has gotten wind of our meetings so it’s time for a public appearance.” Clark heard a few groans around the table.
“The press conference won’t last long, and I’ll do all the talking, so it will go faster that way. It’s mostly for the mayor and a few public officials to get the word out about us. We want these officials on our side, as well as the press. It’s important to what we’re trying to accomplish. The conference starts at 10:00 am tomorrow morning at City Hall. Don’t be late. So, if there’s no further business, I’ll see everyone in the morning. Meeting adjoined.”
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: As I said before, the JLA is all new to me, except what I've seen on television on the animated series, and it’s hard to write a scene with seven people in the room. They all can’t talk at once. Clark did do most of the talking because he is the head guy, and there's a reason I’m writing him this way. Tell me what you think. I hope you liked it. Remember, reviews are love! :D
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Jason, Richard/Lana, Perry, Martha
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,370
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer:DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Beta: hanakt
A/N: In this next chapter, Lois and Clark come to an understanding about the past and the Justice League members meet for the first time. I tell you, anytime I have to go back to memory swipes, leaving earth and all that fun stuff, my head hurts. *lol* Btw, I’ve never written any League members, well, except a few scenes with Oliver Queen on Smallville, so please bear with me while I feel these characters out. I hope you like it! Thanks to my beta for all her support and encouragement. I appreciate it! Read on!!
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4)
Chapter 5: Secret Meetings
Previously:
“I’ll say,” Lana said narrowing her eyes at his retreating back. “You know, I’ve read up on Mr. Bruce Wayne, and it’s a fascinating story. He was orphaned at a young age, raised by close friends, and the only heir to an enormous fortune. I can see why Lois wants to meet him and interview him.”
“Being rich does not make one fascinating. He looks like a playboy to me. He didn’t even remember his date’s name,” Richard said trying not to sound jealous.
Lana shrugged. “Well, enough about him. Let’s order,” Lana said, as she could see that Richard was getting worked up a little.
Richard couldn’t help having a twinge of jealousy. Lana will probably see him again since the man is her boss. He groaned to himself. That’s all I need.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark would both like to forget Perry’s words, but they were sitting there between them refusing to be ignored. After falling into bed exhausted after their first day back at work, Lois and Clark had not found the time to talk about what had happened at the office the day before. They knew it would be a painful conversation, but it had to be done.
The next day, Lois was at her desk making calls to her sources about the League. Clark sure is being secretive about his meetings. I guess I can understand why. As she checked her desk drawer for supplies, she saw the note. It was from Clark. He wants me to meet him on the roof at noon. She checked her watch and it was about that time. She grabbed her bag and headed to the elevator. It looks like we’ll have that talk sooner than I thought.
Clark was there waiting for her when she arrived, but what she wasn’t expecting was to see him standing on the ledge and in the suit. He didn’t seem to hear her, so she watched him for a moment. Lois’s mind went to their rendezvous yesterday and what she had said in the heat of the moment… that she would be lost without him. At the time, it had been a purely emotional outburst, which she still didn’t understand, and thinking back on it now, she couldn’t remember her emotions being so out of control before.
He turned then and smiled, but didn’t say anything. Lois stood very still as he hopped down from the ledge and slowly walked towards her, his cape moving with every step. She was frozen to the spot and her heart was pounding in her chest. He picked her up and she held on tight as he leapt into the sky before she had a chance to say anything. Once they were above the clouds, he leveled off and it seemed to her as if they were heading south.
I’ll never get over flying like this. It always feels as if we’re in a dream and it’s not really happening, but it is. Lois finally found her voice. “Clark, where are we going? We don’t have a lot of time,” she said amazed at how breathless she sounded. She looked down and she could see they were over the ocean.
“This won’t take long,” he answered her and looked down to get his bearings.
Lois was relieved they were high enough that no one would see them. “Clark, you know, now that we’re married, people could get the wrong idea if anyone saw us together like this,” she said nodding at the suit.
“Don’t worry, I was careful. Look, we’re here,” he said and landed on a beautiful sandy white beach. He set Lois down but held her close to him not wanting to let her go.
“Where exactly is here anyway? It’s beautiful.” Mesmerized by the scene before her, she took off her shoes, took his hand and started walking towards a dwelling she could see up ahead just beyond the trees.
“We’re in the Caribbean, Lois. This island is completely private and secluded. The bungalow and this island belong to a friend of mine.” He stopped walking after a moment. “I thought we should talk privately.”
“Really, a friend? Remind me later to thank this friend of yours.” She couldn’t help but be impressed. “It is private, I’ll admit that, but I can’t believe you brought me hundreds of miles to a secluded and private beach just to talk,” she smiled quirking an eyebrow at him.
He caught her look and then it dawned on him. “Oh, you thought … Lois, there’s not enough time to do that, is there?” He smiled at her expression.
Lois laughed and grabbed his hand. “Come on, is there any food inside? I’m starved.”
The bungalow was lovely. There was a living room, a dining area, a kitchen and a bedroom, all appointed with dark woods with white, blue and aqua accents, all beautifully designed and arranged. The fridge was stocked with snacks, fruit, beverages and sandwiches. “Someone has been here recently,” Lois stated rummaging for food in the fridge.
Clark twirled and was in jeans and a tee shirt in seconds. “Well, it is lunchtime. Let’s eat and then, we’ll talk.”
Lois heard the swooshing sound and knew what had happened. She took a deep breath, turned to face him and pasted on a smile. “Let ‘s eat.” They took their food out on the veranda to have lunch to enjoy the weather and the lovely view. They talked about safe topics, Jason, work and the League. Clark promised he’d have a story for her in day or two.
~o~o~
After lunch, Clark sensed her reluctance to talk about the day before, so he asked her if she wanted to take a walk on the beach hoping it would help her relax. They walked hand in hand for a few minutes. He stopped walking, turned her to face him, and lifted her chin to look at him. “Lois, I can see you’re reluctant to talk about this.” He sighed. “If I could change the past, I would.”
“I know that, Clark.”
He held tight to her hands. “I wanted to talk about Perry and what he said, but there is something else I’ve wanted to say and please stop me, because I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”
“Go on, I’m listening.”
He took a deep breath. “When I first came back and I found out you were engaged to another man and had a child, I didn’t think I could bare that much pain,” he barely managed to say as he closed his eyes.
Lois squeezed his hands and sighed, knowing it was way past time for them to clear the air between them so they could move forward. “Clark? Clark, look at me.”
He opened his eyes and stared into her beautiful eyes.
“All of that is in the past now. We’ve both done things we’re not proud of but none of that matters now.” She brought his right hand up to her chest and placed it over her heart. She raised her right hand and placed it over his heart. “The point I’m trying to make is ... we stopped, Clark. We stopped hurting each other. We healed our hearts, Clark. We did it, and now, we’re together ... forever.” She went into his arms then, holding him close.
Clark was so moved, all he could say was “forever.” He pulled back, leaned down and kissed her finding a response that he wanted and needed. Slanting his mouth against hers, he picked her up and she wrapped her arms and legs around him. He briefly came up for air. “Lois, we don’t have time for this,” he breathed but continued to rain wet kisses down her throat.
“Just a quickie, Clark,” she panted sticking her tongue in his ear. His effect on her was immediate as she leaned more fully against him and sought his mouth with hers, aching for his kiss.
As their kisses increased in intensity, Clark moaned. "God, you're so beautiful," he panted against her ear. He couldn’t think about anything but being inside of her right now. He slowly dropped to his knees and laid her on the sand, hiked her skirt up, and pulled her panties off. She reached for the snap on his jeans, pausing to stroke the outline of his erection through the denim. She helped him push the jeans off his hips and then wrapped her hand around the base of his erection, stroking upward along the hard length and feeling a droplet of moisture there. Clark closed his eyes for a brief moment. We really don’t have time for that. After a moment, he pulled away from her tormenting hand and stroked her long legs and shapely thighs coming closer to her center. She drew in her breath sharply. “Oh, Clark, now please,” she pleaded closing her eyes and opening her legs wider moaning for him to take her.
He drew her leg up over his hip and rubbed against her entrance and pressed his full length into her in one deep thrust. It felt so good being inside of her that he had hold still for a moment to get some control. Lois couldn’t be still. She pulled his head down and kissed him hard, wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer. His hands gripped her bottom, holding her tightly to him as he drove into her, seeking release. They both couldn’t get close enough. Clark's cry of rapture followed hers by mere seconds. Lois stroked his dark head as she tried to catch her breath. Several moments passed before either of them could speak.
“Are you alright?” Clark asked.
“I’m fine now,” Lois said holding him close.
He stroked her hair and kissed her temple. “Do you want to tell me now why you were so upset when Perry brought up Niagara Falls? I thought we had moved beyond that Lois.”
Lois sat up then, gathering her clothes together. Clark did the same. She shook her head trying to make sense of her feelings. “I honestly don’t know, but when Perry said those words, Niagara Falls, and he went on and on about Jason and how much you had hurt us, the memories came flooding back, and along with the memories, came the pain. It felt like I was drowning. I just wanted it all to go away.” She touched his cheek. “But you were my lifeline, Clark. You’ve saved me so many times in the past and I’m sure they’ll be more times in the future.”
“Don’t say that Lois. I want you to be safe and happy always.” He stood up then and pulled her into his arms, kissing her temple, holding her tight and stroking her back.
Holding back tears, she whispered, “this is when I’m safe and happy, Clark, when you’re holding me like this.”
Clark dropped his head to her throat nuzzling softly. He kissed her cheek and stroked her hair. “I love you, Lois.”
“I love you too, Clark,” she said smiling. “Thank you for bringing me here, and Clark, I promise not to let the past hurt me or us anymore.” She stroked his hair. “One day, I’ll look back at the past and remember the good times, because we did have a lot of good times, Clark.”
“We did, didn’t we?” He smiled back. “Come on, we have to hurry now.” They both laughed as they hurried back to the bungalow, and then headed back to Metropolis.
~o~o~
The Watchtower, later that evening:
Bruce and the other members had just arrived. While waiting for Clark, they were all fitted with their communication devices. All the members were ready to get started, excited about working together to stop crime and put the bad guys away. A large roundtable had been set up for easier discussions and everyone could see each other while they planned strategies.
Clark walked in a few moments later ready for their first meeting. There was chatter, but the room went silent when he entered it “Gentlemen and lady, please take a seat everyone, and welcome to Metropolis and the first meeting of The Justice League of America. It’s good to finally meet all of you in person. We’ll skip the formalities for now. We all know of or heard of each other. Now, as you all probably know, this is an historic occasion. Nothing like this has ever been done before, a league of superheroes banding together for the betterment of mankind. It’s new and I don’t expect everyone will welcome us with open arms.”
“Oh, we’re not that naïve, Clark, believe me. We’ve all been around the block and have endured our fair share of mistrust and envy,” Bruce stated.
“Well, mistrust and envy are milder emotions that could lead to more intense reactions. We should all be on our toes for anything and anyone who might have something to say about how they really feel about us. Does anyone have any questions before we get started?”
“We understand congratulations are in order?” Bart grinned knowing the answer.
“Well, yes, I was married a little over a week ago, and I have a son, Jason, who’s 6.”
“Congratulations, Clark,” everyone chorused happy for him.
“Thank you all very much,” Clark replied as he slowly walked around the table. “You’ve all read the manifest and you all have your communication devices, and they’ve been tested and retested, so you shouldn’t have any problems contacting each other no matter where you are. You should also take note that this League is a democracy. If we have any disagreements about how things are done, then there will be a vote. If you have any questions about why we’re here and what our goal is, we have only one goal and that is to save lives. The bad guys will not win, not here, not anywhere.”
“Exactly who are the bad guys and when can we start kicking some butt?” Green Lantern wanted to know.
“It’s not a who, but a what. You’ve probably all heard the name ‘Intergang,’” Bruce stated. They all looked at each other, nodding their heads in recognition.
“Just how big are they?” J’onn J’onz wanted to know.
“Aren’t they nationwide? We’ve all heard the name before,” Arthur asked.
“Bruce, I’ll let you fill everyone in on what we’re up against,” Clark said.
Bruce stood up and went to the main monitor, punched in a few key words and a list of businesses, heads of those businesses and the one man who was the head of entire organization came up onto the screen. “To answer your question, Arthur, yes, they are nationwide, but they are headquartered here in Metropolis. The organization has been run at various times by Morgan Edge, Ugly Mannheim, Boss Moxie, and once taken control of by Luthor. Intergang was brought up to date by Morgan Edge, with considerable backing from Darkseid of Apokolips, shortly after Clark arrived in Metropolis.” Bruce stopped at that point in his speech and glanced at Diana.
Diana looked straight ahead refusing to acknowledge Bruce’s attempt to get her attention, inside the memories were still keen in her mind, but she refused to go there.
Clark nodded for Bruce to continue. “This timing was carefully planned to take full advantage of Lex Luthor's devotion of more and more of LexCorp's assets towards stopping Clark after he had entered 'his' city. Intergang found a niche from where they could make a grab for power. Now that Luthor is currently in a prison psych ward, a vast variety of crimes have plagued the streets from the time Clark left and they’ve intensified since his return. I think they’re sending Clark a message, that they can’t be stopped, but we have our own message to send them, and I can’t wait for them to receive it.”
“Thank you, Bruce,” Clark said. "Are there any more questions?”
“Who’s Darkseid? He sounds ominous,” Arthur asked.
Clark stood at his chair, took a deep breath and stated. “Darkseid is a very formidable foe, even more so than Lex Luthor. Not only does he have superior intellect, but he is considered a New God on his own world,” he said not feeling the need to elaborate at the moment.
“He’s from another world, like you Clark? How powerful is he? He must know you’re back in Metropolis,” Bart inquired wanting to know more about Darkseid.
“I see no reason why he would come back here, and once Intergang realizes we are here to stay, then we’ll send a message to the entire syndicate once and for all, that they can’t run roughshod over this country, not anymore.”
Bruce listened and realized that Clark hadn’t answered Bart’s question. He would talk to Clark about Darkseid in private. He’s one foe Clark can’t ignore. “I have one more thing to say about Intergang. Listen up, everyone,” Bruce said, as he pulled the Intergang legitimate business list up onto the monitor again.
“I have a question about these businesses. So if they’re legitimate, how do we stop them?” J’onn asked.
“There’s only one way, from the inside. I have several people in place, but it’s a slow process. One bad move and they could disappear,” Bruce believed.
“What do we do in the meantime?” Diana wanted to know.
“We hit them in the small areas around the country, take care of the small time businesses, just enough for them to take notice of us. I know it’s not what we had planned, but it will send a message that we’re not going anywhere and that we mean business,” Bruce said.
“Thank you, Bruce,” Clark said. “Let me just say that my leaving earth was a personal and purely selfish decision, but I’m back now. I’m not going anywhere. Earth is my home. The sooner the thugs and criminals realize they’re up against not only me, but the best superheroes this country has to offer, they’ll have no choice but to sit up and take notice. Speaking of taking notice, the press has gotten wind of our meetings so it’s time for a public appearance.” Clark heard a few groans around the table.
“The press conference won’t last long, and I’ll do all the talking, so it will go faster that way. It’s mostly for the mayor and a few public officials to get the word out about us. We want these officials on our side, as well as the press. It’s important to what we’re trying to accomplish. The conference starts at 10:00 am tomorrow morning at City Hall. Don’t be late. So, if there’s no further business, I’ll see everyone in the morning. Meeting adjoined.”
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: As I said before, the JLA is all new to me, except what I've seen on television on the animated series, and it’s hard to write a scene with seven people in the room. They all can’t talk at once. Clark did do most of the talking because he is the head guy, and there's a reason I’m writing him this way. Tell me what you think. I hope you liked it. Remember, reviews are love! :D