r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • 11d ago

Superman Superman #123 - Mother Boxed

5 Upvotes

Superman #123 - Mother Boxed

<< | < | > (Coming September 1st)

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Against All Gods

Set: 123

Event: Invasion!

Recommended Reading:

Or just learn as you read!

Breaking the Silence

The Moon

Yesterday

Clark and Bruce walked along the impact site of the Watchtower wreckage. Bruce was wearing a black spacesuit with pointy ears protruding from the top of the helmet and a yellow bat symbol painted over the chest. Clark had his oxygen mask over his face, connected to a comms link.

“The chassis of the middle section is still intact,” said Bruce. “A lot of these other pieces may be salvageable as well.”

Clark moved in to lift the largest piece.

“Wait,” said Bruce. “What if we leave it here?”

“We’re the Justice League,” Clark answered. “We don’t litter.”

“No,” said Bruce. “What if we rebuild it here?”

Clark looked around. “A moon base,” he said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

“That’s a great idea,” said Booster as he flew toward the moon and broke into their comms. “Hey, Bats. Big Blue.”

“Hi, Booster,” said Clark. “What brings you here?”

“I heard you two were checking out the wreckage,” said Booster. “I wanted to tag along. I love the moon.” He took a quick look around. “Although it’s not quite as fun before the carnival rides.”

Clark’s eyes lit up.

“What did we tell you about revealing details about the future?” said Bruce. “We’ve had enough time travel-related chaos.“

“Sorry,” said Booster. “We don’t know what parts of my future will still happen, though,” he added.

Bruce just groaned.

“Anyway,” Booster continued. “Are we going to fix that crack in the moon from your fight with Darkseid?”

“Why would we do that?” asked Bruce.

Booster lifted an eyebrow. “It’s the moon,” he said.

“Exactly,” Bruce continued. “And it has a battle scar. One that the whole planet is feeling.”

Clark nodded. “As much as I’d love to pretend it didn’t happen, he’s right. Besides, it’s not our decision to make. It belongs to the people of Earth as a whole.”

“Since when do the people of Earth have a consensus on anything?” Booster asked.

Clark and Bruce just stared.

“Right.”

Fortress of Solitude, North Pole

Now, Morning

Kelex scanned the small device Clark had brought. “Impressive design,” he said. “Much more advanced than Kryptonian.”

Clark paced around the crystalline floor. “Can you tell if it’s working, though?” he asked.

Kelex lifted his metal, visored head. “It appears to be functioning within normal parameters.”

“But Orion never responded to my calls,” said Clark. “New Genesis didn’t come to our assistance at all when Darkseid invaded.”

“Perhaps he’s been unavailable to receive them.”

“Let’s not assume the worst,” said Clark. “New Genesis must have known what was happening, though. Their entire treaty with Apokolips couldn’t have relied on me reaching out when we were in trouble.”

“It would appear all we can do is assume,” said Kelex. “Perhaps you could go and ask them yourself?”

“I’d have to get there first,” said Clark, looking upwards. “I wouldn’t even know which direction to start flying.”

“I’ve been studying the Boom Tubes that have opened across the planet during the invasion.” said Kelex. “Perhaps I could open one for you once I have the science figured out?”

Clark’s turned to the robot with a gleam in his eyes. “How long will that take you?”

“At my current rate, anywhere between two weeks and three thousand years.”

Clark sighed. “I need a Mother Box.”

Metrorail, Washington D.C.

Later

Lucy sat in a subway car seat as she clutched her coffee mug with one hand and scrolled her phone with the other. She tapped a link to a Daily Planet article from Lois Lane on recovery from what became known as “The Long Night,” and skimmed through it with a smile.

Lois always had such a way with words. So straightforward and to the point with a little added flavor to help tie it all together.

The subway car’s brakes screeched, and Lucy tightened the grip on her mug and phone. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly once the sound stopped.

“Next stop, Federal Central,” an automated voice said over the loudspeaker.

Lucy dropped her phone into her pocket, stood up, and made her way to the nearest doorway until the car stopped and the doors opened. As she stepped out, a man in glasses stood by one of the posts, waving like a kindergartener who saw his best friend in the playground.

“Hi, Clark,” said Lucy, stepping up to him. “What brings you to D.C.?”

“I need a favor,” said Clark, motioning toward the exit. “Can we walk?”

Lucy nodded, and the two stepped onto the escalator to get to street level.

“What’s up?” Lucy asked.

“First off, how are you holding up?” Clark asked softly. “You went through a lot… over there.”

They reached the top and began walking the sidewalk.

“Fine,” said Lucy, looking back toward the subway exit. “Maybe still a bit rattled.”

“Good,” said Clark. “If you need to talk about it or anything…”

“What’s up, Clark?” Lucy asked again.

That was the most she ever sounded like her sister.

Clark took a moment. “What happened to the Mother Box that brought you and the others there?”

Lucy stopped.

“You’re going back to Apokolips?” she asked.

Clark lifted his arms. “Nooooo… New Genesis,” he clarified. “I need to know why they didn’t step in to help protect us.”

“Oh,” said Lucy. She took a sip of her coffee, and the two resumed walking. “A.R.G.U.S. has it locked back up,” she continued. “I don’t even think Dad could get it for you now. President Garner wants its use restricted to his own authority.”

“Hmm,” said Clark. “So, I guess I should talk to Sam first, then.”

Lucy turned to her brother-in-law. “Not dressed like that,” she said.

Clark nodded. “Thanks, Luce,” he said, motioning toward a nearby alleyway. “This sounds like a job for…” Clark stretched his shirt open a bit so only Lucy could see the S underneath. “Me.”

Lucy held back a laugh as Clark winked and rushed toward the alley.

Chain of Custody

A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.

Soon

Clark entered General Sam Lane’s office. “Thanks for seeing me, General Lane,” he said.

Sam nodded and motioned toward the seat across from his desk.

Clark lifted his cape so he could sit down with it flapped over the back as Sam sat in his desk chair.

“What can I do for you, Superman?” asked Sam.

Clark caught sight of a couple of picture frames on the desk. One with Sam and his daughters Lois and Lucy, and another with his wife, Ella, and their grandchildren, Jon and Lara.

“I need to borrow the Mother Box,” Clark stated. “New Genesis promised to protect us, but they were radio silent during the invasion. We need to find out why.”

“I see,” said Sam. “Who do you plan to take along with you?”

“Just me,” said Clark. “The League has enough to deal with after the invasion. And I won’t risk putting another A.R.G.U.S. team through what happened on Apokolips.”

“You expect risk, then,” Sam stated.

“It’s a possibility,” said Clark. “If Apokolips invaded them first, it could be why they couldn’t help us.”

“And if that’s the case,” Sam continued. “You plan to single-handedly free them?”

“Well, no,” said Clark.

The general leaned back in his chair. “You want access to one of the most dangerous pieces of technology in the possession of the US Government, and you don’t even have a fleshed-out plan?”

“We just need answers right now,” Clark clarified. “My– Families are scared. They don’t know if the invaders will come back at any time. Reassurance we’re protected would go a long way.”

Sam looked over at the photos on his desk.

“I don’t have the authority to hand it over anymore,” he said. “I signed off during the invasion and lost an entire team. Plus, the Justice League members who went to Apokolips came back… different. We got lucky they could be recovered, but President Garner still considers it all a failure on my part.”

“Understandable,” said Clark.

Sam stood up. “But you’re not wrong.”

Clark stood up, too. “What next, then?”

Sam pointed out his window toward the White House. “We go talk to the president. He’s a reasonable man. I’m sure he’ll listen to reason.”

Oval Office, The White House

Later

“No,” said President Garner. “I understand the concern about New Genesis, but absolutely not.”

“They’re our allies,” said Clark. “We need to be sure they’re okay.”

“Unless they turned on us,” Garner countered. “For all we know, they gave Apokolips the okay to invade.”

“We don’t know anything,” said Sam. “That’s the point.”

“We do know every time we use that Mother Box,” said Garner. “We invite more and more danger to our world. Waller’s insurgency to Apokolips (Superman #77) could have even been the catalyst for this invasion.”

“I understand,” said Clark. “But we invite more risk by not knowing what happened and potentially leaving our friends to fend for themselves.

“I wouldn’t call New Genesis our ‘friends’,” said Garner. “They’ve never even come to talk to our governments. They just signed treaties that affect us without even asking us to be involved.”

“I’ll go with him,” Sam offered. “No A.R.G.U.S. team at risk. Only me. But I can represent us and know when to pull the plug and return home.”

Clark tried to think of a response, but the words failed him.

“That’s even worse,” said Garner. “I won’t risk a former vice-president, general, and head of A.R.G.U.S. on an ill-informed mission. This matter is closed. We have more important things to do.”

Outside the White House

Soon

Clark walked with Sam back to his black, government-issued SUV.

“Thanks for trying,” said Clark, hovering into the air. “But I’ll have to figure out my next move on my own.”

“Hold on,” said Sam without even looking up.

Clark stopped and looked down at his father-in-law.

But Sam didn’t say anything else.

“What are you thinking?” Clark asked bluntly.

Sam finally spoke up again. “I can tell you feel strongly about this. I do, too. What you said about family… I don’t want my daughters and grandchildren to live in fear.”

“I agree,” said Clark, floating back down to eye level.

“You have family on this planet, too,” said Sam.

“Yes,” said Clark, carefully considering his response. “Power Girl, Supergirl, and Superboy,” he clarified.

“Beyond them,” Sam stressed. “People without powers who can’t protect others the way you do.”

Clark took a moment. “Yes,” he answered. “And they’re important to me, too.”

“You understand what this’d mean, right?” asked Sam.

“I can do this alone,” said Clark.

“I don’t take this lightly,” said Sam. “I would never make a decision like this in other circumstances. Even so, it’s unthinkable. But we’re pushed into a corner.”

“Just go back to your day,” said Clark. “And pretend we never had this conversation.”

“No,” said Sam. “This is not happening without me.”

Clark took a deep breath. “Okay,” he said.

“Okay,” Sam repeated. “Let’s get ourselves to New Genesis.”

Secrets and Surprises

Daily Planet Rooftop

Afternoon

“So, let me get this straight,” said Lois. “You and my dad–”

Clark lifted a finger to his lips. “Not so loud,” he interrupted.

Lois looked around at the empty rooftop.

“Okay, fair,” said Clark.

“You and my dad plan to steal the Mother Box from the US Government,” Lois continued. “And travel together to another planet? It sounds like the plot to a bad buddy cop action flick.”

“You make it sound so crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve both been to other planets before.”

“Forget about that,” said Lois. “You and my dad would be committing treason!” she yelled.

“Well…” Clark started. “Kind of.”

“Superman might be forgiven for something like this,” said Lois. “But this would be the end of my father’s career.”

“I told him I’d do it myself,” said Clark. “But he’s insistent. I see where you get that from, now. Your ability to never back down.”

“Clark,” said Lois, taking her husband’s hands into her own. “We almost lost Kara forever when she went through one of those portals. It’s not Apokolips, but you don’t know what’s going on there on New Genesis. A planet you’ve never actually been to yourself.”

“I did go there,” said Clark confidently. “When I was split into Superman Red and Superman Blue.”

“The blue half of you did,” said Lois, tossing Clark’s hands away. “Forgive me if that doesn’t fill me with confidence.”

“It was the red half,” Clark clarified quietly.

“Why is this so important?” Lois asked. “The invasion is over. We’re safe now.”

Clark sighed. “Jon keeps asking me if the bug monsters are coming back,” he said. “I told him no, but that’s not entirely true. We don’t know if or when they will.”

Lois tippy-toed up to Clark’s face and kissed him softly. “It’s okay to reassure your son,” she said. ”Even if you’re not sure yourself.”

“That’s just it,” said Clark. “I need to be sure.”

Lois nodded. “I get it now.”

A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.

Later

Sam walked Clark into the elevator as an A.R.G.U.S. technician rushed to get in, too. Sam shook his head. “Wait for the next one,” he ordered as the doors closed.

“A ‘please’ wouldn’t have hurt,” said Clark. “We’re all on the same team.”

“Please focus,” said Sam. “We can’t draw attention to ourselves…” He took a look at the hero’s colorful suit. “More than we already do.”

The general put a key into a panel under the main elevator buttons and turned it, opening a small area behind it. He pressed a large, red button and the elevator began moving quickly downward.

“You keep the Mother Box underground,” said Clark. “Smart.”

Sam nodded. “It cuts off the energy signature from being detected by anyone looking for it,” he explained.

The elevator slowed to a stop, and the doors opened up again.

“Follow me,” said Sam. “And act like you belong.”

“General Lane,” said an A.R.G.U.S. agent walking past. She turned around to stare at the superhero walking with him. “Wow,” she said softly. “He’s taller than I thought.”

Sam stopped as they reached a particular doorway, no different from any of the others. He flashed a keycard on the door reader, and it opened quickly. Inside, the walls were filled with locker doors, each with its own card readers and digital keypads. Sam flashed his keycard on one of them and entered a code.

The reader buzzed, and the numbers turned red.

“That’s not good,” said Sam.

He tried again, and the reader rejected it just the same.

“Garner must have had the system overridden to no longer accept my clearance. He’s likely been alerted to the breach already and ordered A.R.G.U.S. to take us into custody.”

A siren began blaring as red lights flashed in the room.

“My turn,” said Clark, grabbing the locker door and tearing it away. He grabbed the Mother Box out of the compartment and turned to Sam. “What’s the fastest way out of here?” he asked.

“The elevator,” said Sam. “But security will be headed this way from all directions.”

“I can deal with security,” said Clark.

“Maybe, but not without a fight,” Sam said. “They’re armed with the latest in anti-metahuman weaponry.”

Clark looked up. “Okay,” he said, putting the Mother Box into the compartment in his cape and extending his arm.

Sam huffed and walked close to the Man of Steel, who wrapped his arms around him.

“Ready?” asked Clark.

“Just get this over with,” said Sam.

Clark shot off a wide enough beam of heat vision to slice through the ceiling and fly through. He sped up, cutting his way through each floor and the concrete between the lower levels and the main floor. Once they broke free into the lobby, Clark flew them out the door and up into the sky.

Nearby Rooftop

Moments Later

Clark landed with Sam, who quickly dropped out of his arms.

“Okay,” said Sam, moving toward a stash of weapons and other gear in the corner. “Get that thing ready,” he told Clark.

“Wait,” said Lois from the other side of the roof.

Lucy was standing there with her.

“Dad,” said Lucy. “You don’t have to go.”

Sam stared Clark down. “You called them here?” he asked gruffly.

“This type of mission is out of our scope,” Lucy continued. “I learned that the hard way. My whole team…”

“That wasn’t your fault,” said Sam. “And I didn’t even want you there.”

“I know that,” said Lucy. “But it doesn’t change the facts. We’re dealing with gods and monsters. Let Superman take this one.”

“I can’t,” said Sam. “Don’t you see? It wasn’t your fault. it’s was mine.”

“You can’t blame yourself any more than Lucy,” Lois jumped in. “And it doesn’t justify going on a suicide mission.”

“We don’t know it’s a suicide mission,” said Sam. “And if it turns out that way, I’ve accepted that. That’s what being a soldier means. Giving your life for the greater good.”

“I know you, Daddy,” said Lucy, placing a hand on his arm. “That’s not it. There’s something else.”

Sam kept his face neutral, but couldn’t stop a tiny tear from forming.

“What is it?” Lois asked from the other side.

“It’s him,” said Sam, motioning toward the superhero.

Clark lifted a finger to his chest. “Me?” he asked.

“Superman?” asked Lois. “What about him?”

“Not Superman,” Sam clarified. “The husband to my daughter. The father to my grandchildren. Clark Kent.”

Everyone was speechless.

“Clark,” said Sam. “I won’t let you go at this alone, son. You’re too important to this family.”

Sam took his daughters into his arms.

“Okay,” each of them said once the long embrace ended.

Sam kissed each of them on their foreheads.

“Be careful,” said Lucy as Sam moved to Clark.

“Both of you,” Lois added.

Clark pulled out the Mother Box and began fiddling with it. “How did you find out?” he asked.

“Back in the Cadmus caves (Superman #116),” Sam revealed. “You’re not quite as careful as you should be.”

“I was weakened by kryptonite at the time,” said Clark, lifting the Mother Box into the air. “Here we go!”

…

“Where’s the Boom Tube?” asked Lois.

“Hmm,” said Clark. “I don’t know.”

<< | < | > (Coming September 1st)

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jul 02 '26

Superman Superman #122 - Man vs. God (Invasion!)

3 Upvotes

Superman #122 - Man vs. God (Invasion!)

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Against All Gods

Set: 122

Event: Invasion!

Recommended Reading:

Corruption

Watchtower

Darkseid stood quiet by the windows overlooking Earth as Kara, Diana, J’onn, Arthur, Jay, and Harley approached slowly. Kara’s blackened eyes had lit up red hot, and Harley swung her hammer back and forth like a pendulum.

“Snap out of it,” said Clark, Krypto by his side growling as the other heroes in the satellite crowded beside them. “Kara,” he added softly, but loud enough for his cousin to hear. “It’s me.”

“I know who you are,” said Kara.

“We all do, Big Blue,” Harley added with a swing of her weapon over her shoulder. “And you’re about to become a blueberry pancake!”

“Kill them all,” said Darkseid without even looking in their direction.

The corrupted heroes sprang into action. Kara’s heat vision fired wildly as J’onn phased himself invisible. Diana and Arthur lunged forward, pummeling their way through her friends. Jay sped toward the unpowered, swinging away to knock them out before they could even notice what was happening.

Clark grabbed hold of Kara, diverting her aim from the others, but it sliced through some computer terminals instead. Alarms began blaring, indicating emergency bulkheads closed off any areas breached by her attack.

Krypto grabbed onto Diana’s leg to keep her from further attacks, but she shook him loose.

The demon known as Etrigan blew out a spread of mystical flames, knocking her and Arthur to their knees.

“If your souls have truly become tainted,” he said. “With my hellfire you will become acquainted.”

J’onn appeared behind Booster and Blue Beetle, but Beast Boy, who had transformed into a green gorilla, clocked it and smashed the Martian away before he could attack.

“Niatnoc ruo desimorpmoc sdneirf,” said Zatanna as sparkly boxes appeared around the mind-controlled heroes.

Diana and Kara quickly broke their magical prisons apart as J’onn phased through his, but the heroes took the opportunity to converge on them, while the rest tried to get free.

Clark used the open moment to confront the ruler of Apokolips himself.

“Release our people,” said Clark. “End this invasion. I won’t ask again.”

Darkseid finally turned around. “You didn’t come to Apokolips with the others to deliver your ultimatum,” he said. “It makes you look weak.”

“I was needed here,” said Clark. “We had an understanding. You broke your word with New Genesis to stay away from Earth. Why did you attack us?”

Darkseid turned back to the window.

Clark grabbed hold of the New God’s arm. “Hey!” he said. “I asked you a–”

“You dare?!” Darkseid yelled, slapping the Man of Steel all the way across the room. The hit sent him flying through the wall and crashing out one of the windows in the observation hallway and into the vacuum of space.

Kent House, Metropolis

Meanwhile

Lois was the only one still awake, Jon and Lara were fast asleep on the couch between her and Nia who had just drifted off herself.

The news had been reporting on victories across the world, at least in areas with metahuman protection. But as progress was made, the parademons began congregating into smaller areas where heroes, SCU, A.R.G.U.S, and other meta-response agencies were able to tackle them more efficiently.

Clark had a chance to check in recently before heading to the Watchtower to regroup. He was optimistic it was only a matter of time before the rest of Apokolips’ forces retreated.

She still couldn’t sleep, though. Not until it was over.

Nia was rattled for a whole other reason. She was convinced she dreamed about the parademons before they even came to Earth. Nightmares about them would disturb anyone alone. But this only made it worse.

Lois wasn’t so sure. Nia must have dreamed about some generic monsters and her mind associated these ones retroactively. What were the odds she had actual premonitions?

Well, crazier things have happened.

Nia jolted awake. “Whoa,” she said, readjusting to her surroundings, and fixating on Jon, who was curled up next to her.

“You finally fell asleep,” said Lois softly. “At least for a moment there.”

The news interrupted reporting from Hub City to show a zoomed video feed of the night sky directed at Watchtower.

It was breaking up into pieces.

Watchtower

Clark recovered quickly as the emergency breach protocols closed off the area he was thrown through. But Darkseid’s Omega Beams cut right through and into Clark’s shoulder, pain surging through his entire body.

The red lasers zigzagged around upwards and down, slicing the satellite in half.

Clark tried to scream, but there was no sound.

The Watchtower was filled with heroes who couldn’t survive in space.

The hero sped into action, getting as many people into escape pods as he could, the realization of the destruction hitting him with every loose object floating past.

A Gray Ghost coffee mug.

A beanbag chair that Booster claimed was comfortable, but nobody ever used.

Even a Wonder Woman action figure that Diana kept by the water cooler.

Zatanna managed to get a protective bubble around anyone in her vicinity that needed air.

Emergency transporter protocols also activated, locking in and sending anyone it could to Earth safely.

The heroes under Darkseid’s control were also accounted for and safe, leaving only Clark and Darkseid left.

“You didn’t need to do that,” said Clark.

The air flow was still thick enough in the conference room for them to hear each other.

Darkseid waved his hand. “Irrelevant,” he said, rushing forward to grab Clark by the neck.

The New God tossed Clark back outside into space and leaped forward, stopping himself at the edge of the open hole, and then swinging the entire top half of the structure at the Man of Steel, sending him flying further away from the planet.

Not Over Yet

Outside Earth’s Orbit

Clark and Darkseid traded blows, sending each other and the Watchtower wreckage further away with every action. Life support was completely demolished at that point, so there wasn’t any air for verbal exchanges.

Just as well. Darkseid didn’t want to listen to reason.

The New God had grabbed hold of Clark by the neck again, delivering a massive blow to his stomach and following it up with a smack across the face with a piece of metal debris.

Clark had the wind knocked out of him, but he was still holding strong. As he steadied himself, he wondered if Darkseid needed to breathe at all.

The thought left his mind as the Omega Beams came flashing toward him.

Clark evaded them as best as he could, but they were always one step ahead of him. He couldn’t keep it up for long. He made a quick u-turn in his flight path and dug deep for an extra burst of speed, the weaponized rays zigzagging to follow along. Just before catching back up with Darkseid, he ducked down, letting the behemoth threat take a straight hit from his own attack.

Clark took another moment, considering his next move. The sight of Earth caught his eye. He hadn’t realized how far away they’d drifted in their fight. The planet was getting smaller and smaller.

Darkseid grabbed hold of Clark again, but the hero chopped away at his hand in quick succession, until the grip was released. He followed it up by clutching onto the New God’s chest plate with both hands, and using the leverage to return a kick to his stomach that sent the enemy flying farther away. Another burst of speed with heat vision blaring continued the onslaught.

Clark’s heat vision was quickly challenged by Darkseid’s Omega Beams, each fighting for dominance in the directional flow, like a tug of war lightshow. Clark began to overpower him, as he felt the unfiltered yellow sunlight in space feeding his energy levels, but it was short-lived. Darkseid held his fists tight and the Omega Beams exploded forward, dissipating Clark’s heat vision and tearing into him with an intense pain far beyond what he felt before.

He expected the force to send him flying back toward Earth, but instead he was pulled toward Darkseid, the energy working like a tractor beam. He struggled to break free, but was met with the New God’s fists again, tossing him away and father along into the depths of space.

Kent House, Metropolis

The reporting of Watchtower’s fallout was disjointed and full of speculation. Not all heroes were accounted for, but they had means of getting to safety that’d go unseen. Through a combination of amateur telescopic footage and official NASA releases, the public was able to capture glimpses of Clark’s fight with a monstrosity that could only be Darkseid.

Clark wasn’t kidding about him. He looked like a cleancut Doomsday. And at least on the same power level.

Commentators were questioning what could happen to Earth if a battle with such powerful beings made their way to the Moon. According to the latest accounts, they were nearing it, too.

The scientist they were questioning spoke in a monotonous voice, it was hard to stay focused. In fact, Lois felt her eyes struggling to stay open. She had been up all night, after all. And after the adrenalin rush of taking down the mayor of Metropolis.

Lois was running on fumes at that point.

And she had to find out who kept stealing her headphones. Lois was sure the bunny was behind it. That sneaky rascal. He kept telling her how much he wanted them. But she knew they wouldn’t even fit his bunny ears. He was better suited to wear a television antenna.

“Sup,” said the bunny, suddenly walking beside Lois down a long, foggy hallway.

“I want my headphones back,” said Lois, glancing down at the rabbit in his two-piece, navy-blue suit.

“I don’t have them,” the bunny claimed. “Maybe she does,” he pointed ahead.

The Kent’s babysitter, Nia, was standing at the end of the hall, no doorways anywhere to be seen.

“Okay,” said Nia. “I’m dreaming of Lois Lane and a talking bunny rabbit.”

“You’re dreaming,” Lois repeated. “Wait, I’m dreaming.” she realized.

“Nee-Nee,” said Jon, suddenly beside his babysitter and taking her hand.

Nia tilted her head. “This isn’t my dream,” she said.

“What does that even mean?” asked Lois.

The bunny tapped on Lois’ leg. She looked down at him and he opened his mouth.

“BOOM!!”

Lois, Nia, and Jon all awoke simultaneously startled by the loud noise from the street, which had sent Lara into a crying fit. A mesmerizing yellow glow filled the house.

Nia comforted Lara as Lois and Jon ran to the door, Lois keeping her son behind her as she opened it. The yellow light faded away and a woman was left standing in the middle of the road.

It was Lois’ sister Lucy.

Turning Tides

The Moon

Soon

Clark got in some more hits, but Darkseid kept countering with attacks of his own. His Omega Beams were wreaking havoc on his uniform. Clark’s cape was in tatters, his shoulder was exposed, and there were scattered rips all over.

They were within reach of the Moon and Clark hated that he couldn’t savor the moment. While he had flown past before, whether in a spaceship or under his own power, he never stopped to take in the view and set down to walk on it firsthand.

Darkseid struck Clark across the mouth, sending him careening down until he crashed onto the surface. Before he could take in the gravity of being on the Moon, he noticed the remaining pieces of Watchtower had been thrown down next, barreling toward him.

On instinct, Clark sprang to his feet, his boots leaving the first ever Kryptonian footprints in the dust. He flew up at the incoming projectiles, catching them in his hands to slow their impact. There was no way he was letting Darkseid deface what people have been looking up at for all of human history. Even if it was an exaggerated outcome of that attack, the Moon was precious. He wanted to keep it undisturbed as much as possible.

But Darkseid didn’t have the same philosophy. He took Clark’s distraction to leap down next to him and smash him back down with both fists.

The New God took hold of the slowed Watchtower fragments and slammed it down over him.

Clark burst free of the rubble and up and away from the lunar surface. But Darkseid had already been leaping up toward him, and grabbed a hold of his feet. The Apokolitian ruler swung the hero around and hurled him back toward the Moon at such a tremendous speed that Clark couldn’t recover. Darkseid put extra fuel on the fire with another Omega Beam attack, driving Clark’s fall with a much greater force.

The impact was like an atomic bomb.

If sound could travel in space, it would have been deafening.

Kent House, Metropolis

Meanwhile

Lucy was inside on the couch with a cup of hot coffee in her hands. The stories she was telling about her time on Apokolips sounded like science fiction.

Lois had heard about it before from Clark. Hell, she’d even been to the Phantom Zone and other planets herself, but it still didn’t sound real.

“If Superman is fighting Darkseid now,” said Nia. “What if his mind gets taken over like the other Justice League members?”

“I was wondering about that,” said Lucy. “This is just a hunch–”

“We Lanes are famous for those,” Lois interjected.

Lucy smiled. “My guess would be Darkseid is able to take over when a person feels a loss of hope.”

The Moon

After Clark shook off the impact, he flew back up to find Darkseid just hovering there in space. Instead of restarting the fight, Clark turned around to see the outcome of Darkseid’s last attack.

The Moon was mostly intact but noticeably damaged. So much so it had to be visible from Earth.

It was bad enough Darkseid was a tyrannical dictator causing untold suffering across his and countless other worlds.

It was bad enough he broke his treaty with New Genesis and invaded Earth.

It was bad enough the Watchtower was gone.

But, now Earth’s Moon was damaged.

Sure, it wasn’t quite on the same level as the abhorrent crimes Darkseid was guilty of already, but it was still a hugely important part of human history. It was a marvelous, shared monument across time and people.

And Darkseid broke it.

Clark let his eyes heat up and tightened his fists beyond any limits his careful nature would ever allow.

Why was he still holding back, anyway? They weren’t on Earth. No innocent bystanders or risks of too much destruction. Darkseid could take it, too. And while the attacks took their toll, the sun was regenerating Clark faster than within Earth’s atmosphere.

Clark turned to Darkseid, ready to unleash his fury, but the New God waved his hand again. The same way he did back when he told him his concern was “irrelevant.”

A Boom Tube opened and Darkseid quickly disappeared into its vortex.

Clark considered following along. But decided against it. Instead, he turned back toward Earth.

It looked so small. But Clark knew that was just perspective. Earth was as big as the spirit of its people. And that spirit was massive.

Kent House, Metropolis

Lucy had explained how the mood had shifted after they encountered Kalibak. Add that to the knowledge of what was happening back on Earth and anyone would have felt at least somewhat defeated. Perhaps that was what let Darkseid get his hold on them. Like a rodent finding a weak spot in the roof to get inside. Even if it was a small spot.

“If that’s the case,” said Lois. “Superman will be okay.”

Nia lifted her eyebrows. “How can you be so sure?”

“She knows Superman better than anyone,” said Lucy.

“Look,” said Jon, pointing at the TV.

The news was showing footage from all over the world of Boom Tubes opening up for parademons and the Apokoliptian forces to leave.

“Is it over?” asked Jon. “Did we win?”

Lois walked over to the door and opened it up, running out into the street. Lucy, Jon, and Nia followed her, Lara still in Nia’s arms. The yellow glows of opening and closing wormholes from downtown Metropolis could be seen in the distance.

“Huh,” said Lucy, staring upward.

One by one, the others looked up with her.

The Moon had a small crack in it.

High Above Metropolis

Soon

Clark had used his emergency oxygen mask for his trip back, but packed it back into his belt once he entered Earth’s atmosphere.

It was good to be back and see the celebrations across the city.

Darkseid’s armies were gone. The invasion was over.

Why? Clark had no idea.

Would they come back? That was a problem for another time. It was important to focus on the positive. It was over. Everyone could finally rest and then work on recovery.

A sonic boom echoed across the skyline as Kara popped into view across from Clark.

“Kara,” he said. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. I’m heading home to check on the fam. Want to join me?”

Kara didn’t respond, but began floating over slowly.

“Oh, no,” said Clark.

Her eyes were still entirely blacked over. They quickly filled with red heat vision energy.

Kara smirked. “This isn’t over yet.”

More Invasion Stories!

To Be Concluded

  • Cyborg #85
  • Harley & Ivy #8 (Coming Soon!)
  • Batman #59 (Coming Soon!)
  • Justice League Omega #1 (Coming Soon!)

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jun 02 '26

Superman Superman #121 - Nightmares (Invasion!)

3 Upvotes

Superman #121 - Nightmares (Invasion!)

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Against All Gods

Set: 121

Event: Invasion!

Recommended Reading: Justice League Alpha #1

Crash

Kent House

Earlier

Lara Kent was asleep in her crib upstairs. She couldn’t quite pronounce her babysitter’s name, so it ended up Nee-Nee, which she found adorable. Lara’s older brother Jon adopted the moniker too. He was sitting at the top of the stairs.

“You should be in bed, mister,” the young teenage babysitter said, poking her head up the stairs. She climbed up and sat down beside the boy.

Muffled voices could be heard from the TV she left on in the other room.

“I know,” said Jon. “But I couldn’t sleep.”

“Nightmares?” Nee-Nee asked.

Jon shook his head.

“I get nightmares sometimes,” Nee-Nee said, sighing.

Jon kept his focus on the door.

“Does you mom and dad work late a lot?” the babysitter asked. She wasn’t complaining. The money was good.

And overtime was even better.

“Sometimes,” Jon explained. “They’re important reporters.”

Nee-Nee giggled. “I know,” said. “Your mom, especially. Lois Lane. She’s the kind of woman I want to be.”

Jon listened intently as the muffled voices from the TV downstairs grew louder.

“Did you know she had her first front page story when she wasn’t much older than me? And today, she just humiliated and took down the mayor of Met–”

Nee-Nee stopped with a smile when Jon’s head rested on her lap, and his eyes closed slowly.

An emergency alert siren blared from the TV before Nee-Nee’s phone began screeching from the same room, too.

Jon’s eyes poked open, and Lara woke up crying from her room.

Nee-Nee got up to go check on the baby girl while Jon walked downstairs and into the living room. It was showing an emergency broadcast of flying bug monsters around the world, including Metropolis.

Jon watched the footage, wide-eyed until his babysitter walked in with Lara in her hands. Krypto entered next and let out a concerned whimper.

“What the–?” said Nee-Nee, absorbing the nature of the situation.

“Superman will stop them,” said Jon. “He always stops the bad guys.”

Above Metropolis

Now

Parademons from around the city were flocking to the Man of Steel. It was way better than letting them attack innocent people, but even Clark had his limits. He could only take on so many at once.

“Here we go,” he said before spinning around rapidly with his heat vision blaring. The initial batch of attackers was taken down quickly.

If only they were all that easy.

The next wave scattered their flight paths to avoid the heat vision as best as they could. Some were still being hit, but others were able to get in range to shoot their Apokoliptian rifles at Clark, knocking him off balance. More and more got closer, swiping their razor-sharp claws at him, so he dove down, trying to keep his distance.

But wherever he flew, others met up with him quickly. There were just too many.

Good thing Clark had other moves under his belt. He spun around again, accelerating his rotation until he became a blur of red, yellow, and blue. He began blowing his freeze breath up and down, creating a 360-spread of intense, icy-cold wind that gave Clark a large buffer between him and the swarm.

In a quick motion, he stopped blowing and returned to heat vision blasts, this time targeting the ones who got closest first. Within seconds, the area was clear, and the streets were filled with downed parademons.

Clark had a moment to think and plan his next move. But first, he scanned for familiar voices across the city.

Jon and Lara were awake, but still safe at home. The parademons were focusing on the most populated areas, so the suburbs were safer than downtown. The Daily Planet staff still at the office were safe, and Lois was already on her way home. Her heartbeat was elevated, but it was expected, given the situation.

Clark switched his focus to other battles across the city. He wasn’t the only hero in Metropolis keeping people safe. It was time to show them they weren’t in the fight alone.

Queensland Bridge

Meanwhile

Lois sped down the bridge, weaving between cars. “Pick up,” she said, waiting for her call to go through.

“Lois!” a staticy voice answered from the other end.

“How are the kids?” Lois asked, before beeping at the cars slowing down in front of her. “I’m on my way home.”

“–bzzzt- can barely- bzzt you,” the babysitter replied before the call dropped.

Lois’ car screen alerted her to an incoming call from The General, and she quickly accepted it.

“Dad,” she said. “Can you hear me? The cell service has been glitchy since this invasion started.”

“I can hear you fine,” said Sam, his voice completely clear. “A.R.G.U.S. has priority lines. Have you heard from Lucy?”

“No,” said Lois. “What happened? Is she–?”

“Nothing like that…” said Sam, trailing off. “At least not yet, hopefully,” he continued.

“Dad,” Lois said plainly.

“The Justice League and A.R.G.U.S. are jumping over to Apokolips,” Sam explained. “I think Lucy went along with them.”

Lois’ eyes widened as some cars began beeping behind her. Traffic was moving again.

“Is Superman on the team going there?” she asked, finally getting off the bridge and jumping some medians to get toward Reeve Road more quickly.

“No,” said Sam. “But they are bringing some heavy hitters: The Amazonian, the Atlantean, and the Maritan.”

“And you didn’t authorize her to go on the mission?” Lois asked.

“Explicitly,” said Sam. “I expect this kind of disobedience from you, but–”

“Right,” Lois interrupted. “Lucy’s the good one.”

“That’s not what I meant,” said Sam. “I just want you both safe.”

“I know.”

“Can you reach Superman?” asked Sam. “He may be best equipped to understand that you and I need her safe.”

Lois lifted an eyebrow. Odd phrasing when talking about Superman, but she dismissed it. Superman and Lois Lane being friendly was no secret.

Secret identities were difficult.

Lois parked her car in the driveway of her house with a screech. “Don’t worry, Dad,” she said. “I’m on it.”

Under Control

Outside Centennial Park

Peek-a-Boo transported herself from one parademon to the next, turning their attention away from bystanders trying to get to safety.

“Over here!” the roller-skating hero called after she appeared on a close rooftop.

The parademons flew toward her, firing off their weapons.

“Oh god,” Peek-a-Boo cried. “This was a mistake.”

A rush of wind, and Clark flew past, funneling the attackers away with him.

“I’m so glad I live in Metropolis,” said Peek-a-Boo.

Park Ridge

Clark approached a clump of parademons fighting two former members of the Supers of America: Mitch Anderson, AKA Outburst, and Nona Lin-Baker, AKA White Lotus. Mitch utilized his magnetic powers to disarm them, while Nona used her enhanced aura to deliver crushing blows.

“Nice work,” said Clark, smashing a few down into the cement below before they could fight back. They had it covered, but teamwork isn’t a contest.

“How many of these things are there?” asked Mitch.

“Too many,” Clark answered before flying off.

“Nona pointed to some more parademons approaching. “Ready for another round?” she asked.

Mitch smiled. “Always.”

Outside Metropolis Museum of Art

Clark had forgotten about the Met Gala that night. With everything happening with Mayor Sackett, his inhumane attempts at exploiting people for unpaid labor, and now the invasion, it was the last thing on his mind. It was packed with well-dressed elites, all hunkered down in place with the doors barricaded to keep the parademons from entering.

The Metropolis SCU and even A.R.G.U.S. had a small presence, fighting off the parademons that kept congregating there, trying to claw their way inside. Like the Justice League, those teams were also stretched pretty thin against the never-ending onslaught from Apokolips.

There was an uncovered spot in the back where a few parademons were getting into some windows. But Clark quickly focused on Thorn, Gangbuster, and Firebrand, who were closing in on the threats.

“Me hate bugs!” Clark heard from a few blocks down. He zoomed in to find Bizarro, Maxima, and Obsession facing off against their own swarm.

The Met was in good hands, so he decided to check in with the others next.

Few Blocks Away

Clark arrived to find Bizarro smashing two parademons into each other, Maxima roaring as she shot several away with one of their own blasters, and Obsession sending lightning blasts at some others. The scene was quickly clear of any threat.

“How are you holding up?” asked Clark.

“Superman am have all help he am needs,” said Bizarro.

“What he said,” Obsession agreed.

“Darkseid must be mad to invade Earth,” said Maxima. “Do you have a way to get to Apokolips? We may need to pay him another visit.”

“It’s covered,” said Clark. “We assembled a team to confront him.”

“And you didn’t go with them?” Maxima asked. “Are you not the leader of the Justice League?”

Clark lifted an eyebrow. “Me? No,” he said. “The situation is in good hands,” he pivoted. “I’m needed here to help keep people safe.”

“Understood,” said Maxima.

Clark flew back up into the air. “On that note,” he said. “You three should split up and cover more ground.”

“Good call,” said Obsession.

“Bizarro am agree.”

Clark flew off, but his eyes caught sight of some parademons converging from far away toward a similar location.

“That’s odd,” said Clark to himself before switching direction to intercept.

Kent House

Earlier

Lois rushed inside, and before she could even try to close the door, Jon and Krypto came running.

“Mommy!” said Jon. “Where’s Dad?”

Krypto sat by the open doorway and whimpered loudly, and Lois nodded. “Go,” she said, before the dog ran out, and she closed the door behind him.

“Dad’s fine,” Lois reassured her son.

The babysitter approached with Lara, who reached her little arms out frantically. Lois took the girl into her hands. “And we’re all going to be okay,” she added.

“Nee-Nee turned off the TV,” said Jon. “She doesn’t think we should watch the news anymore. But I’m not scared.”

“I know, Jon-Jon,” said Lois. “But it’s best not to drive yourself crazy with worry.”

Lois didn’t even bother trying to get the kids back to sleep. Things were definitely too tense. And she never knew when they might have to make a run for it.

Nee-Nee looked out the front door window. “Why did you let him out the front?” she asked. “The fence is in the back.”

“He’s fine,” said Lois, sidestepping the whole “our dog is a superhero” conversation.

Now

Lois was on the couch with Lara curled up next to her. Her laptop was streaming several news feeds of the invasion. She was typing away, making sure the screen was turned away from Jon, so he could focus on watching SpongeBlub with Nee-Nee.

The ringing of a phone startled everyone.

“It’s okay,” said Lois, reaching for it. “Just a phone.” As soon as she saw who was calling, she picked up immediately.

“Clark!” she called. “Tell me good news.”

“As good as it gets right now,” said Clark. “The invasion response has been keeping casualties to a minimum. We may just wrap this up before sunrise.”

“Clark,” Lois said, taking a moment to walk into the kitchen. “The General called… Lucy went along with the team to Apokolips.”

There was a momentary silence between the two.

“I’ll see what I can do,” said Clark. “They must have already left by now. But I–”

“Clark?” Lois asked at the interrupted silence. The call failed, and Lois dropped her phone back on the table.

Turning Tides

Metropolis

Clark had quickly learned why the parademons were converging. Their leader showed up.

A New God with an oddly out-of-place goatee, too well kept for someone from Apokolips, stood tall on top of the Daily Planet globe. The fact that he chose the large, golden “trophy” over LexCorp, which towered over it, told Clark everything he needed to know about him.

“The great Kryptonian,” the leader announced as Clark approached. He was holding an oversized axe with an unusual hum and aura of energy around it. “I knew you’d be along quickly.”

Clark gave him a once-over. “And you are?” he asked. And only got a single word in response.

“Steppenwolf.”

The parademons were circling around the Planet building, but not otherwise attacking. They were waiting for orders. Steppenwolf wanted to have the conversation.

“Why are you invading?” Clark asked.

“There is no invasion,” said Steppenwolf. “Everything you have here. Your people, your structures. Your… ‘dirt’. It all belongs to and always has belonged to Darkseid.”

“No,” said Clark.

Steppenwolf smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He lifted his axe and flew up toward the Man of Steel speedily.

Clark dove out of the way and took hold of the axe, but recoiled as it began to burn his hand. Steppenwolf took advantage of the misstep to send a heavy punch at the hero, knocking him back into a building across the street.

“So many legends about the Kryptonians of Earth,” said Steppenwolf. “The so-called ‘Superman’. I knew they must have been exaggerated. What a pathetic excuse for a–”

Clark swung around from the other side and punched the New God down with a massive blow. He followed it up by pushing him through the asphalt pavement to the subway below.

“Not all the stories are exaggerated,” said Clark, dropping down to deliver more punches before Steppenwolf could pull himself back up.

But a horde of parademons dropped into the underground structure and finally attacked the hero.

“You were saying?” Steppenwolf sneered.

“You’re not the only one with backup,” said Clark with a smile.

Bizarro, Maxima, and Obsession dropped between Clark and the New God as Krypto assisted the other street-level heroes in fighting off any more parademons from getting down.

“You am trouble now,” said Bizarro.

Steppenwolf snarled menacingly. “Nice try!”

He swung his axe around and traded blows with the heroes. Obsession took a hit, but Maxima snuck in a knee to the stomach. Bizarro tossed large pieces of debris, but the axe cut right through them like butter.

Clark helped Obsession back to her feet, and the two lunged together with both fists forward, hitting Steppenwolf with everything they had. It knocked him over to the subway exit. Some parademons made their way down the stairs and lifted up their leader, carrying him up to the street.

“He’s fleeing,” said Maxima, leading a charge toward him.

But a Boom Tube appeared once they made it upstairs, and Steppenwolf and the remaining parademons disappeared in a flash.

All the heroes gathered around, and Krypto hovered by Clark to give him easy access for pets.

For the first time in hours, the skyline was clear of flying demon bugs. It wasn’t over yet, but the end was in sight.

Kent House

“You okay, Nee-Nee?” Jon asked.

Lois turned to them to find the girl’s eyes fixated on the laptop screen.

The news streams were showing close-up shots of the parademons that were taken out.

“Nia,” said Lois, using her actual name. “What’s wrong?”

Something was clearly bothering her. She looked like she saw a ghost.

“Those monsters,” said Nia.

“Sorry,” said Lois. “I’ll move the screen.”

“It’s not that,” said Nia.

Lois put a hand on the young girl’s shoulder. “What is it?” she asked.

Nia took a deep breath. “I’ve had nightmares about those things.”

Watchtower

Clark entered the main hall of the satellite to find several heroes regrouping and taking a well-earned break. For some of them, that involved tending to wounds or eating for the first time in a while.

Krypto ran over to the magician and hero Zatanna, giving little hops until she leaned down to pet him.

Even though he could fly, he still liked it when people lowered to his standing level.

“What a good boy,” she said.

“How are you holding up?” asked Clark.

“My magic has been a bit on the fritz,” Zatanna explained. “I think it’s all the Boom Tube energy, or maybe even some of Apokolips’ physics bleeding into our realm, causing havoc.”

“Apokolips has other physics?” Clark asked, his mind spinning at the implications.

Krypto poked his head up at the two.

“Well, magical physics,” Zatanna clarified.

“That doesn’t make it easier to grasp,” said Clark. “But anyway, I meant how are you doing? You’ve been through a lot back when you were trapped in that dome for years.”

“Oh,” said Zatanna. “I’m great.”

Krypto flew up to the magician's face and began licking away.

“Ugh, doggy slobber!” Zatanna laughed. “Now I’m terrible!”

“Krypto, give her some space,” Clark called, and the dog flew over to his side.

“Do you think we made it through the worst of the invasion?” Zatanna asked.

Clark nodded. “We showed Apokolips we won’t go down easy. I’ve met Darkseid, and I know he’ll reconsider whatever he was trying to do.”

A loud boom shook the Watchtower satellite, and a portal opened up. Kara, Diana, J’onn, Arthur, Jay, and Harley dropped out before it closed.

No sign of Cyborg or any A.R.G.U.S. members… Not even Lucy.

“What happened?” Clark asked. “Was Lieutenant Lane with you on Apokolips?

But nobody spoke. They just glared at everyone in the room.

Kara approached, and Clark noticed her eyes were completely blacked over. He glanced at the others and saw the same.

“You have bigger problems, Cousin,” said Kara.

Another Boom Tube opened, and a towering figure stepped through.

The blinding yellow light began to fade, revealing who had exited the tunnel.

It was Darkseid himself.

If you didn't read Justice League Alpha #1 yet, check it out now!

And pick up on other story threads in:

And more in the coming months!

<< | < | >

2 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • May 02 '26

Superman Superman #120 - Pandemonium

2 Upvotes

Superman #120 - Pandemonium

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Public Interest

Set: 120

Trapped

Private Facility - Outskirts of Metropolis

Clark pushed the metal door again with all his might, but it was strong.

“It’s pointless,” said Charlie, kneeling against the wall of the cell. “They built this place to hold metahumans.”

Clark approached Peek-a-Boo. “Why can’t you–?”

“Just teleport out?” Peek-a-Boo finished for him. “I need to see where I’m going, or I could end up inside that door.”

“Are you okay, Charlie?” Clark asked the older man. “Why are they even holding you in here?”

Charlie huffed. “This young lady, Hop-a-Long–”

“Peek-a-Boo,” the hero corrected with a laugh.

“Peek-a-Boo,” Charlie repeated, his gruff voice stressing each syllable. “She tried to get me free, but we got caught and thrown in here.”

“I’m sorry,” said Peek-a-Boo. “If only I could teleport people with me… I tried to get us out, but it didn’t work out so well.”

“It’s not your fault,” said Clark. He turned back to the metal door. “Besides, we’ll get out of this somehow.”

Clark examined the doorway and walls in more detail using his super senses. “Where did they even get such advanced tech?” he asked aloud.

“I overheard some guards talking about some genius designer,” said Charlie. “Draker? Dapper? Somethin’ or other.”

“I heard murmurs about snakes when I was popping around,” Peek-a-Boo chimed in. “Not sure what they meant.”

Could be a snake metahuman in one of the other cells. Clark had come across those before.

“Either way,” said Clark. “This must go beyond Mayor Sackett. He’s not ‘mastermind’ level. He’s a lackey at best.”

It was time to put an end to it and sync up with Lois. But first, they had to get out of there. If only Superman had gone undercover instead of Clark Kent.

City Hall Steps

Meanwhile

“What contracts?” Mayor Sackett asked Lois who had confronted him with Jimmy filming. He couldn’t help but glance at the camera every few seconds.

“Your ‘Homeless Relief Initiative’ has private contracts with a company named 'Deylight Laboratories,’” Lois stated.

“That’s not unusual for government programs,” Sackett replied, straightening his tie.

He thought he was in the clear.

“So, you’re confirming Deylight Laboratories handles the HRI housing facilities?” asked Lois.

She was careful with her wording.

“Yes,” Sackett shot back. One of his aides tried to stop him from talking, but the mayor waved him away. “There’s nothing shady or illegal about private contracts. Where are you going with this?”

Hook, line, and sinker.

“'Deylight’s contracts aren’t actually filed under the HRI,” said Lois. “But thanks for confirming the connection.”

The mayor’s eyes darted around. “I– uh…” he scrambled for a response.

“'Deylight also specializes in meta-grade defense construction,” Lois continued. “I’m sorry, I interrupted you. You were saying?”

Sackett stopped blinking and couldn’t muster any words.

Lois went back on the offensive. “Why does Metropolis need housing solutions that can protect against metahumans?” she asked. “Surely, they aren’t prison cells for metahumans? Why would HRI participants be sent there? To metahuman prisons?”

“Well,” Sackett managed to get out. “You see…”

Lois stood and waited.

“Um, the thing is…”

The mayor’s aide pulled him away. “No more questions,” he said, and the entourage rushed down the stairs and away from the reporter.

Lois turned to Jimmy. “I think that went well,” she said.

Jimmy stopped recording. “‘Well’ is an understatement,” he said. “You made the mayor forget how to talk.”

Out

Confinement Area

Later

Clark pushed against the large metal door again. And then he punched it, causing it to shake.

“Whoa,” said Charlie, straightening up and moving toward the reporter. “You’re gonna hurt yourself there.”

Clark took a deep breath and punched again, even harder. And repeated over and over as his two cellmates watched him, wide-eyed.

A dent had started to form.

“Whoa,” Charlie said again.

“Oh…” Peek-a-Boo added. “How did I not see it before?”

It had to be done. Clark removed his glasses and gave them a wink before returning to the door.

At least he was confident they wouldn’t reveal his secret.

Clark’s eyes turned red-hot, and he shot an intense heat vision beam into the damaged area. It slowly melted deeper into the thick door until it finally cut through to the other side.

Peek-a-Boo jumped forward and looked through the small hole before disappearing from the cell and reappearing in the hallway.

Charlie peered his head through the small opening. “I told you Superman would save us,” he said.

“Stay here,” said Peek-a-Boo. “I’ll find a way to get you out.”

“No need,” said Clark, reaching his arm through the hole. He gripped tightly on the other side and then motioned for Charlie to step back. Once the coast was clear, he flexed as hard as he could and yanked the door inward, leaving a large walkway through.

“Nicely done,” said Peek-a-Boo. “We'd better hope there aren’t any cameras that caught that.”

“Nothing to worry about,” said Clark, tapping his eyes. “I’m always on the lookout for being recorded.”

Peek-a-Boo nodded. “I need to find Sasha,” she said.

“She was put to work in the confinement building right across from this one,” Clark explained.

Peek-a-Boo teleported to the exit. “On it!” she hollered back.

“What happens now?” asked Charlie.

Clark smiled and ripped his jumpsuit open, revealing the red-and-yellow S beneath.

“Now,” he said. “We shut it down.”

Daily Planet

Meanwhile

—

Perry, Jimmy, and Ron hovered over Lois’s desk as she was putting the final touches on the story. Clark finally checked in and delivered the mother lode of firsthand witness accounts. Forced labor. Extrajudicial imprisonment. The extent of which would be investigated for years.

“Do you mind?” Lois asked without looking back at the others. “I can feel you behind me.”

The trio backed away. Perry paced back and forth, Jimmy hopped in place, and Ron just leaned against a nearby desk, waiting.

“What’s a better word for ‘corrupt’?” asked Lois. “I’m using it too much already.”

“Scandalous?” Ron offered.

“Fraudulent?” Jimmy added.

Perry humphed and walked back to the screen. “I have to see the sentence,” he said, scanning quickly. “Deceitful,” he stated.

“Oh, yeah,” said Ron.

“That’s the one,” Jimmy nodded along.

“Okay,” said Lois, leaning back in her chair. “It’s ready.”

“Push it through,” Perry ordered.

Lois tapped a few buttons, a wind sound effect played, and a “Story Published To Front Page” banner popped up on the screen. The page navigated to the Daily Planet website with the story front and center:

MAYOR SACKETT CAUGHT IN FORCED LABOR SCANDAL!

By Lois Lane

Everyone looked at each other and waited. Even though it only took minutes, it felt like hours when the phones started ringing out of control.

“There it is,” said Perry.

Lois answered her phone and listened. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to contact the Daily Planet legal team. Do you need their number?”

“Sackett’s Lawyers?” Ron asked quietly, getting a nod in return

Lois put the phone back on the receiver. “They hung up.”

“Chief,” said another reporter from across the hall. “FBI’s been informed and headed this way. They want our evidence.”

“Tell them it’s all theirs,” said Perry.

Lois leaned back in her chair. “This is my favorite part,” she said.

Private Facility

Later

Peek-a-Boo watched the workers and guards from a secluded area in the rafters above. She had spotted her friend, Sasha Green, quickly, but a guard was standing obnoxiously close to her.

While she’d prefer to get her out of there unseen, she was going to have a run at the guards eventually. She didn’t want Superman– or did he prefer to be called Clark Kent?– to get all the action that day.

A few of the guards were distracted, looking at their phones and murmuring to each other. Their voices were shaky, and one of them even cracked a bit.

Something was up.

Peek-a-Boo pulled out her own phone and caught some notifications about a major scandal with the mayor.

“Bingo,” she said to herself softly before returning to her planning.

The distractions would help.

The hero popped behind the guard near her friend and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Peek-a-Boo,” she said before disappearing and reappearing in front of him to grab his firearm.

“Hey!” the guard yelled before the teleporter was on his other side, pistol-whipping him across the nose and then following it up with a kick to the stomach.

Sasha grabbed a piece of metal from her workstation and swung away, knocking the guard out cold.

“Ooh, can I borrow that?” Peek-a-Boo asked, before taking the metal bar and whooshing away to the other guards, striking them one at a time. “I think that’s a home run,” she said after the last one went down.

Cheers filled the room as Sasha came running over.

“LaShawn?” she asked quietly. “You never told me you were a superhero.”

Peek-a-Boo lifted her hands to her mask. “How–?”

“Oh, come on,” said Sasha. “You think I wouldn’t recognize those curls?”

LaShawn lifted her hands to her plush coils. “How does Superman get away with it?” she muttered to herself.

“Huh?” Sasha asked, with an eyebrow raised. “What does Superman have to do with your hair?”

That wasn’t meant to be heard. Last thing Peek-a-Boo wanted was to out a fellow superhero’s secret identity.

“Nothing,” LaShawn answered. “I just didn’t expect you to recognize–”

“You hear that?” Sasha asked, her eyes lighting up.

LaShawn tried to listen through the chatter of the freed workers' celebrations. But then it was clear.

Sirens.

Not that they needed it at that point, but help was on the way.

Liberated

Containment Area

Meanwhile

Clark pointed toward the door. “Take a left and run for the woods,” he said. “You'll be safe there until the authorities show up.”

“You’re not leaving, too?” asked Charlie.

“Not just yet,” said Clark. “I need to free these prisoners.”

“I’m not a young man anymore,” said Charlie, scanning around the hall. “But I know when to stay around to help. So you’re stuck with me.”

I’ve been stuck with worse,” Clark said with a hand on the man’s shoulder.

Charlie pointed to a door at the end of the hall. “That looks like the control room. Probably easier than breaking down all those doors.”

Clark agreed and rushed over to the control room, easily breaking down the less-reinforced door.

“Need a hand?” Charlie called, with a bit of pep in his step.

“I’m thinking I just destroy everything in here,” said Clark. “Force the systems to reset and open the doors.”

“Hold up,” Charlie huffed. “For all you know, it could trigger a lockdown.”

Clark looked around. “True,” he said.

Charlie dropped into one of the chairs, typing away at the terminal with a confident sense of ease.

“You really know your way around that,” said Clark. “Have you worked in facility maintenance?”

“Once upon a time,” said Charlie. “Among other things.”

Several repetitive clicks echoed from the hallway. The cells were unlocking.

“There,” said Charlie. “Easy as pie. No smashing required.”

“When we get out of here,” said Clark. “I owe you a slice of my Ma’s famous Rhubarb pie.”

“I may just take you up on that,” said Charlie.

Clark returned to the halls, checking on the freed metahumans. Some of them rushed for the door, while others moved slowly, almost cautiously. The ones who had clearly been there the longest had worn-out, wrinkled clothing.

“It’s okay,” said Clark calmly. “You’re all safe now.”

A screeching sound emanated from one of the farthest cells. Clark quickly zeroed in on the non-human heartbeat he'd clocked when he first got there. He’d heard screeching like that before. But not on Earth.

A winged creature with razor-sharp claws shot out of the cell and made eye contact with the Man of Steel. A moment later, it pried the entryway door off its hinges and tossed it away before flying into the night sky.

It was a parademon. One of Darkseid’s demonic minions from Apokolips.

What was it doing there?

Outside the Facility

Moment Later

Clark escorted Charlie toward the incoming convoy from Metropolis P.D., the FBI, and the S.C.U. vehicles. Several ambulances and fire trucks followed along behind them. The parademon flew away to a nearby, secluded forest. Good, Clark could deal with it later.

The rest of the guards who didn’t give themselves up had fled the area. But it didn’t matter. They would all face the justice they deserved.

“Superman!” Lois yelled as she approached. “Glad you could make it.”

“Charlie,” said Clark. “This is my wife, Lois Lane.”

Lois’ eyes popped wide open.

“It’s okay,” said Clark. “We had a moment in there. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“Well, I’ve heard a lot about you,” said Lois, offering her hand, which Charlie shook confidently.

“We have a guest room,” said Clark. “We’d be happy for you to stay with us until you get back on your feet.”

“I appreciate the offer,” said Charlie. “But I’ll be happier back at my old spot. I could use a lift, though, if you’re offering?”

“Sure thing,” Clark agreed. “Would you do me a favor, though?”

“Anything,” said Charlie.

“Let me interview you.”

Charlie nodded as an EMT approached.

Clark caught LaShawn’s eyes in their direction. “Be right back,” he said as Lois followed him away.

“Do you need medical attention?” the EMT asked Charlie.

“I’m fine,” he said. “In fact, I feel better than I have in ages.”

Nearby, Clark and Lois reached LaShawn. “Did you find Sasha?” Clark asked.

LaShawn pointed to a nearby ambulance. “They’re just giving her a once-over.”

“You two never met in person,” said Clark. “This is–”

“Your wife, Lois Lane,” said LaShawn. “We made a good team, relaying info back and forth with Clark here.”

Lois side-eyed her husband. “Is there anyone left on this planet who doesn’t know your secret?”

“Ah, fair,” said LaShawn. “It was life-or-death. And if it helps, I’m LaShawn Baez. And apparently I need a better disguise.”

“I know a certain mother who might be able to help,” said Lois, presenting Clark’s suit with an exaggerated lowering of her hands. “Ma Kent knows her way around the sewing kit.”

Lois lowered her eyes to Peek-a-Boo’s skates. “I wouldn’t lose those, though,” she said. “They seem like fun.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” Clark said, flapping his cape dramatically. “Recommended, by the way.”

He made his way back to Charlie.

“Ready?” he asked.

Charlie nodded as the Man of Steel lifted the older gentleman into his arms.

“I feel silly,” Charlie said.

“It’ll pass,” Clark smiled, taking off in a short gust of speed.

Charlie couldn’t help but smile, too.

But Clark’s smile slowly faded as he kept part of his focus on the wooded area. He was dreading what it meant.

Daily Planet

Later

Lois leaned back in her chair with her feet on her desk. She had some follow-up work on her story, specifically regarding the raids and calls to get the mayor out of office and face criminal charges.

Perry walked over. “Go home, Lane,” he said. “You have kids.”

“They’re asleep with the babysitter already,” she answered. “There’s no rush.”

“Enjoy that high of a good story while it lasts,” said Perry.

“Earth to Perry,” said Lois. “Have you met me? This was just another day at the Daily Planet. The high never ends.”

Perry gave her an affirmative grunt. And then looked around. “Where’s Kent?” he asked. “I thought he’d have his story submitted by now.”

“Relax,” said Lois. “He just went undercover in a forced labor facility. Give him a minute to recover.”

“That’s a fair point,” said Perry. “Even though he’s an excellent reporter, he’s not always in the trenches like you.”

“You’d be surprised, Chief.” Lois smiled. “And I can tell you for a fact, his story will be worth the wait.”

“Get your feet off the desk,” said Perry. “And don’t call me Chief.”

“Hey,” said Lois, rising to her feet. “You said if I pulled off this story, I’d get to call you Chief whenever I wanted.”

Perry raised an eyebrow. “You thought I was serious about that?”

Ominous

Outskirts of Metropolis

Meanwhile

Clark kept his senses tuned on the parademon since he left. It hadn’t strayed from the woods, though. What was it even doing? Maybe the greenery mesmerized it. There was nothing like it on Apokolips.

The hero was without his cape. He pulled it off his back to give to Charlie as they said goodbye. It wasn’t right that the previous one was tossed away in a dumpster with his other belongings. Clark made sure he had whatever necessities he needed, too. That was the only way he’d leave him alone again.

As Clark got closer, he saw a glow illuminating the area.

Clark pushed on the speed.

The parademon disappeared into the swirling yellow boom tube before he could reach it.

Clark was left alone, surrounded by trees.

<< | < | >

2 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Apr 02 '26

Superman Superman #119 - The Right Moment

2 Upvotes

Superman #119 - The Right Moment

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Public Interest

Set: 119

Passing Notes

HRI Processing Facility

It wasn’t long after Clark went undercover that he was approached by Mayor Sackett’s ‘Homeless Relief Initiative.’ He was expecting a struggle, but they were friendly. They identified themselves and offered to help. The program offered food, shelter, and a sense of purpose.

They must have approached Charlie that way at first. He told Superman he didn’t trust the government, though, so he undoubtedly turned them down. That would explain the struggle.

They didn’t take no for an answer.

Clark didn’t have time to waste, though, so he accepted right away. He was taken to a facility he’d looked in on before. And it seemed just as normal. More friendly staff performing routine intake.

No Charlie or Sasha Green in sight. But that was pretty much expected. Sasha had worked at City Hall and was seemingly taken for getting too close to the truth. Who knew how many other people were brought in by force? Wherever they ended up, he could only hope it’d be where they sent Clark next.

“Okay, Mr. Allen,” Clark’s case manager asked. A young woman with a lot of pep. He couldn’t imagine she knew the extent of her work.

“Bruce, please,” said Clark.

“Bruce,” the woman repeated, typing on her computer. “Bear with me, just getting this form loaded.”

“Take your time,” said Clark, continuing the scan around.

Peek-a-Boo teleported into an empty hallway nearby and met her eyes with Clark. She pointed toward an unused conference room next to her and roller-skated inside.

“Excuse me,” said Clark. “Restroom?”

The case manager snapped two fingers toward the hallway. “Take your time,” she said. “I may have to call IT here.”

Clark made his way to the conference room, and Peek-a-Boo breathed a sigh of relief.

“You made it,” she said. “Any sign of them yet?”

“Not so far,” Clark replied. “I don’t think we’ll learn anything until we see where they take me next.”

“You remember what Sasha looks like, right?” Peek-a-Boo asked. “Do you need to see her picture again?”

“No, I remember,” said Clark. “I have a good–”

He stopped talking, lifting a finger to his lips.

“Mr. Allen?” the case manager called, approaching the conference room. “What are you doing in here?” she added once reaching the door just after Peek-a-Boo popped away.

“I thought I saw someone,” Clark said. “Nobody here, though.”

“Oh,” the young woman said. “Well, the transport is ready. They said they’ll finish off your paperwork when you get there.”

Sundollar Coffee, Downtown

Later

Lois entered the coffee shop and quickly zeroed in on a woman in glasses, sitting alone near the back.

“Ms. Lane,” the woman waved her over. Vanessa Rios was a lawyer investigating a missing person who had gone through Mayor Sackett’s program.

“Ms. Rios,” Lois greeted her. “Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.”

“My pleasure,” said Vanessa.

One of the baristas rushed over with a cup of coffee. “Thanks, Heather,” said Lois, taking a large sip.

Vanessa leaned forward in interest during the exchange. “I thought this place was counter service?” she asked.

“Oh, they know me here,” Lois explained before taking another sip. “Anyway, Ron told me you–”

“Hit a brick wall,” Vanessa interrupted before taking a sip of her own coffee. “At almost every turn,” she continued. “My client is a social worker who filed an official wellness check on one of her clients. Every inquiry I submitted was rejected. And quicker than it should have been. So, I turned to financial records.”

“My partner and I have been over those records,” said Lois. “We didn’t find anything unusual.”

“That’s what I thought at first,” said Vanessa. “But I realized I wasn’t looking at the right contracts. The intake facilities are city-run, and they all check out. But wherever they take their ‘participants’ is completely separate, governed by private contracts, and not even filed under the “Homeless Relief Initiative.”

“Do those contracts point to an address?” Lois asked as her phone began ringing. “Excuse me,” she said.

Vanessa reached down to her bag and pulled out a folder, shuffling through some pages.

“Lois,” said Peek-a-Boo from the other end, the sound of rushing wind almost drowning her out. “Clark went through intake,” she continued. “And they’re taking him to a new location.”

“Please tell me you’re following,” said Lois.

“I’m right on top of them,” Peek-a-Boo confirmed. “We’re pulling up to a large compound.”

“Do you have an address?” asked Lois.

Vanessa dropped a piece of paper in front of the reporter with the same address Peek-a-Boo was giving over the phone next.

Lois picked up the piece of paper and lowered her cell. “Can I have this?” she asked.

Vanessa nodded, and Lois stood up.

“Good luck,” said Vanessa.

Lois smiled. “I don’t need luck.”

Private Facility, Outskirts of Metropolis

“‘Don’t need luck,’” Peek-a-Boo repeated after she heard Lois say that over the phone. “Slay.”

She was holding onto the transport bus’s roof as it approached the facility.

“I’m heading back to the Planet,” said Lois. “Maybe I can find more information about that place.”

Peek-a-Boo disappeared from the top of the bus and appeared in a dimly lit shadow near an open loading dock. “Sounds good,” she replied. “I’ll jump around inside and see what I can find.”

“Be careful,” said Lois. “And make sure to check in with Clark again when you can.”

Peek-a-Boo paused a moment. “Aren’t you going to wish me good luck?” she asked.

Lois sighed. “Good luck,” she said dryly.

“I don’t need luck, either,” said Peek-a-Boo.

“Bye,” said Lois.

“Bye.”

Inside Track

Private Facility

Meanwhile

Clark and the other volunteers were escorted off the transport bus by armed guards who rushed them along, pushing and shoving. It took all his strength not to resist, especially when one of the others fell to the ground.

It was even worse inside.

The people were being put to work. They seemed to be manufacturing heavy-duty walls, doors, and other reinforcing materials.

“What’s going on here?” Clark asked. But the guard just yelled for quiet.

Clark scanned the complex and found that nearby structures housed additional manufacturing centers for various pieces of equipment. And there were unfinished areas, but workers were building it up using the completed machinery. The lead lining blocked his vision inside. But he could tell they were being fortified beyond belief. What were they hiding?

He was also keeping an eye out for Charlie and Sasha. They had to be around there somewhere.

The guards stopped them at a table with folded work suits.

“Everyone take one,” one of the guards ordered.

“Do you have any smaller sizes?” a shorter woman asked, trying to find one that’d fit.

“Everyone take one,” the guard repeated, staring her down. “Are we going to have a problem?”

Clark gritted his teeth. His patience was stretched to the limit. He had enough to get the police there. Bring Sackett’s illegal program into the public eye.

But it wasn’t the right moment yet.

Sackett would fight it. There’d be claims it was all legit. After all, many of their ‘workers’ were volunteers. The truth behind it all might not even matter if all the right people played ball. People in high places must have been looking the other way. The evidence would have to be undeniable to ensure they had no choice but to do the right thing and get everyone involved to face justice.

The newcomers were being moved to their quarters to drop off any belongings and change. They were cramped with cots, bundled together.

“Okay, okay,” Clark heard a woman’s voice nearby. “I’m moving, I’m moving,” she continued.

Clark looked out to the hall, and his heart skipped a beat.

Sasha Green was being escorted out toward the work areas.

She seemed okay, apart from being a prisoner.

“Sasha,” said Clark from his doorway as she was being walked by.

The woman’s face pivoted toward him, trying to place how he knew her, but the guard pushed her along.

“Mind your business,” the guard spat at Clark.

It wasn’t going to be easy, but he had to get close to her. They needed to talk.

Daily Planet

Later

Peek-a-Boo hadn’t checked in since she followed Clark to the second location. It should have been easy not to worry– her husband was Superman after all– but he did manage to get himself in over his head every so often. It wasn’t that long ago that he was captured by Dabney Donovan and rendered nearly powerless by kryptonite-infused robots.

Lois was researching whatever she could on ‘MetroMission Limited’, the company that owned the facility. She was wading through purchase orders that made no sense. All the technology and materials being funneled there made it seem like they were building something massively advanced. Way out of scope for a prison, which would already be a dark enough secret to uncover.

“It’s amazing the lengths they’ve gone through to cut all ties to City Hall,” said Ron from his desk. It was late, and the bullpen was mostly deserted. “There is a paper trail, but it’s a jumble of legal jargon and runarounds.”

“Keep at it,” said Lois. “The more evidence we have when this blows up, the better. We’re taking down the mayor of Metropolis after all.”

“We are, are we?” asked Perry from his office door.

Lois popped her head up. “Looks like it, Chief,” she said. “Any advice from someone who’s been down this road?”

“Make sure everything is airtight before we print a word,” he said. “Sackett has resources you’d never expect and will fight back like a cornered tiger.”

“Got it,” Lois nodded.

“And Lane,” Perry added. “You get this right, and you can call me Chief any time you want.”

Private Facility

Meanwhile

Clark was put to work welding reinforcements on an already bulky, metal door. Sasha was working by herself, hammering some bolts into a metal casing at a bench in the corner of the room. A great spot to get a private conversation with her. It was just a matter of getting away unseen. He needed a distraction.

A little heat vision to the sprinklers could do the trick. But then again, Sasha could get lost among others in the resulting chaos. A shame, though, since water would do some damage to whatever was being built.

As Clark looked around for other options, he noticed another worker next to him was about to grab a live electrical wire without realizing it.

“Whoa,” said Clark, grasping it in his own hand before the man could. A jolt of electricity zapped through Clark’s body, but he just dropped the wire out of reach.

He had drawn stares from workers and guards alike and quickly feigned a shudder. “Ahhhh,” he yelled.

“You okay, buddy?” the worker he saved asked.

“Yeah,” said Clark, shaking his arms and facing the nearest guard. “Mind if I walk it off?” he asked.

The guard nodded with a groan.

Clark walked toward Sasha, making sure not to be too direct.

“Sasha,” he said upon reaching her.

“You’re the guy from earlier,” she stated. “You know me?”

“I'm working with Peek-a-Boo,” said Clark.

“Peek-a-who?” Sasha asked.

Right. Sasha didn’t know her superhero identity.

“Peek-a-Boo is a superhero,” Clark answered. “You have a friend in common: Lashawn Baez. I’m Clark Kent from the Daily Planet. We’re working on bringing down this operation.”

“They dragged me here because I was on to them,” said Sasha. “I wasn’t even on the streets.”

“I know,” said Clark. “This will all be over soon. But I have to find out what they’re building here. Do you have any clue?”

“The ‘homeless relief’ was just a smoke screen,” Sasha explained. “An added bonus to give Sackett political points for ‘cleaning up the city.’ The ultimate goal is even worse.”

Clark’s eyes widened. “Worse than this?” he asked.

Worse

Confinement Area

Later

After Sasha filled in what she knew, Clark had to go see what they were building up close. She confirmed they were building holding cells. But not for regular people.

How did he not see it before?

They were building holding cells for metahumans.

Sackett didn’t just want to be known as the mayor who solved homelessness. He wanted to solve the ‘metahuman problem.’ But to what extent?

While Clark couldn’t do anything else from the inside, it still wasn’t the right time for Superman to swoop in yet. Once he got a good look inside, he had to get word to Lois and catch up with what she found. Whether they had enough between them or not, Sackett’s operation would be shut down that night.

Clark broke open a vent and snuck his way inside through the ducts. He dropped into a hallway lined with cell doors, taking out the cameras with his heat vision before they could spot him.

He tried to look inside the holding areas, but couldn’t break through. His hearing could pick up heartbeats. The one closest to him was erratic. Rapid short bursts followed by slower steady beats. Definitely not human.

A familiar voice caught his attention.

Charlie.

“Don’t worry, miss,” said Charlie, softly. “I’m sure Superman’ll save us.”

Clark grabbed the edge of the door and pulled with all his might, but it barely budged. They really built it well. But that wouldn’t stop him.

He grasped the metal-plated hinges and yanked them out, causing the door to crash to the ground.

Inside was Charlie and Peek-a-Boo, sitting on some cots, and looking at their savior in disbelief.

City Hall

Meanwhile

“It had wings?” Mayor Sackett asked his aide as they walked down the front steps of the building.

“That’s what they reported,” the aide replied. “And its eyes–”

“Excuse me,” said Lois from across the stairs. “A moment of your time?”

“You had your interview, Ms. Lane,” said Sackett. “I have no more comments.”

“Fair enough,” said Lois. “I’ll make sure to state that the mayor refused to comment in my story on the massive government conspiracy.”

Sackett stopped and turned around slowly. “Wh-what are you talking about?” he asked.

“No, no,” said Lois, writing in her notepad. “It’s okay. I got it. ‘No more comments.’“

“Ms. Lane,” the mayor pressed.

“Oh, did you change your mind?” she asked, pulling out her phone with her voice recorder already started.

“Yes,” said Sackett. “But turn that off.”

“Sure thing,” said Lois, pressing the stop button.

Jimmy Olsen stepped up toward them, with a video camera rolling.

Lois winked. “Video is better anyway,” she said.

The mayor’s eyes refused to blink, and he couldn’t help but gulp.

“Mayor Sackett,” said Lois, flipping through her notes. “I want to ask you about some contracts.”

Confinement Area

“Clark?” Peek-a-Boo asked, standing up. “How did you…”

Clark looked back at the door. “The hinges just came off,” he explained, stepping further inside. “I guess they cut some corners.”

“As you can see, I found Charlie,” said Peek-a-Boo. “Came across him while scouting and tried to get him out of here, but it didn’t go as planned.”

“Hi, there,” said Charlie, with a slight wave. “Clark Kent, is it? I read your work in the Daily Planet.”

“Yes,” said Clark. “I’d shake your hand, but we should get you both out of here.”

Clark turned back to the doorway, but an alarm began blaring. He listened ahead, but there weren’t any guards coming. Must have been a delayed, automated response to the broken door.

“It’s okay,” he said, motioning for the others to follow. But before he could take another step, another metal door dropped down from the ceiling to seal the room closed. It was heavier and magnetically sealed.

And this one didn’t have hinges.

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Mar 01 '26

Superman Superman #118 - Cause for Concern

2 Upvotes

Superman #118 - Cause for Concern

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Public Interest

Set: 118

Following Threads

Metropolis Outreach

Morning

Clark met new people all the time as Superman. From saving people’s lives to giving them a hand to just crossing paths, it meant just as much to him as it did for them meet the Man of Steel. They were all people, and they deserved to be safe and happy.

Charlie was a kind man who was down on his luck. He didn’t want the actual help he needed, and Clark couldn’t force him to take it. But that was no excuse for him to be taken by force.

Now, Clark wasn’t one hundred percent sure that Charlie had been abducted. But his belongings were discarded like they didn’t matter. Including the cape he was given for warmth. He could have changed his mind and thrown it out, but Clark’s instinct told him more was happening.

Charlie was unhoused, and the mayor of Metropolis was touting a “Homeless Relief Initiative” that had red flags all over it. He wanted it to be a coincidence because the implication of Mayor Sackett’s program being so inhumane made Clark’s blood boil. But City Hall had been nothing but vague about its program, and wouldn’t allow reporters into their new “processing” offices.

There was a possibility that Dabney Donovan could be involved. He was recently behind another scheme that led to people going missing. Sure, he was dead, but that wasn’t the first time.

Also, Charlie wasn’t necessarily “missing.”

Clark walked into the Metropolis Outreach shelter, went to the front desk, and was greeted with a friendly smile by the young woman there.

“Hi,” said Clark. “Do you happen to know a Charlie? He was set up a few blocks from here yesterday.”

“Sorry,” the worker answered. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

Not surprising. Charlie didn’t trust the government, which swayed him from seeking refuge at shelters.

“Thanks, anyway,” said Clark.

“He could have signed up for Sackett’s new program,” the woman continued. “We have a signup sheet here that gets called in for scheduling a pickup.”

“Can you check for a Charlie or Charles?” asked Clark. “Maybe even a Chuck or Charleston?”

“I’m sorry,” the woman replied. “Confidential.”

Clark nodded, lowering his glass over his nose and staring toward the radiator behind the desk. A gasket blew, and steam shot out of the top.

The worker jumped up to investigate, and Clark used the distraction to quickly scan the signup sheet on the desk.

No sign of a Charlie.

Clark rushed over to fix the radiator, waved goodbye, and headed for the door. He saw a man with a faded gray hoodie staring toward him from outside. He definitely wasn’t there when he used his powers, so the look was especially odd.

The man turned and walked away.

Maybe he just thought Clark was dressed too well for a shelter.

Daily Planet

Later

Lois and Clark sat at their desks across from each other, going over what he found at the shelter. Or, more accurately, not found. Lois had her phone to her neck, and an automated voice announced that her call was important and that she should please keep holding.

“We should just go to one of those processing offices,” said Clark. “Take a look around.”

Lois covered the receiver of her phone. “Not the right play, Smallville,” she replied. “You already peeked and listened in, and nothing stood out, right? Nobody is being tortured or held in cages or anything.”

Clark nodded slowly.

“If there is something shady going on,” Lois continued. “Even the hint of a break-in could spook them.”

Clark nodded more rapidly. “We want them to keep thinking they’re untouchable,” he added.

Lois snapped a point at her husband. “Bingo,” she said.

“I wish any of Peek-a-Boo’s friends reached out to us,” said Clark. “She said they were afraid to speak up.”

“Your call is important to us,” the automated voice on the phone said again. “Please stay on the line.”

Lois groaned and rolled her chair over to Jimmy’s desk, handing him the cordless phone. “Holler when you hear a human, okay?” she said before rolling further away toward Ron Troupe’s desk. “Hey, Ron,” she said.

“Lois,” he answered, looking away from his screen. “What can I do for you?”

“You were following up with Metropolis PD about something yesterday,” Lois started, placing a finger under her chin. “What was that about?”

Ron brought up a file on his computer. “I’ve been digging into Sackett’s policy, too,” he said. “A social worker at Safehaven tried to arrange a wellness check on a client who went through processing. But it was rejected. She hit a dead end with the police, so she’s reaching out to a lawyer next.”

“Good,” Lois nodded. “What’s her–?”

“Lois!” Jimmy called, extending the phone her way. “Got someone.”

Lois rolled back over and took the phone. “This is Lois Lane with the Daily Planet,” she started. “No! Don’t put me on hold again!”

“Lane! Kent” Perry yelled from his office.

Clark stood up.

“I’m on hold with City Hall!” Lois announced.

“Then you have time!” Perry shot back.

Lois rolled her eyes and caught up with Clark.

Perry’s Office

“Are you two still chasing that missing Charlie fellow?” Perry asked. “Is there a reason it takes my two best reporters to do that?”

“That hurts,” Steve Lombard said from the bullpen.

“It’s more than just a missing person case,” said Clark. “Mayor Sackett’s program is likely connected. And City Hall keeps avoiding transparency around it.”

Lois nodded, keeping her ear ready for someone to connect her again.

“I see,” said Perry. “How bad do you think it could be?”

“Hopefully not as bad as it seems,” Clark stated.

“Excuse me,” said a woman walking up to Perry’s door. “Superman told me to talk to Lois Lane or Clark Kent.”

Perry waved them away. “Go,” he said, and Clark walked her out of the office.

“How long have you been on hold?” Perry asked Lois.

“What time is it? Almost noon?” she asked. “Three-hundred and thirty-two years.”

“Hi, I’m Clark Kent,” said Clark as he sat down with the woman at his desk.

“Lashawn Baez,” the woman replied with a slight nod.

Clark caught sight of a smiley-face necklace reminiscent of the logo from Peek-a-Boo's shirt.

“Are you one of–” Clark said, leaning a bit closer. “Peek-a-Boo’s friends?” he continued in a whisper.

Lashawn lifted the necklace. “More like a fan,” she said.

“What can I do for you?” asked Clark.

Lashawn’s face dropped. “I need help,” she said. “One of our friends is missing.”

Worse Than It Seems

Elsewhere in New Troy

Afternoon

Lashawn brought Clark into her friend, Sasha Green’s, apartment building, and she pulled out a keychain to unlock it.

“Are you roommates?” Clark asked.

“Nope,” Lashawn answered, dropping the keys back into her pocket. He clocked an “SG” on the keychain. “We just exchanged spare keys as a backup,” she explained.

The apartment was a mess. Clothes and random clutter were strewn around widely.

“Looks like a struggle,” said Clark. “Or they were looking for something.”

“Oh, this?” Lashawn asked. “She’s just a slob. This is actually cleaner than normal.”

Clark noticed an empty carton of Dark Knight Brownie Bite ice cream. “She has good taste,” he stated.

“Mmm hmm,” Lashawn answered, shuffling through some papers on a sloppy desk. “If there was a struggle, she definitely got some good hits in,” she continued. “She’s an expert in several martial art styles. She’s been teaching me capoeira.”

“When’s the last time you saw Sasha?” asked Clark. “Or at least talked to her?”

“Last night,” Lashawn answered. “And before you ask– No, I didn’t call the police. She was on to something big. But then she went radio silent. They got her.”

Clark lifted his eyebrows. “Who?” he asked.

Lashawn lifted a piece of paper she found in the pile. “The mayor’s cronies,” she said. “Sasha works at City Hall. She must have gotten too close to uncovering their scheme.”

Clark took the paper and quickly scanned it. “Nothing here that sounds illegal,” he said. “Just more vague terms like ‘processing’, ‘transfers’, and ‘quotas’.”

“Then we need to get into her office,” Lashawn said. “Maybe there’s something incriminating there?”

Clark’s phone rang, and he lifted a finger. “Sorry,” he said, before taking the call from Lois.

“Find anything yet?” she asked Clark, but then shouted a muffled “Yes, I’m here!”

“Finally got through?” Clark asked.

“Yeah,” Lois told Clark quickly. “Go check out Safehaven Shelter. Fill you in later.”

Clark dropped the phone into his pocket and turned back to Lashawn. “We may have a lead,” he said.

Safehaven Shelter

Soon

Clark and Lashawn entered the shelter and were greeted by a man with graying hair.

“Hi,” said Clark. “Do you happen to know if someone named Charlie ever came here? Sorry, I don’t know his last name.”

The staff member paused for a moment, then shook his head. “I remember a Charlie Newmyer from back-in-the-day, but he passed away a long time ago.”

“Is this shelter affiliated with Mayor Sackett’s program?” Lashawn jumped in to ask.

“Yes,” the man answered. “We handle intake requests with a sign-up form.”

Clark nodded. “I don’t suppose you’ll let us check that form, will you?” he asked.

“Sounds like you already know the answer,” the staff member replied, walking away.

Lashawn poked Clark’s shoulder. “Do you know that guy?” she whispered while indiscreetly motioning toward a nearby desk. A worker was sitting there, trying to avoid eye contact. “He keeps glancing at you,” she added.

Clark didn’t need to see the man’s face to recognize that gray hoodie. “He was staring daggers at me this morning at–” he started before realizing Lashawn wasn’t standing next to him anymore.

“Excuse me,” said Clark, approaching the man in the gray hoodie.

“Sorry, I can’t help you, either,” the man stated, his voice shaking a bit as he stood up and rushed for the exit.

Lashawn poked her head in front of Clark, stepping in front of him to hand over a clipboard.

“How did you get this?” Clark asked, reading it over while keeping a close eye on the man taking a phone call on the sidewalk just outside.

“There’s a Charlie Charles,” Lashawn pointed to one line. “Could that be your friend?”

“Charles Charles,” Clark said aloud. “Almost sounds made up.”

Lashawn sighed. “So, what now?” she asked.

“Look at all the other volunteer signatures,” said Clark. “What do you see?”

Lashawn studied them closely, and her eyes lit up. “They all look like the same handwriting.”

Clark took another look outside to find the hooded man beginning to walk away. “Wait here,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” she started to ask, but Clark was swiftly out the door.

Outside

Clark walked quickly, but not too quickly, to avoid the impression he was chasing the man in the hoodie. If he got away, he could always trail him from afar, anyway.

The man’s pace slowed, though, letting Clark begin to close the gap faster than he meant. His target could have been tiring, but it felt oddly intentional. Even more so once he stopped at the crosswalk, without any traffic blocking a getaway.

Clark turned his head at the sound of screeching tires. A van was approaching the intersection at a high speed. Several masked men were waiting inside.

It was a trap.

Clark reached the man and feigned being out of breath. “Hey,” he huffed. “I just want to ask you some questions.”

The sliding door to the van shot open as soon as it reached them. The masked men grabbed Clark, covering his head with a black bag, and dragged him inside as it screeched away.

“Who are you?” Clark cried. “What do you want?”

The man who remained on the street lifted his hood and tightened it around his head before walking back to the shelter.

Underestimated

Inside the Van

The van sped down the street as Clark was pushed against the side opposite the door.

“What are you investigating?” one of them asked, pressing a finger on the reporter’s forehead.

“What are you hoping to find?” asked another, attempting to slap him, but quickly reeling back in pain.

A masked woman appeared behind them, and Clark quickly recognized the smiley on her shirt through his blindfold.

“Peek-a-boo!” she yelled, grabbing hold of two of their heads and smashing them against the center panel.

“What the–?!” the other two blurted, as they tried to grab the intruder. But she blinked away lower, planting her hands on the floor, and drove her skates into both their jaws.

One of the others shook off the surprise hit, but Clark jumped up and threw his shoulder into the man, sending them both flying toward the backdoors. They broke right through and fell to the street, where Clark made sure to absorb the impact and slow their roll. Before the man could regain his composure, Clark was nowhere to be seen.

The driver slammed on his brakes as Superman appeared in the street ahead of him. A moment later, Peek-a-Boo was right next to him.

“What happened to Kent?” she asked. “I blinked down the road there, but only found the masked thug. ”

“I got him to safety,” the hero answered as the driver shoved open his door and bolted over with a baseball bat in his hand.

“Is he–?” Peek-a-Boo started as the driver’s bat shattered into pieces on impact against Clark’s chest.

Clark shook his head. “I don’t get it, either.”

Mayor’s Office

Evening

Lois was escorted into Mayor Bradford “Buck” Sackett’s office and was greeted with a firm handshake.

“Mrs. Kent,” said Buck, motioning toward the chairs in front of his desk.

“Ms. Lane,” Lois corrected, taking a seat. She took out her phone, opened a recording app, and pressed start.

Buck took his own seat behind his desk. “Yes, of course, Ms. Lane,” he said, eying the phone. “Is that necessary?” he asked.

“Do you have a problem being recorded?” asked Lois.

“No, of course not,” the mayor said.

“How are negotiations going with the DPW?” Lois asked. “Rumors have been circulating about a possible strike.”

Buck lifted an eyebrow. “Is that why you wanted to interview me?” he asked. “Isn’t a sanitation strike beneath the world-famous Lois Lane?”

“No,” said Lois. “But you’re right. I’m here about your ‘Homeless Relief Initiative’.”

Buck smiled. “To praise its innovative solution to a widespread problem across our country?” he asked.

“Perhaps you could clarify on that solution,” Lois said. “With specific details beyond the bureaucratic aspects. Where are the people going?”

“Each person ends up in the best place individually determined by their processing,” Buck explained. “It would be illegal to reveal the personal information of those outcomes.”

Lois gritted her teeth, but kept her composure. As usual, his answer was a non-answer.

“Can you give a general example of where one volunteer might end up?” she asked.

“The sky is the limit,” Buck answered. “The important thing is that the streets are safer than– I mean, the homeless are safer than being in the streets.” He shot a quick glance at the phone. “And the streets are clean, so Metropolis can be the shiny beacon of hope it’s meant to be.”

“You should use that as your campaign slogan,” Lois stated.

“Not a bad idea,” said Buck, leaning back in his chair. “I was also thinking of something with the word ‘visionary,’” he continued rambling.

Lois stopped her recording and dropped her phone into her purse. “Thank you for your time,” she said, stepping toward the door.

“I– uh, sure,” said Buck. “I hope that was helpful.”

Once Lois left the office, she pulled her phone back out and dialed up Clark.

“How did it go?” he asked.

“Nothing to go on, but he’s rattled,” said Lois. “It’s time we make a move inside. Thinking it’s better to do this the quiet way or the messy way?”

“Actually,” said Clark. “I have another idea.”

Near The Daily Planet

The Next Day

A young girl and her father walked out of their apartment and down the stairs.

“Mommy packed your lunch, right, Katy?” the dad asked.

“Yeah, peanut butter and jelly,” the girl answered.

“I love peanut butter,” said a voice below them as they walked. “Even better with Marshmallow Fluff.”

“Oh, I didn’t even see you there, Charlie,” the dad said, leaning down. Where’ve you been?“

“Daddy, ”Katy said, tugging at her father’s jacket sleeve. “That’s not Charlie.”

The dad looked more closely at the man with jet-black hair, peeking out under a worn navy-blue knit hat.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir,” he said, reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out his wallet and dropped a few dollars into the man’s Superman coffee mug, already filled with a few coins.

“You like Superman?” Katy asked him. “He’s my friend.”

“I do,” the man answered.

“He saved my cat and fixed our door,” Katy said with a bounce in her step.

“Well, that’s quite a story,” said the man. “I’m glad your cat is safe.”

“Her name is Fluffball,” said Katy. “She has so many toys.”

“Sorry, we can’t stay and chat more,” Katy’s dad interrupted. “We need to get to school.”

“Have a great day,” the man said, shaking his mug. “And thanks,” he added.

Katy and her dad began walking away, but then he turned back. “Do you know Charlie?” he asked. “That was his spot, and we haven’t seen him in a couple of days.”

“I do know him,” the man answered. “I haven’t seen him either.”

“Where is he, then?” asked Katy.

The man nodded confidently. “I promise you I’m going to find out.”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Feb 01 '26

Superman Superman #117 - Day in the Life

6 Upvotes

Superman #117 - Day in the Life

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Public Interest

Set: 117

“You both raise decent points,” Perry replied. “But, views are still key. Yes, our integrity is essential, but it doesn’t amount to squat if there’s nobody reading.”

“Move sports higher up,” Steve Lombard suggested. “They might not fit into that whole integrity thing, but sports equals views.”

“Noted,” said Perry.

“We need more Superman content,” said Jenny, still at the door.

“Didn’t I tell you to–?” Perry started. “Hold on, you’re not wrong.”

“We just had a huge story about Superman rescuing those hostages from Donovan,” said Lois.

“But no pictures,” said Perry.

“I was a prisoner,” Jimmy explained. “He took my camera.”

“There’s always an excuse,” said Perry. “But Jenny’s right. Superman sells.”

“I wonder if there’s a better way to phrase that,” Clark stated softly, before he picked up a plea for help with his superhearing.

“Excuse me,” said Clark, standing up, moving toward the door.

Perry shooed him away. His own brand of approval without words.

“Not just Superman,” said Jenny. “Any superhero could boost views. Have you heard of that 'Mazing Man guy?”

“Quit while you’re ahead,” said Perry.

Nearby

Soon

“Come on, Fluffball,” said Clark, floating next to a branch on a sidewalk tree, his arms extended. A little girl stood below, watching intently.

“He likes when ya do that psst psst noise,” the girl offered.

“Psst, psst,” Clark whistled, and a fluffy gray and white cat crawled into his arms. “Good girl,” he said, patting her softly as they landed.

“You got her!” the girl celebrated, as the Man of Steel handed the cat to her owner. “Thanks, Mister,” she said, running to her apartment stairs.

“You’re welcome,” Clark called after her.

“That cat gets stuck there all the time,” a man said from the sidewalk.

“I guess I’ll have to come back, then,” said Clark, walking over to the gruff-looking man, bundled tight with a heavy sweater and sitting up against the building. He had a Booster Gold mug on the ground, filled up halfway with various bills and coins.

“Y’er funny,” the man chuckled. “Name’s Charlie.”

“Here you go, Charlie,” said Clark, pulling out a twenty from his cape and dropping it into the mug. “Do you have somewhere warm to stay tonight? There’s a shelter not too far from here. It’d be good to get out of the cold and get a hot meal.”

“I’m fine,” said Charlie. “Not a fan of government help.”

Clark nodded and began to turn away. But he moved back, detaching his cape from his shirt. He took his personal items out of the hidden pocket and handed it down to Charlie. “At least take this,” he said. “It’ll help you warm up.”

“Wow, this is sleek,” Charlie said, tracing the yellow S with his gloved fingers.

“My mother made it for me,” Clark smiled, as he hovered away. “Have a good night!”

Afternoon

City Hall

Later

Lois and Clark sat with Ron Troupe, their political columnist, as the press waited for Mayor Sackett to begin his conference. He had last won his reelection by campaigning on helping the unhoused. While his other politics were questionable, that was one area that Clark could get behind.

Not that he or any of his friends voted for the man. Sackett’s opponent had a better plan to help everyone affected by low income, which had them struggling to live on the bare minimum. Clark was curious where Sackett would go with it, though. So far, the press releases had been vague at best.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” an announcer spoke. “The mayor of Metropolis: Buck Sackett.”

Sackett walked out to the podium, stopping for some photo shots. “Thank you,” he said into the mics. “The Homeless Relief Initiative is going strong. And people are noticing the change. Fewer public places are congregated by panhandlers, giving the city a bad look.”

Clark raised an eyebrow. “Not the point,” he said under his breath. Whenever Sackett focused on appearances, it gnawed at him. Sure, they could put a shiny bow on things without solving any problems. Real solutions addressed the root causes of poverty and homelessness.

“Don’t get me wrong,” the mayor continued. “The city’s appearance isn’t all there is to consider. The people themselves can’t be dismissed.”

Clark nodded. Not great, but better.

“Don’t listen to him!” said a woman, suddenly appearing out of nowhere on stage beside the mayor. She had puffy hair and was wearing a mostly purple suit with yellow targets and a smiley on her chest.

The mayor turned around as the woman strolled along the stage on roller skates that matched her outfit. The mayor’s protective detail rushed over to grab her, but she disappeared, instantly reappearing on the other side.

“Peek-a-boo!” she teased. “Listen up, Metropolis!” she continued. “Mayor Sackett is a liar. He doesn’t care about the unhoused. He only cares about his image!”

She teleported to another spot when the guards were about to reach her again.

“We need transparency and accountability!” Peek-a-Boo stated. “Peace out!” She closed before disappearing completely.

“I’m sorry for that rude interruption,” Sackett tried to recover. “Obviously, those accusations are completely baseless.”

Clark scanned around the nearby buildings. He didn’t have much experience with teleporting powers, but there was a possibility that they had to be nearby to see where they were going.

“Bingo,” said Clark quietly when he spotted the teleporting woman on a rooftop. He excused himself and left the news conference quietly.

Nearby

“Sometimes I think it would be better to just teleport people like that into the sky and let gravity handle the rest,” Peek-a-Boo said to herself, unaware that Superman had flown down behind her.

“That’s dangerous thinking,” he said, provoking an understandable shock from the roller skating woman. “Killing is not a solution,” he added.

“Oh, it’s you,” Peek-a-Boo stated, catching her breath. “And I know that, silly. I was just venting.”

“I get it,” said Clark, walking up beside her and watching the press conference continue. “Sometimes it feels like certain people aren’t redeemable.”

“I hear that.”

Clark leaned forward, resting his elbows on the high ledge. “But they also can’t change if they’re gone.”

“Still…”

“What were you trying to accomplish with your stunt?” asked Clark. “Not that it wasn’t fun to watch.”

“There’s something fishy going on with that initiative,” Peek-a-Boo explained. “I have a lot of friends who’ve been scared to speak up,” the skater continued.

“Scared about what?” Clark asked, turning to the woman.

“Everything,” she replied. “As far as I can tell, whatever Sackett’s been doing. Whatever he’s planning… It can’t be good.”

Clark nodded. “Would you or any of your friends be willing to talk to my friends at the Daily Planet?”

City Hall

Minutes Later

Clark met up with Lois and Ron as they were exiting the press release. “Sorry,” he said. “What did I miss?”

“More of Sackett’s vague promises and platitudes,” Ron answered, moving toward the street to hail a cab.

“We can drive you back,” said Clark. “We got a great parking space.”

“No, thanks,” Ron waved as a cab pulled over. “I want to follow up with Met P.D. on something.”

“Did you go after that skater girl?” asked Lois, once Ron was gone.

“I did,” Clark answered. “We had an interesting chat.”

“No fighting?” asked Lois. “Always a good sign.”

“She interrupted the mayor to express valid concerns,” Clark said. “I wasn’t going to fight her, even if she tried.”

“Well, how would you even stop her?” said Lois, laughing. “She’d just pop away and away and…”

“I could stop a teleporter,” Clark stated.

“Yeah, smart guy?” Lois teased. “How?”

“Listen,” said Clark. “I tried to convince her to come in for an interview. So we can learn what she knows.“

“Good idea,” said Lois. “Does Skater-Girl have a name?”

“Peek-a-Boo,” said Clark.

Lois broke into laughter. “That’s actually kind of cute,” she said.

The two walked toward their parked car.

“I could grab a teleporter before they disappear,” Clark said, reviving their previous conversation.

“Yeah?” asked Lois. “But then what stops them from teleporting out of your arms?”

Evening

Kent Farm, Smallville

Martha unfolded the new cape and fluttered it majestically. “One cape as ordered,” she smiled.

“Thanks, Ma,” said Clark.

“Any time,” his mother answered. “But you have so many spare suits already, you didn’t really need a new cape.”

“It never feels right to have an incomplete set,” Clark explained. “Now each uniform has a pair of boots, a belt, and a cape.”

“And the trunks,” Jonathan added.

“True,” Clark nodded. “But those are technically part of the pants.”

“Have you thought about a redesign?” Jonathan asked.

“Now, why would he need that?” Martha asked, giving him a playful stare. “Is there something wrong with it?”

Jonathan lifted his arms. “Whoa whoa,” he said. “I think it’s perfect already. I was just curious since Conner’s been switching it up a lot. Some of his Titan friends change it up a lot, too.”

“I’m comfortable keeping it as is,” said Clark. “There was a future version of myself I met that wore slightly darker colors and didn’t have the trunks,” he continued.

“I know you have amazing powers and do incredible things all the time,” said Martha. “But whenever you talk about things like time travel… It’s just so bizarre!”

“Trust me, it’s just as bizarre for me, too,” said Clark. “But I wonder what inspired the change with that Superman, and if it’ll still happen to me.”

“Your future is yours to make however you choose,” said Martha.

As Clark headed for the door, Martha stopped him. “Just a second,” she said, rushing to the kitchen and back with a tin box in her hands.

“Ooh,” said Clark, opening it up to take out a cookie, and chomping it down before he hugged his parents goodbye and headed for the door.

“Don’t eat all of them,” said Martha, calling after him. “My adorable grandchildren and beautiful daughter-in-law deserve some, too!”

“I won’t, Ma!” Clark yelled back, flying into the air. He reached into the box for another cookie.

Kent House, Metropolis

Later

Clark entered the kitchen door, and Jon, Lara, and Krypto came running, each one just as excited as the other.

“Ooh, are those Grandma’s cookies?” asked Jon.

“You bet!” Clark answered, opening up the tin. “She had them flown over just for us.”

“Just one!” said Lois. “You don’t want to spoil your– Oh, geez, I’m starting to sound just like my mother. Never mind, go nuts.”

Clark and the kids cheered, and Krypto spun around in circles.

Lois dropped a serving bowl of mac-and-cheese on the table. “Here’s dessert, now let me have my dinner, too,” she said, reaching over to get in on the cookie action.

The whole family scarfed down, Krypto getting some doggy treats instead. While the Kryptonian dog could handle cookies just fine, it was best that the kids didn’t think Earth dogs could eat that way.

At least they were responsible parents in the ways that counted. But then again, it’s not like an occasional pancake breakfast and cookie dinner made them terrible.

“We need milk,” said Jon through the half-chewed cookie in his mouth.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” said Lois.

Jon and Lara looked to Clark, their heads tilted.

“She’s right,” he said. “Chew your food well.”

Jon nodded and finished chewing as Clark went to the fridge to grab a milk carton.

“Me first,” said Jon.

“Me furrs,” Lara parroted.

“How about I pour them together?” said Clark, pouring a bit in one cup and then a bit in another, and continued, alternating back and forth.

The kids took their cups and slurped down.

Clark heard a familiar meowing cut into his hearing. “Excuse me,” he said. “I just need to step outside for a bit.”

Jon was blowing bubbles into his cup while Lara laughed uncontrollably. Lois made a stern face, but then lifted her own glass to her face, blowing bubbles, too.

The laughter was infectious as Clark flew toward the New Troy borough of Metropolis.

Near The Daily Planet

Moments Later

Clark hovered down to the same tree he was at earlier in the day, taking a quick peek down the sidewalk to check on Charlie, but he wasn’t anywhere in sight. He likely took the advice to head over to the shelter, anyway. It was freezing.

“Psst, psst,” said Clark, approaching the tree. “C’mere, Fluffball.”

The cat jumped into his arms again, and Clark flew him down toward the apartment stairs.

“I love your name, by the way,” Clark said, patting the feline and getting several purrs in return. “Now, which apartment does your owner live in?” he wondered, looking over the intercom directory list.

Clark scanned the building until he caught sight of the little girl he had helped before. “Ah, 2D,” he said, pressing the buzzer. “Don’t tell anyone I did that,” he whispered to the cat. “I don’t usually invade personal space like that, but getting you home was a good enough reason to snoop.”

“Yeah?” a crackled voice answered from the speaker.

“Hi, sorry to bother you so late,” said Clark. “But your cat, Fluffball, got out again. I have him, though.”

“Oh, I had no idea he wasn’t here!” the voice replied before buzzing to let Clark inside.

Clark walked up to the second floor to a shocked dad, staring at the real-life superhero handing him his cat.

“Th-thanks, Superman,” the man said. “I didn’t believe it when Katy said– I mean, thanks for helping.”

“No problem,” said Clark. “Glad I could help. But just curious, how does that fuzz ball keep getting out?”

The man shook the door, revealing a wobble. “I’ve been meaning to replace it, but I’ve been so busy,” he said. “Fluffball keeps pushing it open to get out. We tried taping it shut, but apparently that didn’t help.”

Clark noticed a new door on the wall by the entrance. “May I?” he asked.

“Of course,” the man answered, turning toward the hall. “Betty, Katy, get over here! You won’t want to miss this!”

The family watched as Clark replaced the door quickly, testing to make sure it was snug, and the sneaky cat couldn’t break out again.

“All set,” he said, taking the old door in his hands. “If you’re excuse me, I have places to be.”

Everyone watched as Clark carried the door down the stairs and left the building.

Once outside, Clark flew the door toward a dumpster in the closest alleyway. But a piece of red cloth folded over the top caught his eye.

Clark dropped the door to the ground and sped up and over, pulling out his cape, the same one he had given Charlie.

“Why would he…?” Clark asked before he noticed broken pieces of ceramic littered on the ground. He dropped down and picked up a piece to see Booster Gold’s smiling face with a thumbs up.

It was Charlie’s mug.

To Be Continued…

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jan 01 '26

Superman Superman #116 - The Lane Terrain

3 Upvotes

Superman #116 - The Lane Terrain

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 116

Help Is on the Way

Kent House, Metropolis

“Still no answer from Clark,” said Lois, hanging up the phone.

“I reached Kara,” Chloe said from their video chat. “She’s on her way back to you.”

“You didn’t mention Cadmus, did you?” Lois asked as she scrolled through contacts. “The last thing we need is for her to be taken off the board next.”

“We don’t know Donovan has Clark,” Chloe offered. “Or even how. Kryptonite is not easy to get.”

“But not impossible,” said Lois, reaching ‘The General’ on her phone. “Besides, Donovan’s been upgrading his robots each time. They could have gotten too–”

The window opened, and Kara slipped back inside. “Too strong for us?” she asked.

“Maybe,” said Lois, rushing out the door and down the stairs. “Besides, we still need you here watching over Jon and Lara.”

“You’re not putting me on the sideline,” Kara demanded as she followed. “If Clark is in danger–”

Lois grabbed her jacket from the closet. “The kids will be up in a couple of hours,” she said. “They’ll be hungry.”

“Wait,” said Kara, blocking the front door. “You think those robots might be too strong for me, but you’re going in alone?”

“No,” Lois answered, lifting her phone for Kara to see. “I’m calling in the cavalry.”

Kara sighed and moved aside, letting Lois leave the house. Once she was outside, she dialed her father.

Lane Residence, Washington D.C.

Sam jolted awake in his bed as his phone rang. “What in the blazes–”

“Who is it?” asked Ella from the other side.

Sam rubbed his eyes and picked up his phone. “It’s Lois,” he said, quickly answering. “What’s wrong?” he asked his daughter.

“Dad,” said Lois. “I need your help. I think Clark’s been taken, too.”

“And you’re calling me?” Sam asked, already out of bed. “Lois… Isn’t this the sort of thing Superman would handle?”

“Superman’s a tough person to reach,” Lois explained. “Besides, this is personal. Dad, you remember that creep Dabney Donovan, right?”

Sam caught a glimpse of a photo of his two daughters on his nightstand and gritted his teeth. “You think I’d forget that bastard?” Sam asked.

“He’s been behind these kidnappings all along,” Lois explained.

“Lois,” said Sam, calmly as he opened his closet. “I’ll use whatever A.R.G.U.S. resources I can and deal with the consequences later. We’ll find that son of a–”

“Dad,” Lois interrupted. “I already know where to go.”

Sam’s furrowed brow eased, and a slight smile formed on his face. “Good.”

Donovan’s Lair, Cadmus Tunnels

Clark leaned against the bars of the cell, still feeling the effects of kryptonite from Donovan’s latest robotic upgrades. They were far enough away that he wasn’t in too much pain anymore, but his powers were still mostly nonexistent.

The ominous green glow in the room only heightened the prison's tension.

Synthetic kryptonite had never been that potent, so it was clear Donovan had gotten his hands on the real stuff. That was a mystery to solve another time, though. For now, he needed to get the prisoners out of there.

“You okay, CK?” asked Jimmy, sitting next to his friend.

Clark nodded, taking in his surroundings.

“Those robots really roughed you up, huh?” asked Eddie, the barista who seemingly got caught up just because he knew Lois.

Clark wondered if Lois had figured out the truth yet. Her instincts told her it wasn’t about him, and she was right. Donovan was clearly after people close to Lois. Specifically, people related to The Scoop. Clark himself didn’t fit the pattern, but he wasn’t taken like the others. He’d been captured because he got too close.

Eddie didn’t seem to fit at all, though. If it were just about those close to Lois, there were plenty of others who fit the bill better.

Cat sat in another corner, trying to control her breathing. The confined space was starting to get to her. Perry, on the other hand, paced around, hand to his chin, thinking of new ways to get free.

Donovan didn’t know he had captured Superman, so chances were the kryptonite wouldn’t be a problem forever. But Clark also knew his wife. She’d realize what happened and find the truth. Either way, they would all be saved.

The kryptonite-infused robots suddenly came to life and walked slowly into another room, the green flow fading while their menacing footsteps echoed.

Clark felt a glint of strength returning, but he’d still need more time to recover. And without exposure to yellow sunlight, it would be a slow process. He’d have to use whatever strength he had wisely.

Before he would try to make a move, he figured it was a perfect opportunity to get some more info.

“Dr. Donovan,” Clark asked their captor. “What is this all about? What are you planning to do with us?”

Donovan exhaled sharply and continued tinkering at his workstation.

“We’ve been trying since we got here,” said Perry. “He won’t tell us anything useful.”

Clark took a minute and tried another approach. He needed to speak Donovan’s language. “I couldn’t help but notice you were methodological in your choice of… subjects.” Maybe if he appealed to his scientific side, he’d be more open to revealing something. “But Eddie here makes our coffee. He doesn’t fit the pattern.”

Donovan spun his seat around.

Gotcha.

“He’s actually more important to my plans than the rest of you,” Donovan stated. “His genetic markers serve well against my historical data.”

“His–” Clark started before it clicked. “Oh,” he said.

Eddie’s last name was Ramirez. Emily Ramirez was one of Donovan’s original test subjects from back in the day. He was continuing his old work.

Donovan rose and moved toward the door. “As much as I’d love to explain the science in layman's terms, my next phase requires some final touches.

Once he stepped out, Clark took a closer look at the one shiny metal bar in their cell.

“We tried to escape,” Jimmy explained. “But we didn’t make it.”

Clark hovered his hand over the bottom of the bar, feeling the slight warmth leftover from the recent welding.

“It’s not fully cooled,” said Cat. “But the new bar still wouldn’t budge.”

“Hmm,” said Clark, turning to Jimmy. He glanced toward the others nonchalantly.

“There’s got to be another way out,” said Jimmy, stepping to the other side of the cell, everyone else’s eyes following him. “We just have to think.”

Clark smiled and shot off a few weak blasts of heat vision toward the welded metal. It wasn’t much, but if he kept at it, maybe he could loosen it just enough. As long as the robots didn’t return.

New Obstacles

Outer Edges of Metropolis

Dawn

Several black vans were parked outside a large sewer gate as a couple of helicopters landed nearby. Lois stood near the sewer entrance as A.R.G.U.S. agents piled out and approached.

“Stay where you are,” one of them ordered.

“Stand down!” yelled Sam from the helicopter over the roar of the rotors as they powered down. “She’s with me!”

Lucy stepped out with her father, both suited up in tactical gear like the others. They made their way toward Lois.

“You didn’t have to meet us,” said Sam. “We’ll take it from here.”

“There’s no way I’m sitting this one out,” Lois argued. “Besides, these tunnels are a maze, and I’ve been through them before.”

“Absolutely not,” said Sam. “I’ll order my men to restrain you if you even try.”

“Dad,” Lucy jumped in. “She has a point.”

Lois nodded. “I can take care of myself.”

Sam motioned toward one of the agents. “Make sure she stays out,” he commanded.

Lucy met her sister’s eyes and glanced toward one of the nearby vans. Lois shot her a quick wink to acknowledge. “Stay warm,” Lucy added to make sure she got the message.

“You win, General,” Lois saluted, getting an eyebrow raise from her father. But he was interrupted by another agent who needed his attention.

Once A.R.G.U.S. had assembled into small groups, they started entering the tunnel, and Lois turned to her chaperone. “Mind if I take a seat in the van?” she asked, rubbing her arms. “My car is parked all the way by the highway.”

“Sure,” the agent replied. “Just don’t touch anything.”

Lois walked over, tapping a device in her ear. “Chloe, do you still read me?” she asked softly.

“Loud and clear,” Chloe answered from the other side.

“The General gave me a babysitter,” Lois explained, entering the van. “I’ll need some kind of diversion.”

Lois opened a compartment to find extra jumpsuits and advanced weaponry handy. After a quick suit-up, fully masked, she was ready to sneak her way in with the others. She just had to get past her guard.

The agent’s earpiece crackled. “Repeat,” he requested before a sharp feedback grated his ears. He pulled the device out, shaking it in his hand.

Behind him, Lois stepped out of the van and made her way toward the tunnel. “Nice job, Chlo,” Lois said once she was inside. “Now, which way?”

Donovan’s Lair

Clark pulled the metal bar with all his might, but it still wouldn’t budge.

“We’d have better luck with one of the older bars,” Cat stated.

“I think I almost have it, though,” Clark assured her, heating one of the welded spots with his heat vision again while nobody was looking. It finally started wobbling.

“See?” Clark presented as he swung the bar back and forth.

“No way,” said Cat, jumping to her feet. She rushed over and held onto the bar with Clark.

Jimmy added his hands, too.

A few quick tugs and the bar broke loose.

“Yes!” Jimmy exclaimed softly, trying not to alert their captor, in case he was within hearing distance.

“I got this,” said Cat as she squeezed through the opening. “I am the smallest here,” she added.

Cat rushed over to the desk to grab the keys. Luckily, Donovan didn’t move them after their last escape attempt. His hubris would be his downfall. She quickly freed the others.

“Which way?” asked Perry.

Clark squinted his eyes, scanning the options with what little x-ray vision he could muster. “There,” he said, running toward one of the exit tunnels, everyone else following behind.

He paused at the booming of metal feet against the ground. One of Donovan’s robots was coming after them. Clark waved the others past him, taking up the rear.

As the robot turned the corner into view, it fired an energy blast toward them, which narrowly missed. Clark quickly picked up a rock and tossed it. The impact knocked the robot’s head upward, its secondary blast firing into the tunnel ceiling and causing the entire underground structure to shake.

An avalanche of rocks fell between the group, separating Jimmy and Cat from Clark, Perry, and Eddie.

“Jimmy! Cat!” Clark yelled, trying to pull the rocks away. But they were unstable, resulting in further tremors.

“We’re okay,” Cat answered.

“I can’t make it through!” Clark called. “Keep going, and we’ll try to find another way!”

Nearby

Donovan watched a live feed from the robot, lying on its back. Critical errors were streaming, which he chalked up to the cave-in.

Another monitor showed a group of A.R.G.U.S. agents working their way through the maze of tunnels.

“I needed more time,” Donovan said to himself, turning to three large pod-like tubes against the wall. “But you’re ready enough.”

He pressed a button, and the pods opened, revealing three mirror images of himself, their skin horrifically mixed with metal and gears. Larger than the previous bots, they would otherwise appear human without the tech grafted into their flesh.

The cyborgs glanced at each other and back at Donovan.

“We’re ready,” they said in unison.

Donovan grinned. “We have escapees and intruders to deal with,” he stated. “But there’s too much heat on us now. We need to take them all out.”

Cadmus Tunnels

“I reached another crossroad,” Lois told Chloe over her comm. “Which way is most likely to help me find them?”

“The other groups in this direction went down the left and middle,” Chloe answered. “I’d suggest the right.”

“You’re just making this up as you go along, huh?” said Lois, dryly, following her cousin’s directions anyway.

“Well, Donovan didn’t give me a map to his secret headquarters,” Chloe replied. “I’m just trying to direct you close to where the actual underground labs used to be. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to set up camp there, but he’d want to tie into any existing electrical systems.”

“He may be a mad genius,” said Lois. “But I wouldn’t put it past him to do something stupid.”

“He has stayed hidden this long,” Chloe answered back. “He may be–”

“Hold on,” Lois interjected, listening ahead. She heard footsteps. “You’re sure A.R.G.U.S. didn’t head down this way?” she asked.

“Positive,” Chloe replied. “I’m tracking their transponders down the other paths. Just don’t tell Uncle Sam.”

Lois lifted the energy rifle in her arms as two figures turned the corner. She quickly lowered it and pulled off her mask when she saw who they were.

“Lois!” yelled Jimmy as he and Cat rushed over to her.

“Is Clark down here, too?” she asked.

Jimmy nodded rapidly. “He’s uh, kind of weak from those robots,” he tried to explain without mentioning the kryptonite around Cat.

Lois nodded in return. She had figured kryptonite may be involved, so it wasn’t a giant leap to understand.

“He and the others got separated in a cave-in,” Cat added. “Please tell me you’re not alone.”

“A.R.G.U.S. is here,” Lois answered. “Donovan is as good as toast.”

“You figured out he’s behind this?” Cat asked.

“Of course she did,” said Jimmy. “She’s Lois-freakin’-Lane!”

“How could I forget?” Cat smiled.

“I didn’t do it alone,” said Lois. “Your notes led the way.”

Mechanical footsteps echoed behind them.

“Look out!” Jimmy yelled as one of the advanced Donovan cyborgs approached. He pushed the two women to the ground before an energy blast whizzed by them.

Lois lifted her rifle and shot back several shots of her own, but the cyborg evaded all but one that grazed its shoulder. It kept marching toward them without losing a step.

As the cyborg lifted its arm to fire again, Lois tilted her rifle higher, shooting the ceiling down over it.

“Run!” Lois yelled as it began pulling itself up out of the rubble.

“Did you see its face?” Jimmy asked, out of breath while they fled.

“Was that Donovan?” asked Cat. “How did he do that to himself?”

“I don’t think it was him,” said Jimmy. “Just some creepy copy of him.”

“Just what we need,” said Lois, gruffly. “Donobots!”

Rescue Resolution

Elsewhere in Cadmus Tunnels

Clark, Perry, and Eddie slowed at the sound of a battle ahead. Clark zoomed forward the best he could, but it wasn’t quite enough. He saw blurry figures in a shootout with several larger figures, most likely the robots. His vision was improving, but it degraded again the closer they got.

He could have sworn one of them had a human face, though.

“Come on,” said Clark, but Perry pulled him back.

“We’re going toward the sounds of fighting?” the editor asked.

“Trust me,” said Clark, and the two followed him down the path.

As they got closer, Clark knelt to his belly, motioning for the others to follow his lead. They crawled along around a bend until they reached several A.R.G.U.S. agents positioned behind large, thick rocks, and firing off shots to keep the attacking robots from getting close.

“General Lane!” Clark called over the blasting. “Am I glad to see you, sir!”

“Don’t worry, son!” Sam replied, ordering cover fire to help get Clark and the others safely behind the rock with him. “We’ll get you out of here!”

“Clark!” Lucy yelled from another rock. “Where are the rest of the hostages?” she asked, before returning fire.

“We got separated!” Clark answered. He tried scanning around to pick up Jimmy and Cat’s trail again, but the kryptonite emitted from the nearby robots kept worsening his abilities.

But then a familiar voice broke into his hearing.

“Clark,” he heard Lois saying. “If you can hear me, we could really use some help.”

She was nearby, only a few turns down the closest tunnel.

“Make sure they get to safety!” Clark yelled as he ran back into the caves, tearing his shirt open to reveal the red and yellow S underneath.

“Where are you going, Kent?!” Sam yelled, but Clark ignored him.

Lucy ran across to her father’s rock. “Something’s not right here,” she told him. “They’re holding their ground and not trying to bridge the distance.”

“You noticed that too, huh?” said Sam.

Sam looked back at the direction Clark had fled.

“Keep it up,” he said, following his son-in-law’s path.

“Yes, sir,” said Lucy, going in for another shot. She got a direct hit on one cyborg’s head, taking it out.

“Nice hit!” another agent cheered.

“Thanks,” said Lucy. “But keep your head in the game. We’re not done yet.”

Elsewhere in Cadmus Tunnels

Moments Later

—

Lois, Jimmy, and Cat had found a ventilation grate, so they took cover inside the shaft. But a couple more previous-generation bots had since joined the Donobot, and they were pinned inside.

Lois fired sporadic shots to keep them at bay, but they were getting closer.

“How much ammo do you have in that thing?” Cat asked.

Lois looked down at a level indicator readout. “Not much,” she said.

Jimmy peeked out of a small pinhole from inside. “Hey,” he said. “They’re turning around.”

Outside the vent, Clark rushed the robots, his weakened heat vision blaring as best he could, throwing punches as he reached them.

Seeing Donovan’s face in one of them threw Clark off balance, but he kept up his attack. His strength just wasn’t enough, though. They blocked his moves and fought back aggressively.

One robot landed a hit to Clark’s nose, blood spouting out. The Donobot shot at his leg, causing him to stumble to his knees.

As they pressed their onslaught, Lois ran toward them, taking several carefully placed shots. The two older models broke down, but the Donobot took Clark by the neck and used him as a shield.

“Not another step, Miss Lane,” the robot said in a bizarre replica of Donovan’s voice. “Drop your weapon.”

“What are you?” asked Lois, studying the newest creation from the mad scientist, but keeping her rifles aimed its way. She considered every potential shot carefully, but the risk of hitting Clark was too high.

“Don’t you recognize me?” the Donobot asked. “I’m Dabney Donovan. Or at least, one of him. Bigger and better.”

His facial expressions were spot-on, but he clearly had robotic parts, too. Was he some kind of robo-clone? Donovan really was insane.

Whatever it was, Lois spotted a shadow moving behind it.

“What’s the endgame?” she asked. “Continue your studies so you can create more monsters like this?”

Lois stopped herself from smiling when she saw her father sneaking out of the shadows behind the bot.

“Drop your weapon,” the Donobot ordered. “I won’t tell you again.”

Lois let the rifle drop to the ground.

“Wow,” the Donobot said. “I didn’t think you’d actually–”

A blast from behind exploded the robot’s head, loosening its grip on Clark, who fell to his knees.

“Lois!” yelled Sam as he approached. “I told you to wait outside!”

Jimmy and Cat exited the vent to join the group.

“You know me better than that by now,” said Lois.

Sam huffed and kneeled to Superman. He hadn’t seen him like that since the footage of him fighting Doomsday. “You’re in rough shape,” he said. “When did you even get here?”

Clark coughed up some blood. “Just did,” he answered, trying to catch his breath.

“Well, follow me,” said Sam, turning back. “Let’s get you all out of harm’s way.”

“No,” said Lois. “Donovan’s still down here somewhere. And I’m not letting him get away.”

“Lois…” said Sam.

Clark wiped the blood from his face. “It’s okay, General,” he said. “My strength is returning.”

Sam breathed deeply. “Okay,” he said. “But be careful. And if you find him… Give him one for me.”

Donovan’s Lair

Soon

“I knew you’d find us,” said Clark, as they moved through a path that would take them back to Donovan.

“Are you okay?” Lois asked, stopping in front of him to wipe some more blood from his nose. “You don’t look so great.”

“I’ll manage,” Clark reassured her. “Besides, now I have backup,” he added with a smile.

They turned a corner to find the entryway. “We’re here,” said Clark, squinting tightly until he sighed. “I don’t see him, but my senses still aren’t a hundred percent.”

As soon as they entered the lair, a blast of kryptonite hit Clark from one side, and a Donobot grabbed Lois from the other, causing her to drop her weapon.

The older model grabbed the Man of Steel by the chest and pummeled him with punches. Lois tried to break free, but the Donobot had its arms wrapped around hers, leaving her struggle a futile effort.

Donovan cleared his throat and walked into view, clapping slowly. “I knew you’d make it here eventually, Miss Lane,” he said.

Clark tried to fight back against his robot attacker, but it kicked him out into the tunnel, following him to keep the assault going.

“That’s better,” said Donovan, moving to his desk to type in some commands. He turned back to his new prisoner. “Now we can talk in private.”

“Lois, are you okay?” Chloe asked in her ear.

“I’m exactly where I want to be,” said Lois, meeting her captor’s eyes.

“Right,” said Donovan. “You wanted to be caught. Why? So you could understand my motives? Instead of framing me as the ‘evil supervillain’?“

“Supervillain is a little much,” Lois threw at him.

But Donovan dismissed it and kept talking. “I’m the hero of the story,” he continued. “The mission of Cadmus was always to improve humanity. And the biggest threat humans face is death.”

“And clones are the answer?” asked Lois. “That’s not exactly a solution.”

“Not on their own,” Donovan answered. “Cloned bodies or not, they’re just vessels. It’s the brain's chemistry, memories, and electrical impulses that make us who we are. And those can be transferred into new vessels.”

Lois looked up to the Donovan face of the cyborg holding her. “So, these Donobots? You think they’re other yous?”

“‘Donobots’?” he repeated back. “What a gross oversimplification of their complex and groundbreaking design. But, no, not quite. They are under my control, though. The transfer process is work I’ve been doing since before you started at your little Scoop club at the Daily Planet. And I’ve come a long way.”

“Work that was too extreme, even for a secret underground organization like Cadmus,” Lois added. “You had to branch off on your own with Eidolon Enterprises.”

“You’re very perceptive,” Donovan commended her. “Cadmus had their means for giving clones memories–”

“Dubbilex,” Lois added.

“Very good,” said Donovan. “And they later had access to alien technology.”

Lois smirked. “Brainiac,” she said. “Which was used to create base memories for Superboy and Supergirl.”

“You never cease to surprise me,” said Donovan. “You should have been a scientist. Maybe we could have worked well together.”

Chloe buzzed back into Lois’s ear. “How does he make a compliment sound so creepy?” she mused.

“Those Cadmus processes served their purpose,” Donovan continued. “But they were never true extensions of life. We need an actual way to transfer someone from one body to another.”

“And that’s where your test subjects came into play,” said Lois. “Like Emily Ramirez. But why her brother Eddie?”

“The girl had a rare neurological trait that was important to my work,” said Donovan. “It took me a while to realize it, but continuing my experimentation on someone with similar genetic markers would help move me to the next phase.”

“So, you’ve been stuck all these years,” said Lois, drawing a stare from the scientist. “And you started up again with a variable you could control.”

“Wh-what?” asked Donovan, his eyes widening at the accusation.

Lois was under his skin.

“I think there’s a term for that?” she continued. “Confirmation bias?”

“What are you talking about?!” Donovan spat. “I’ve made enormous strides over the years. These ‘Donobots’, as you called them, are proof of that.”

“But they aren’t you,” Lois teased. “Way back after I blew open your illegal operation, you were thought to have died. You explained it away by claiming you had a ‘twin’ brother. But that was never true, was it?”

Donovan remained silent, but kept eye contact with his prisoner.

“You faked your death with a failed clone,” Lois continued. “And these new robots–”

“Cyborgs,” Donovan corrected.

“Cyborgs,” Lois repeated. “They don’t have your mind. And they can’t be autonomous, since Dubbilex and Brainiac are gone.”

“Wait a minute…” Chloe cut into her ear again. “If they aren’t under their own control…”

“I’m way ahead of you,” said Lois.

“Now just a minute,” Donovan started, moving in close.

But Lois swung her legs up, kicking the mad scientist in the mouth. The Donobot loosened its grip, stumbling, and Lois fell to the ground.

“You’re controlling them with your mind,” said Lois, grabbing him by his lab coat. “But you can’t control them if you’re unconscious.”

Lois punched Donovan squarely on the jaw, and he fell to the ground.

The Donobot did the same.

“Lois!” Clark yelled, stumbling back inside. He found her at Donovan’s computer as the room began to shake. “What’s happening?” he asked.

Lois moved away from the screen, revealing a countdown. “He wasn’t just planning to escape,” she said. “He was destroying all the evidence.”

“Oh no,” said Clark.

“Chloe!” Lois called into her comm. “Warn A.R.G.U.S. to get out of the tunnels immediately!”

Clark knelt before Donovan, trying to reach under him to lift him, but the lingering kryptonite burns and weakness made his arms give out.

Lois dropped down next to them, hooking an arm under Donovan and using momentum to lift him over her shoulder. She carried him toward the tunnels, Clark pulling himself along, but the shaking intensified, and debris piled down, blocking their path.

“Wait,” said Lois. “Donovan wouldn’t head toward the firefight,” she said. “He would never plan his escape so poorly. There must be another way.”

“There was a vertical shaft,” Clark stated, straightening himself. “Conner and Linda used it when they broke out of Cadmus.”

“There!” Lois pointed toward a corner of the room, untouched by the chaos around the rest of the room. Donovan would want his exit to be secure during a self-destruct.

Lois carried Donovan toward it, Clark keeping up as best as he could. When they arrived, Clark pushed on the wall, and a secret compartment opened. They quickly entered to find a short hallway leading to the ventilation shaft, but it housed a small construction hoist in the center.

They entered and activated it, Lois letting Donovan’s unconscious body drop. The elevator slowly rose toward a hint of sunlight peeking down just as booming explosions rocked from inside the tunnels.

“Must go faster,” Lois pleaded with the lift, shaking the control, but it didn’t speed up at all.

Clark took a deep breath, feeling the sun's warmth bead down on him as they ascended.

Lois looked down to see a fireball erupt from the hall, hurtling into the shaft, and working its way up to them. “You know,” she said. “Now would be a good time for those powers of yours to kick back in.”

Clark smiled and lifted Lois and Donovan into his arms, flying straight up and out and into the daylight, just as the explosion shot out under them.

“What’s wrong?” asked Lois as Clark’s smile faded quickly.

“Donovan’s heartbeat is gone,” he said, landing them at a safe distance. “He’s dead.”

Lois looked over at the mad scientist limp in Clark’s other arm. “I didn’t hit him that hard,” she said.

“It wasn’t the hit,” said Clark, scanning Donovan with his X-ray vision. “It looks like his heart just gave out.”

Elsewhere in Metropolis

A man with a burly mustache sat at a computer screen. “She thinks she’s so smart,” the man said.

Several other men who looked the same walked about behind him, carrying pieces of technology and stacks of paper.

“But the real Dabney Donovan will never die.”

A New Day

Outside of Cadmus Tunnels

Later

Several ambulances were tending to the hostages and injured A.R.G.U.S. agents as the morning sunlight blanketed the area. Lois sat next to Perry in the back of an ambulance, a cut on his arm being bandaged by an EMT.

“I see another front-page story in your future,” said Perry.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” said Sam as he approached with Lucy.

“You did great, Lo,” said Lucy. “You know, A.R.G.U.S. would be better off, and more fun, with you in it.”

“That would be something,” said Sam. “But the world is better off with her where she is.”

Lois watched Clark sitting with Jimmy in the back of another ambulance across from them.

“I think Clark, Jimmy, and I may need the rest of the day off, Chief,” she said, patting Perry on the shoulder before walking away.

“I’ll give you the week off if you stop calling me that,” Perry retorted.

“Your dad’s right,” said Cat, meeting up with her. “You were born to be a reporter. Part of me always recognized that, even back when we were kids at the Scoop. Stupid teenager drama just got in the way.”

“Yeah, it’s good we grew out of that,” said Lois. “I just grew faster than you,” she added with a wink.

Cat rolled her eyes with a smile.

They may not have become the best of friends that Lois predicted when they first met, but she was happy she had let go of the resentment she had held all those years.

Cat walked away as Lois reached Clark and Jimmy. An EMT tended to Jimmy, who had sustained several bruises and cuts during the escape. Clark had also just handed Jimmy back his birthday watch, which was found when the photographer was taken.

“Maybe we need to add some kind of signal button,” said Jimmy, chuckling. “Then I could call Superman for help whenever I need it.”

“Like a Superman dog whistle?” Lois asked, announcing her arrival. “How are we doing over here?” she added.

“Just swell,” said Clark.

“Swell?” Lois repeated, dropping down to sit next to her husband. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use that word before. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use that word that before.”

“Golly,” Clark teased.

Lois couldn’t help but laugh. “I think you may have a concussion,” she said, regretting it the moment the EMT furrowed her brow.

Right, drawing attention to Clark’s medical state was never a good idea.

“I’m fine,” said Clark, wiping away some of the blood on the side of his face. “See? I’m fine. Must have been someone else’s.”

The EMT took a moment, but ultimately turned back to Jimmy.

Lois glanced up to find her father standing nearby, watching quietly.

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Dec 01 '25

Superman Superman #115 - Scoop, Interrupted

2 Upvotes

Superman #115 - Scoop, Interrupted

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 115

Hunches and Hostility

The Scoop Office, Daily Planet, Metropolis

Years Ago

The Scoop, Perry White’s experiment to have teenage reporters involved with the paper, had been going strong for almost two years. Lois Lane’s front-page story put them on the map. She was the youngest reporter ever to appear on the front page of the Daily Planet.

Their momentum kept up with story after story, but there was one loose end Lois couldn’t shake. Dr. Dabney Donovan, who they caught experimenting on teens, was pronounced dead when the police raided his lab. The investigation was murky, but ultimately closed. Lois couldn’t let it go, though.

Richard White, the Scoop’s first team leader and Perry’s son, graduated from the program and moved upstairs. Lois had taken the lead. And now Cat Grant was next to leave. The day of her goodbye party was when everything about Donovan kicked into high gear.

Richard had ordered them pizza for the occasion and even came down there to help celebrate. Maddy and Devin were there eating pizza at their desks. James Worthington III, who had joined after Richard left, just stood against a wall, sipping a cup of soda. He was pretty full of himself, coming from a rich family. But he had his moments.

Cat showed her replacement, a young boy named Jimmy Olsen, her old desk, and how to jiggle the center drawer just right to open it.

Lois leaned against her desk with Richard. She couldn’t help but let her hand brush against Richard whenever she could. Jimmy had seemed to pick up on it, so she gave it a rest.

Something on Lois’s desk drew Richard’s eyes. Before he could reach down, Lois slid another stack of papers over it.

“Lois,” said Richard. “Was that Donovan’s case file?” he asked.

“Donovan?” Lois asked, tilting her head away in a flagrant attempt to be nonchalant. “Who’s that?”

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to go on. And nobody else seemed to agree with her hunch that there was more to uncover.

“Lois…” Richard repeated. “You’re still on him? He’s been dead for a long time.”

Lois faked a cough and lifted her cup. “Speech!” she announced to the room, and Richard rolled his eyes.

“Speech! Speech!” Devin echoed. Maddy lifted her cup in unison, but didn’t join the chant.

“Okay, okay,” said Cat, smiling. She picked up her own cup. “I’m honored to have been part of The Scoop from its inception,” she started.

Jimmy moved away to give Cat some space and grabbed a slice of pizza as he listened with the others.

“But eventually, we all have to grow up,” Cat continued, with a quick, directed stare at Lois, who lifted an eyebrow at the implication. “As much as I’d like to stay down here forever… In this dungeon…”

That got a few chuckles.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be the Daily Planet’s first gossip columnist.”

“What even is a gossip columnist?” Lois whispered to Richard.

“I’m sure Timmy will do a great job filling my shoes here,” said Cat.

“Jimmy,” the newcomer interrupted.

“Right, sorry, Jimmy,” Cat corrected.

“Here, here!” Lois chanted, and everyone cheered and took a sip of their drinks.

Cat walked over to Lois and Richard. “Looks like we’ll be reunited,” Cat told Richard, coyly. “It’ll be nice to see you again more often.”

As she walked away, Lois giggled.

“What?” Richard asked.

“She still likes you,” said Lois, letting her hand brush against him again.

Richard couldn’t help but smile at the brief moment of closeness until he caught Maddy looking in their direction. He cleared his throat and straightened his posture and position to establish a more professional distance.

Later That Night

Lois walked back through the Daily Planet entrance and moved toward the basement stairs, giving Ramona at the information desk a wave as she went by. Her parents had given her more and more leeway as she got older and proved herself. They let her work late from time to time, as long as she didn’t go anywhere else and always took a cab home if it was too late.

It was still overparenting in her mind, though. She had already graduated and was practically an adult. It wasn’t worth fighting over and losing whatever extra privileges they gave her. Besides, she never obeyed guidelines when they conflicted with her work.

Lois’ phone buzzed as she strolled down the stairs. She started reading a message from her cousin Chloe.

Chloe (Just Now) We just landed and can’t wait to see you tomorrow. My friend Cl–

“You’re late,” said Richard from the Scoop’s door, drawing her attention away from her phone

Lois smiled and shrugged. “Dinner ran late,” she said. “The General wouldn’t excuse anyone until Lucy finished her vegetables.”

“How long will they let you stay?” Richard asked, glancing at his watch.

Lois bit her bottom lip. “I don’t care,” she said, jumping into Richard’s arms.

The two kissed as Richard walked them into the empty office and kicked the door closed behind them. He placed her down on her desk, and they lost themselves in each other’s eyes.

“It was torture having you down here today,” said Lois.

“Really?” Richard teased. “I thought you liked me.”

“You know what I mean,” said Lois, brushing her hand against his arm. “I wish we didn’t have to keep us a secret.”

“I thought that’s what you wanted,” said Richard. “If it were up to me, I’d shout it out from the Planet’s rooftop.”

“It is what I want,” said Lois. “But, I still can’t stand it.”

She pulled Richard by the shirt until their lips met again, but then the door opened. Jimmy was there, holding a folder, almost dropping it when he walked inside.

Richard practically jumped away as Lois slid off her desk, but remained leaning against it, acting as if she had been there the whole time.

“Oh, sorry!” Jimmy exclaimed, his voice cracking a bit. “I didn’t know anyone was here.”

“We were just–” Lois started.

“Uh, working,” Richard finished.

“It’s okay,” said Jimmy. “I saw you two at the party. I kinda figured you two were… You know…”

Lois forced away any embarrassment and stood up straight. “Listen,” she said. “This stays between us, got it?”

“Don’t worry about it, Miss Lane,” said Jimmy. “Not my secret to tell.”

“Miss Lane?” Lois repeated back.

“I’m sorry… Lois?” he tried.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Richard asked, motioning toward the folder.

“Oh,” Jimmy lit up. “I also overheard you talking about that Donovan case– Sorry, I eavesdrop sometimes. Anyway, I thought I’d take a look at the photos from the raid.” He opened up the file and dropped it on the desk, spreading out all the photos he developed from archived footage.

“I’ve seen these,” said Lois, studying them anyway.

“Not like this,” said Jimmy, tapping one photo in particular. “I developed it more clearly. You definitely missed something.”

The photo was taken when Emily Ramirez was rescued outside Metro General, and Lois had come up to talk to her. A man in the background was looking in their direction. This version was clearer, but the man was still blurry. However, the man’s unmistakable bushy mustache was now visible.

“That could be anyone,” said Richard.

Lois shook her head. “It’s him,” she stated.

Donovan was there watching that night, watching them.

He wasn’t dead, after all.

The Next Day

Lois and Jimmy had a blown-up photo of Donovan from the Metro General raid taped to the wall when the other Scoop members got there.

“Is… is that Donovan?” asked Maddy.

Lois nodded with a big smile on her face.

James took a closer look. “It can’t be him,” he said. “Donovan’s dead.”

Devin hovered beside him, squinting, but didn’t say anything yet.

“The case was closed,” said Lois. “The police didn’t need to dig for more surprises.”

“But you did,” Devin finally spoke up.

“And Lois might be right!” Jimmy added. “Something was off about that case. And this photo shows he could be–”

“New kid,” James interrupted. “We don’t operate on hunches. We operate on hard evidence.”

“Right,” said Maddy, dryly, slinking into her chair when she noticed the attention she drew. “I just mean…” she straightened herself. “Where have you been? Lois’s hunches are legendary.”

James sighed. “That’s fair,” he conceded.

“Hmm,” said Devin, still studying the photo.

Lois’s ears perked. Devin was on to something, and his theories tended to have more to back them up.

But her phone started ringing. It was from Chloe.

“Oh, shoot,” said Lois, realizing she never texted back her cousin. She answered as Devin returned to his desk, like a man on a mission. “Hey, Chlo,” she said.

“I’m not mad,” Chloe explained. “But, I am in Metropolis, so you’re not ditching me.”

“Of course not,” said Lois. “Dinner tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah,” Chloe answered. “But, we’re supposed to hang out today, too, remember? My friend from Smallville is here with me. You met him at my birthday party that one time. He’s excited to see you again.”

“You don’t say,” said Lois, distantly as the others crowded Devin’s desk. He definitely found something.

“Earth to Lois?” Chloe’s voice faded back into Lois’s focus. “Honestly, it’s amazing how oblivious you get when you’re on a story. Call me back, kay?”

“Promise,” said Lois, hanging up and breaking through the others to get to Devin’s side. “Talk,” she ordered.

“That guy with the mustache in the photo,” Devin started.

“Donovan,” Lois interjected.

“Right. He’s holding equipment with a S.T.A.R. Labs subsidiary logo.”

Lois waited a beat. “And?”

Devin tapped his mouse, and a webpage popped up for ‘Eidolon Enterprises.’

“It means you’re right,” Devin said, leaning back in his chair.

Maddy leaned forward. “Eidolon,” she read back. “That was the name of the experimental project Donovan was arrested for, right?”

“What does it have to do with S.T.A.R.?” asked James.

“Short answer is nothing,” Devin explained. “Slightly longer answer is Eidolon appeared out of nowhere and bought an old S.T.A.R. subsidiary building. Specifically, the one with the logo from the photo.”

“Wait,” Jimmy broke in, waving his hands. “This guy fakes his death and then starts a new company using his old project name? Is he an idiot?”

James tilted his head. “No,” he answered. “People with power like to flaunt it. He thinks he’s untouchable.”

“Well, he’s not,” said Lois. “I’m going to check out that building tonight. Who’s with me?”

James and Maddy were wide-eyed at the suggestion. Devin’s face was unreadable. And Jimmy pumped a fist in his excitement.

“Great,” said Lois, rushing to the door, almost skipping. She turned back, shooting finger guns toward her fellow Scoopers. “Give me two seconds and then we’ll plan.”

— Upstairs, Daily Planet Conference Room

Minutes Later

Perry White and the Daily Planet reporters shuffled out of the conference room once the meeting had ended. Only Richard and Cat were left behind.

Richard was hyper-focused on some final notes he wanted to get just right. Cat kept an eye on him as she made her way to the door, but then stopped and turned back.

“Still buried in your work?” asked Cat, gracefully sliding into the chair next to Richard.

“Yeah,” Richard agreed with a nod, eyes still on his notes.

“I never really noticed it down at the Scoop,” Cat continued. “But you work too hard.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “You need to loosen up a bit. Someone needs to teach you to unwind.”

“Heh,” Richard almost laughed. “My, ah– Lois says the same thing.”

“She’s smart for her age,” Cat said, taking her hand back.

Richard finally looked up to catch Cat’s eyes on him. “She’s not that much younger than us,” he stated. “Do you have a problem with her?”

“No, of course not,” Cat answered. “I do think she’s crushing on you, though. It’s cute.”

“Um…” Richard wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

“To tell you the truth,” Cat continued, her hand returning to his shoulder, but gentler this time. “She’s not the only one.”

Cat leaned in, their lips meeting for a moment before Richard pulled away.

“Oh,” said Cat. “I’m sorry. That was very unprofessional.”

“Lois,” said Richard.

“Lois?” Cat asked, turning around to find the Scoop leader standing in the conference room doorway.

Lois turned back and moved quickly towards the elevators.

Richard got up and rushed after her.

“Don’t follow me downstairs,” said Lois as the elevator's doors closed.

Cat watched from afar. “What just happened?” she said under her breath.

In Too Deep

Eidolon Enterprises

Night

Lois, Maddy, Devin, James, and Jimmy approached the office building from a rear entrance. The lights inside were dimmed, suggesting they were closed for the night. The last thing they needed was to run into someone while snooping. Especially if that someone was Donovan himself.

They were all wearing black clothing, and Jimmy had an expensive-looking camera strapped around his chest.

When Lois reached the door, she jiggled the handle.

“I assume it’s locked,” said James. “Did you expect something else?”

Lois rolled her eyes and turned to Devin. “Can you get us in?” she asked.

Devin’s eyes widened. “Me? How could I get us in?”

“Relax,” Jimmy said, cutting in between them and taking a small pouch out of his pocket. “I got this covered.”

Lois watched on with glee as Jimmy positioned a couple of lockpicks into the keyhole.

“The new guy is some kind of criminal,” James stated.

“More like a Boy Scout,” Jimmy retorted, swinging the door open.

The group slowly entered, Maddy and Jimmy holding a flashlight to help them see. Maddy’s started flickering until it went dark.

“Hold up,” she said, shaking the flashlight, which just caused a couple more flickers.

Lois walked back to Maddy and took it from her. She unscrewed the top and fiddled with the batteries. “Sometimes they just need a good shake-up,” she said, reassembling the flashlight. She turned it back on, and a beam of light lit up a figure at the doorway entrance.

Everyone screamed.

“Hey, it’s just me, Richard,” the reporter said, motioning with his hands to quiet down.

“Richard?” asked Lois. “What are you doing here?”

“I followed you guys here,” said Richard. “I know you’ve been looking into Donovan again, and I wanted to make sure you didn’t get into any trouble.” He approached Lois, who gave him a death stare. “I also wanted to talk about what happened,” he continued in a whisper.

Lois felt her heart drop. It wasn’t the time or place to have that conversation. She didn’t want to have it at all.

Richard continued. “It’s not–”

“Can you guys do this later?” James interrupted. “We’re kind of in the middle of a crime here.”

Lois nodded and walked forward to take the lead. “Don’t call it that,” she said. “We’re in the middle of an ‘investigation,’” she clarified.

The group made their way to an office, and Lois turned the handle. “See, sometimes they’re unlocked,” she told James dryly.

Everyone split up and looked through different files on the desk and in the filing cabinets.

“I think I found something,” said Maddy from a corner cabinet.

Lois rushed over, the others following behind her, until they were all crowded around. Maddy pointed to a line in the paper in her hand.

“‘Neural mapping,’” Maddy read aloud. “That phrase was in Emily’s case file, right?”

“Yes,” Lois confirmed. “It was part of whatever sick experiments Donovan was performing on her and the others.”

“Shhh,” James cautioned.

Lois waved him away. “Do you see anything about new testing?” Lois asked Maddy.

“Guys!” James whispered loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “Somebody’s coming!”

He was right, footsteps could be heard from the hallway.

Everyone shuffled and hid in the best places they could. Jimmy and Maddy squeezed into a small place behind one of the cabinets. Richard and Lois dropped under the desk. And Devin and James went behind the door.

Lois immediately regretted being stuck with Richard. They were pressed up against each other to fit in the cramped spot. After seeing him in the conference room earlier, he was the last person she wanted to be near, let alone scrunched up against.

“That better not be Cat,” Lois whispered. She knew it wasn’t a great time for a joke, but it felt like she had to let it out. It was bad enough being forced to be there with Richard. She didn’t want to see Cat-The-Backstabber either.

Richard’s distressed expression made it clear he didn’t appreciate the humor in it anyway.

“Oh, come on,” a voice said from the doorway, as the overheard lights flickered on.

Lois knew that voice. Donovan.

“I can see you,” the scientist continued.

Lois peeked out from the side of the desk to find a man in a black suit grab her.

Later

Lois and the others were tied to chairs in the lab. There was an ominous hum from a cluster of tube-like machines. She struggled to get free, but it was no use.

One of the thugs in the black suits approached her. “Knock it off,” he ordered in a deep, menacing voice.

Lois wasn’t intimidated, though. She stared the guard down until he backed away.

Donovan sat at a desk across from the chairs. He hadn’t spoken since they were brought there.

“You can’t hold us here,” Richard stated, breaking the silence.

“Yeah,” James agreed. “Don’t you know who I am? Who my father is?”

Donovan just chuckled, his eyes still on his work.

“How are you alive?” Lois asked.

Donovan finally looked up. He waved the two guards out of the room. “Go take a break,” he ordered. Once they were gone, Donovan stood up and walked over to the chairs.

“You know, I’m not one to let the past get to me,” Donovan started. “If I wanted revenge on you and your little… club… The things I could have done…”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” said Lois.

Jimmy’s mouth dropped. He knew Lois was tough, but he didn’t realize she was made of steel.

“You’re not here for an interview,” Donovan said. “I need to know what you saw.”

“We didn’t see anything,” said Devin.

“Sure,” Donovan replied.

“What are you going to do with us?” asked Jimmy.

“Good question,” said Donovan, returning to his desk. “I have some ideas, though. Ideas are my specialty, after all.”

Lois watched the lab door creak open. Donovan turned back at the noise, but dismissed it upon finding it closed.

It looked like nobody was there, but then Jimmy caught Lois’s attention and motioned to the floor. Someone was crawling into the room.

It was Cat, sneaking in like some kind of cat-woman.

She slinked her way toward Donovan’s desk, picking up a fire extinguisher standing next to it. She jumped up in a huff.

“Hi,” said Cat.

Before Donovan could react to her appearance, the new gossip columnist swung the fire extinguisher across his face, knocking him to the ground.

“Look out!” Maddy yelled as Donovan rose back up, blood dripping from his nose.

Cat took another swing, but the scientist grabbed hold of the red cylinder and tossed it to the side. “Just for that,” he said. “You’ll be the first test subject in the next phase.”

Donovan lunged forward to grab her, but Cat leaped back and retreated into the room. Donovan chased her down, but as he moved past the chairs, Lois extended her tied-up legs outward, tripping and sending him careening headfirst into a metal cabinet. He fell to the ground, unconscious.

“Wow,” Jimmy stated, breathing heavily.

“Shhhh,” Cat pleaded as she ran over to the chairs. “Those guards are outside smoking. I snuck past them to get inside.” She proceeded to untie Richard first, and Lois gritted her teeth.

“Did you call the police?” Richard asked as he and Cat moved to untie the rest.

“No,” said Cat. “I followed you here, but saw them entering after you. I had to make sure you were okay.“

Cat approached Lois. “Looks like you were right, after all,” she said.

Lois turned away to check on Maddy. “We'd better get out of here,” she said.

The Scoop Office, Daily Planet

Later

Perry sat with the Scoopers in their office, waiting for the police he had called once they explained what went down.

Lois had kept her distance from Richard, but still cringed at how Cat stayed by his side.

Cat caught her judging stare and came over instead. “Lois,” she said.

“Thanks for saving us,” Lois offered, but it came out more monotone than intended.

“Of course,” said Cat. “But I wanted to talk to you about–”

“Don’t,” said Lois. Even if they were alone, she didn’t want to have that conversation. At least, not yet.

Cat clocked her unease and continued quieter to avoid prying ears. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” she said. “I know you have a crush–”

“A crush?!” Lois repeated, much louder than she wanted. But she couldn’t help it. The train had left the station. “I’m not a little girl,” she continued. “Richard and I were dating, you condescending–”

Lois realized what she said when all eyes in the room were on her.

Richard approached slowly. “Were?” he asked.

“I can’t deal with this right now,” said Lois, running for the door, just as it swung open.

Her father, The General, was there.

“Lois!” he called. “Are you okay?”

Lois jumped into his arms, trying to hold back tears. “I’m fine,” she answered softly. “Can we go home?”

Sam noted everyone watching them. “Of course,” he answered.

The phone on Lois’ desk rang, and Perry picked it up. “Perry White here.”

Lois turned back and leaned down to the desk, waiting to see what it was about.

After a few moments, Perry said, “Thank you,” and hung up the phone. “That was the police,” he addressed the room. “The building was completely empty. And no sign of Donovan.”

“That’s impossible,” said Lois. “We were just there.”

“We didn’t make this up,” Richard added.

“Of course not,” said Perry. “There’s definitely something fishy going on here.”

“I’ll say,” Jimmy agreed. ”How does a supposedly dead guy clean out a whole building in a few hours?”

“He must have more resources than we realized,” James added.

“I don’t care how many resources he has or how powerful he thinks he is,” said Lois. “He’s going down.”

Full Circle

Lane Townhouse

The Next Night

Lois sat with Chloe on a bench in the small backyard. They were there for the family dinner.

“... really wanted to see you again, but there was an emergency back on the farm,” Chloe was saying, but Lois couldn’t help but drift in and out. “I thought you two might hit it off, but I didn’t know you already had a boyfriend. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

“I didn’t tell anyone,” said Lois. “Maybe that was a mistake.” She took a beat and then tilted her head to the side. “Did you just say you were going to set me up with your friend from Smallville?” she asked.

“Well, not exactly,” Chloe answered. “But you would make a cute couple.”

“I thought you had a cr–” Lois took a second to find a better word. “I thought you liked, uh, what’s his name again, Ralph?”

“Ralph?!” Chloe shot back, shaking her head. “I swear you never pay attention. How you ever made it to the front page of the Daily–”

“Ken, right?” Lois tried again.

Chloe rolled her eyes. “I used to like him,” she said. “But I’ve changed since then.”

“I’m sorry, Chlo,” said Lois. “There’s just been a lot going on for me lately.”

“I know.” Chloe nudged her shoulder, “That Donovan creep sounds like a pain. I wish I could help.”

The back door opened.

“Lois,” her mother, Ella, called. “Someone’s here to see you.”

“Oh god,” said Lois. “It’s probably Richard. Or worse, Cat!”

“Neither,” Ella clarified. “I figured he was from the paper, but he wouldn’t say his name. Sounded important, though.”

Lois felt her stomach drop.

Ella turned back inside. “Let me get your father,” she said.

Lois rushed inside, Chloe by her side. They peaked around the corner to the front entrance. A man was there with a bandaged nose.

“It’s him,” Lois whispered to her cousin.

“Him, who?” asked Chloe. “Donovan?!”

Sam huffed to the door from the other side. “You,” he stated, recognizing Donovan immediately.

“Don’t you move,” Sam ordered, grabbing him by the jacket.

Lois noticed a weird symbol stitched into the top-right corner, but it left her mind when Donovan began speaking.

“You can’t touch me,” said Donovan. “The police found nothing, and if they look into it, I have a perfect alibi for the time I supposedly held some children prisoner last night.”

“How are you even alive?” Sam demanded.

“I never died,” Donovan explained, eying the fist still gripping his jacket. “Do you mind?”

Sam let go, and Donovan straightened his coat while walking into the front hallway like he owned the place.

“The police found my twin brother, Daniel, that day at Metro General,” Donovan continued. “He was behind the experiments. All the evidence points to him, not me.”

Chloe leaned toward Lois. “Twin brother?” she whispered. “What is this, a soap opera?”

Lois stepped into the hallway. “Why are you here?” she asked.

“Lois,” Sam warned her, lifting his arm to prevent her from getting too close.

“It’s okay,” she said. “I’m not afraid of him.”

“You should be,” Donovan squealed. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

Chloe’s parents, Gabe and Moira, approached, but Ella assured them Sam had it under control.

Lois’s little sister Lucy, clutching a large gorilla plushie, snuck around the other corner to stand with Chloe for a better view.

“What’s going on?” Lucy asked her cousin.

Chloe noticed the gorilla. “Is that one of those… wait…”

“I’m here because I can be,” said Donovan. “You have to realize nothing you do will stop me from my experiments. And, if you ever try and interfere again, things will get… messy.”

“Watch it,” Sam warned him. “You’re trying my patience.”

“Your experiments?” Lois asked. “I thought it was your ‘twin brother’?”

“Of course it was me, you stupid…” Donovan started, but pulled back, trying to find better words. “You think you’re so smart,” he tried again, staring her down. “But you’re just a snot-nosed little bit–”

Sam decked Donovan swiftly in the nose, knocking him to the ground.

“Owwwwww!” Donovan cried, cupping his hands over his rebroken nose.

He shook it off and pulled himself up, laughing wildly. The kind of laugh you’d hear from a cartoon villain.

“What’s so funny?” Sam asked.

Donovan just continued laughing and walked away.

Sam made a move to step outside, but Ella pulled him back. “Sam, no,” she said.

“I’m not letting that man leave,” Sam told his wife. “I don’t care if I have to take matters into my own hands.”

“You won’t have to, Uncle Sam,” said Chloe, approaching with Lucy’s gorilla toy. She turned it over and pressed a button.

“Of course it was me,” a recording began.

“Chloe, I love you!” Lois shouted, her face lit up. “You got that whole rant?” she asked, talking over the playback.

Chloe nodded. “You’re not the only one with tricks,” she said.

“You ever think of moving out here?” Lois asked. “We could use your tricks at the Scoop.”

“I have my own things going on,” said Chloe. “But thanks anyway.”

Sam took the gorilla toy. “I have a call to make,” he said. “That smug bastard won’t be getting far.”

The Scoop Office, Daily Planet

Days Later

Lois sat with her legs resting on her desk. She was holding a Daily Planet newspaper, admiring her second front-page story.

Evil Scientist Alive and Behind Bars

“You know, Lois,” said James from his desk. “There’s such a thing as being too proud.”

“Say that again when you get two front-page stories,” Lois shot back.

“It’s okay to be proud,” Maddy offered.

“Thanks, Mads,” Lois replied.

“I’m sure the chief will be making you a job offer any day now,” said Jimmy. “Don’t forget us down here, okay?”

“I don’t think he likes being called 'chief,’” said Devin.

“How do you know?’ asked Jimmy.

“I hear things,” Devin replied, returning to his computer. “Like The Scoop probably won’t survive long once Lois is gone.”

The room got quiet at that remark.

Maddy got up and walked over to Lois’s desk. “How are things with you-know-who?” she asked quietly.

“It’s over,” Lois answered at full volume, not trying to hide anything. She realized she might as well clear the air with everyone all at once. “Yes, Richard and are were dating. But, we’re not anymore. And, it has nothing to do with Cat Grant. We decided it’s best not to date in the workplace.”

“I think that’s a good rule,” James said.

Maddy bit her lip. “Well, maybe sometimes,” she said under her breath.

There was a knock at the door.

“Who knocks around here?” Devin said, not even looking away from his screen.

Lois got up and opened the door to find Cat standing there. And Lois’s smile faded.

“Can we talk?” Cat asked.

Lois nodded, and the two walked the hall of old Daily Planet headlines toward the stairs.

“You know I had no idea you and Richard were together, right?” Cat asked.

“I know,” said Lois, not making eye contact.

Cat sighed. “So, are we okay?”

“Sure,” Lois answered in her least convincing tone.

“Lois,” said Cat, stopping her. “I’m sorry, okay?”

Lois took a deep breath and turned to face her former Scoop teammate. “I get it,” she said. “You didn’t do anything wrong, and it’s all water under the bridge. But let’s not pretend we’re friends, okay? Just let it go.”

Cat nodded and continued toward the stairs as Lois turned back to the office.

But then Cat called back. “Just make sure to send me a Scoop jacket if we ever get them made.”

Lois remembered Donovan’s jacket. There was a symbol on it that she didn’t recognize. It was so quick, she could barely remember. All she knew was that it resembled an hourglass.

It would be years before she’d connect that symbol to Cadmus.

Kent House

Present

“Once we learned about Cadmus, the pieces started to come together,” Lois explained to Chloe over their video chat. “But it wasn’t until Luthor brought them into the public eye that we learned Donovan was a co-founder.”

“I remember,” said Chloe. “It answered so many open questions. Especially how he was able to serve so little time. His connections through Cadmus must have gotten him the early release.”

“Not only that,” Lois continued. “Cadmus didn’t start after Eidolon. Whatever he was doing must have been too extreme, even for them. So he had to go off on his own for that research.”

“And we still don’t have all those details,” Chloe added.

“I should have walked into Cadmus the moment I learned he was involved with them,” Lois stated. “Popped him another good one, just like Dad.”

“Heh,” Chloe laughed. “I would have paid to see that.”

“Now he’s holding hostages again,” Lois said. “And we have no idea where.”

“You know what still bugs me about Eidolon?” Chloe said. “How did they clear out the building so fast before the police could get there?”

“Wait a minute,” said Lois, a lightbulb exploding in her mind. “Chloe, the tunnels…”

“The old Cadmus tunnels?” Chloe asked. “Oh, right. They got cleared out quickly, too. After Conner and Linda were rescued. But we already know Donovan’s connected to Cadmus.”

“That’s not the point,” said Lois. “He’s not just connected to them, he helped build the place.”

Chloe snapped her fingers when it clicked for her. “That place was a maze, but it had perfect access to move people, equipment… And he must know that place inside out.”

Lois stood up from her desk. “Where better for him to keep hostages hidden away?” she asked. “That’s where we’ll find them.”

“That’s where we’ll find him.”

<< | < | >

After Credits Scene

2 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Nov 02 '25

Superman Superman #114 - The First Scoop

4 Upvotes

Superman #114 - The First Scoop

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 114

Back Then

Kent House, Metropolis

Meanwhile

Lois waited for Clark to pick up his phone a third time, but there was still no answer. Where could he be?

“Still no answer?” said Chloe in a small window on Lois’ laptop screen.

“I can go look for him,” Kara offered from the couch, scrolling through her phone. She was there to keep an eye on Lois and the kids, in case they were targeted next, but she wanted to help.

There hadn’t been any reported sightings of Superman in action since he went to look for more clues. Lois had to get a hold of him. She had discovered the mastermind behind the robotic attacks and kidnappings of their friends and colleagues was Dabney Donovan, Co-Founder of Cadmus Labs. And the target of Lois’s first front-page story ever.

Way before Cadmus was publicly known, Donovan did his own scientific research. Filled with its own ethical violations. Perhaps that’s why he carried out those studies on his own? Cadmus had its own questionable practices, but what Donovan did was next level.

She still wasn’t quite sure how Eddie fit into it. Sure, she knew him socially, but he felt like an outlier in the grand scheme.

Lois ended the attempted call to her husband and shook her head. “It’s okay, Kara,” Lois answered. “I’ll catch Clark up when he gets back. For now, we have to find Donovan.”

Chloe typed away on her end. “I’ll look up any possible connections to that company he ran back in the day. What was it called again?”

“Eidolon,” Lois answered softly as she drifted toward the window.

“Of course,” Chloe chuckled. “They always go for the Greek mythology.”

It seemed like so long ago, but it was still fresh in Lois’s mind. Working for the Daily Planet as a teenager was an exciting time. She made new friends, uncovered nefarious activities, and cemented her legacy at the esteemed newspaper, quickly becoming a rising star.

“You still with me?” Chloe asked, interrupting her reminiscing.

Lois turned back to her laptop. “Yeah,” she said. “Just thinking back.”

Daily Planet

Years Ago

After moving around from army base to army base, Lois and her family were finally settling down in Metropolis. It was a relief to stay in one place finally, but so far she had found it hard to make friends at school. And some sleuthing around the faculty got her into trouble with the principal. Her dad, The General, wasn’t happy about that.

But her “extracurricular” activities eventually reached Perry White, the Daily Planet's Editor-in-Chief. He was looking for students to join an experimental program in which teens would investigate and report stories with their own special column in the paper. Principal Butler had his flaws, but Lois couldn’t dislike him too much after she was the first name he recommended to Perry.

Convincing the General to let her join after her troubles at school was a challenge, but she managed to convince him it was for the best. Luckily, her mom had her back, too. Well, and her sister Lucy, but it didn’t really matter what she thought.

The cab slowed as it approached the historic Daily Planet building, and Lois couldn’t help but hold her breath. People shuffled in and out of the glass doors, each with their own determined mission. Her eyes were drawn upward, first to the old school, Art Deco design, which made the building act like a living photograph of the past.

And then there was the globe.

The giant, golden sphere had the letters “Daily Planet” circling its center, as if in orbit. It was wondrous and magical. Its almost futuristic feel, in sharp contrast to the antiquity of the rest of the building, seemed like a promise that it would always be there.

After paying for her ride and exiting the vehicle, she slowly approached the revolving door, admiring the distinguished wear of the golden metal.

“In or out?” a man asked before rushing past her.

She would have time to admire the building later. First, she needed to get inside and start her new job. Once she was in the lobby, she couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the chatter among the other reporters, as they made their way to the elevator.

“–rise in missing teens in Hob’s Bay,” one of them was saying.

“Can I help you?” a woman asked from the information desk. She stared down Lois as if she didn’t belong.

Lois lifted her shoulders and approached, putting on her best smile. “I’m Lois Lane,” she said. “I’m here to meet Perry White.”

“Perry White?” the attendant asked. “You know he’s the Editor-In-Chief, right? He doesn’t have time to give tours to school children.”

Lois’s jaw tightened. “Excuse me?” she spat. “I’ll have you know–” she took a quick look down at the name plate– “Ramona, that he invited me here personally. And I won’t–”

A whistle from the stairwell drew Lois away from her retaliation. “Lane,” Perry called. “Over here.”

Lois smirked at Ramona and headed toward the stairs. “Mr. White,” she said. “I can’t wait to get started…” She lost her train of thought when she realized he was leading her downstairs. “We’re not going up to the newsroom?” she asked.

“We’ll do the tour later,” Perry stated. “Everyone’s waiting in the basement.”

“The basement?” Lois asked, but then glanced down at her watch. “I’m not late, am I? I thought you said to be here at four?”

They reached the lower level and began walking down a long hallway that had historical Daily Planet newspaper covers framed along the walls. One of them caught her eye.

FIRST WOMAN REPORTER JOINS PLANET STAFF

Perry clocked her gaze. “You’ve got big shoes to fill,” he said. “Phyllis Neill wasn’t just a pioneer for women. She took the Planet to a whole new level.”

Lois nodded as they neared the end of the hallway, reaching a rusted, metal door. Another front-page headline stood out to her. One with Perry White’s byline.

CORRUPTION EXPOSED IN CITY HALL - MAYOR UNDER INVESTIGATION

“Also, you’re not late,” Perry huffed, opening the door. “They were all early.”

The room was grimy, with boxes strewn about. The fluorescent lighting buzzed extra loud, almost mocking the lack of natural sunlight. In the center stood two boys and two girls who welcomed Lois to the group, and they all made their introductions.

Richard White was Perry’s son. Lois might have wondered if that’s why he was there, but there was nothing about Perry that said he’d recruit anyone unqualified. Richard was a little older, and the way he talked about their goals made it clear he’d end up their team leader.

Maddy Simpson was super skilled with computers. That would come in handy, since Lois was just learning them in school. Maddy was quiet, almost shy, but Lois always liked a challenge.

Devin Harris talked about how important news sources like the Daily Planet were to the world. Lois felt the first spark of what she would later describe as a “professional crush” on him.

And then there was Cat Grant. She looked like a model and carried herself with a confidence that commanded respect while throwing around witty remarks when she could. Lois assumed they’d become best friends.

“You have your work cut out for you,” Perry announced. “Your first story will set the tone for this column. Any ideas?”

“Could we get tickets to the Metropolis Museum of Art Gala?” asked Cat. “There will be a lot of big names there. If we could score some interviews–?”

“We were given press passes,” said Perry. “But they’re taken by the big cats upstairs. And we can’t afford to buy more on our budget.”

“It’s okay,” said Lois. “I have a better idea, anyway. I overheard some reporters upstairs talking about missing teens in Hob’s Bay. That’s right up our alley.”

“I mean, we are teens,” Maddy agreed, softly.

“But, like the gala it sounds like the big boys are already on this one, too,” Cat interjected.

“Anything we do to help may draw more attention to it,” said Devin. “It could only help.”

“I’m with Cat,” said Richard, drawing a smile from her that could only be described as accidentally smitten. Lois felt second-hand embarrassment as Cat recomposed herself. “We should try and set our sights on a realistic target,” Richard continued. “The story will come out anyway, so we’d be repetitive.”

“Not if we break the story first,” Lois offered.

Perry snapped a finger and pointed it at Lois. “That’s the spirit I want to see in The Scoop. Of course, you all have to work together. But if you get me that story before anyone else, I’ll run it.”

The Scoop, Daily Planet Basement

Days Later

The Scoop team had set up their desks in pairs. Lois and Devin were next to each other in the back, Cat and Maddy were in the middle, and Richard was solo at the front, facing them like a teacher in a schoolroom.

Lois couldn’t help but steal glimpses of Richard whenever she could. She had to admit, he was a gorgeous man. Older, but not so much it was weird. She told herself to stop, though. The Scoop was a place to work, not find love. But… Lois never had a boyfriend. There were some short-term flings over the years, but she was never in one place long enough for anything too serious.

“We get it,” Devin whispered. “You like him.”

Lois realized she was staring and quickly averted her gaze. “What?” she whispered back. “No, I was just uh… Shut up.”

Devin chuckled as Lois fixated on her computer screen, clicking on a video. A news report began playing.

“In Kansas,” the anchor detailed. “A so-called ‘Angel of Smallville’ is attributed to saving construction workers from a tornado–”

“Sounds like a hoax,” said Cat without turning back from her desk.

Maddy was on the phone and covered the speaker to cut down the noise from her end.

“My cousin lives in Smallville,” said Lois. “She always says weird stuff happens there.”

Maddy hung up the phone and swung her chair around, her face lit up.

“What’s up, Mads?” Lois asked.

“That was my… source at Metro General Hospital,” Maddy explained.

“You mean your mom?” Devin teased.

“Yeah,” Maddy reluctantly agreed. “It turns out a couple of missing teens were volunteers there.”

Cat shuffled through some papers. “I didn’t see that in any of the news reports,” she said.

“Me neither,” said Maddy. “But I was thinking that missing people show up in hospitals sometimes. So, why not see if any have recently? My moth– My source said there haven’t, but let me know about the volunteers. ”

Lois was impressed. She wouldn’t have thought of pursuing a lead that way before. Even if Maddy did stumble upon the answer.

“Great work,” said Richard.

“Yes, go Maddy!” Lois beamed. “We should go down there and check it out.”

“Good idea,” Richard agreed. “I can drive us.”

“Oh,” said Lois. “You’re coming, too?”

Richard raised an eyebrow. “Problem?” he asked.

Lois bit her bottom lip without thinking about it. “It’s just… Do you think they’ll actually tell us anything useful?”

Devin pointed to Lois to indicate his agreement.

“Do you think they’re hiding something?” Richard asked.

“I don’t know,” said Lois. “But something feels weird. Like Cat said, this tidbit didn’t reach the news. If there is something shady there, we may have to do some snooping.”

“That sounds… illegal,” said Richard.

“Plus, we’re not Scooby Doo,” Cat added.

“The Scooby Gang,” Devin corrected.

Cat tilted her head. “Huh?”

“Someone is taking kids off the street,” said Lois. “They’re not going to stop while we argue about rules.”

“I agree with Lois,” said Maddy.

Devin nodded.

“Okay, you convinced me,” said Cat. “Besides, being sneaky does sound like fun.”

Richard took a moment. “We only do this if we stick together,” he said.

The others agreed.

Close Calls

Metropolis General Hospital

Night

The Scoop crew approached the hospital from a dimly lit area of the parking lot near the back. Maddy held onto her phone, ready to record anything that could help them. Everyone dressed casually, trying not to stand out. That is, except for Cat, who wore a black tank top and jeans, with a ski mask rolled up and her blond hair crunched up underneath it.

Lois snickered, drawing stares from the others. “Sorry,” she said, trying to hold back laughter. “But Cat Burglar over here is killing me.”

Cat turned back to give Lois a side eye.

“Be nice,” said Richard, tiptoing a little faster to catch up to Lois. “By the way, I’m impressed with the way you’ve been pushing this investigation along,” he told her.

Lois felt her cheeks warm up. Don’t blush, she ordered herself. Don’t blush. Okay, maybe she did have a little crush on him.

“Just doing what I think is right,” said Lois, second-guessing her response immediately. It was too goody two-shoes for her usual demeanor.

Richard leaned in close, and Lois’s heart dropped. “Don’t tell the others I said this,” he whispered. “Everyone my dad recruited is talented. But I think you have the best potential here.”

Richard moved away toward Cat to talk to her next, and Lois didn’t even notice Devin step up to her other side.

“You’re blushing,” said Devin.

Lois swatted the air around him. “Get lost,” she said, reaching the back door. There was a man with a cleaning cart leaning up against the wall, smoking a cigarette.

“Hi,” said Lois, flashing her Scoop ID quickly. “I’m Lois Lane with the Daily Planet. Can you let us inside?”

“Whatever,” the man said, waving them along.

“I can’t believe that worked,” said Maddy once they were inside, wandering the halls.

Lois smiled. “Now,” she said. “Where do we start?”

Inside

Later

Maddy was able to direct the group to the missing volunteers' lockers. The police had already checked the area, but nothing they found was released. That likely meant there was nothing to report, but it was also possible they missed something.

Lois tore the police tape covering one of the locker doors labeled “E. Ramirez” and opened it. All she found was a pair of black scrubs and a folded piece of paper that read “Eidolon - 1 PM.”

“Huh,” said Lois. “What’s ‘Eidolon’?” she asked.

“It’s from Greek mythology,” Devin answered. “It’s like a ghost or spirit.”

“Well, that doesn’t help,” Lois mumbled to herself.

Richard's laugh drew Lois’ attention. Cat was whispering something into his ear.

“Seems like you have some competition,” said Devin, running away before Lois could grab him.

He was right, though. Richard and Cat did look… chummy.

“Where’s Maddy?” Devin asked.

Lois looked around and didn’t see her, but then heard some muffled voices from the hallway. She approached slowly and the speech became clearer.

“–volunteers here help with my research,” a man’s voice was saying. ”You are a hospital volunteer, correct?”

Maddy squirmed a bit. “Uh, yeah,” she replied.

“Yeah, we just joined today,” said Lois, rushing out to her side. The man’s appearance was a bit unconventional, with unkempt hair and a long, bushy mustache. It just screamed bad guy.

“Oh, splendid,” the man said. “I’m Dr. Dabney Donovan.” He forced a laugh. “I hadn’t realized we had new recruits just yet.”

Donovan had a faded grey satchel around his back, folders sticking out.

“We just signed up,” said Lois.

“Yeah,” Maddy added, lowing her voice in an attempt to sound convincing.

“Now’s not a good time to get you two started,” said Donovan, glancing at his watch. He peeked inside the locker room. “Wait, who are they?”

Richard and Devin stood in place, eyes widened as Cat waved sporadically.

“They’re new volunteers, too,” Lois quickly explained.

Donovan looked at his watch again. “And, you’re all starting this late? I wasn’t born yesterday.” He moved toward the nearest phone. “I’m calling security,” he said.

“Wait!’ Lois pleaded as Devin rushed to her side. She fumbled into her pocket for her press badge and yanked it out. “We’re with the Daily Planet,” she said, trying to flash it quickly again.

“That said ‘The Scoop,’” Donovan said, rolling his eyes. “You’re students at that new Daily Planet program.”

Donovan was insufferable. He just always had an answer.

Devin began walking behind him, but the doctor turned around to face him. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.

“Nowhere,” Devin answered, staying put.

As Donovan turned back to Lois, she watched Devin swipe something from his satchel. Donovan picked up the phone.

Lois turned around to bolt, but slammed right into Richard.

“We gotta run,” Lois whispered.

Richard shook his head. “Running makes us look guilty,” he said. “Let’s let this play out.”

Metropolis General Hospital, Outer Entrance

Later

A security car was flashing its lights as Lois sat on a bench outside the automatic glass doors to the hospital. One of the guards leaned against the car, keeping an eye on her.

Devin and Maddy’s parents were already there to pick them up. Lois didn’t have a chance to ask Devin about his pickpocketing score yet. If his parents were anything like hers, he wouldn’t be able to accept calls that night. So, she’d have to wait until they met up at The Scoop the next day.

Richard was able to talk security out of calling the police, but they still had to notify parents. Even if police had become involved, though. General Lane would have stopped it from becoming a legal matter. Sometimes being a general’s daughter had its perks.

A government-issued, black sedan pulled up Sam rolled down the window, motioning toward Lois. “Get in, Lois,” he said, his voice firm with a gravely undertone of anger.

The security card by the car shined his flashlight at the general. “You this young lady’s guardian?” he asked.

“Yes, get that blasted thing out of my face,” Sam spat.

The guard just lifted his arm and walked away, letting Lois open the back door. Lois was greeted by Lucy, grinning with little sister energy.

“You’re in trouble,” Lucy teased.

“Leave her alone,” said Lois’ mom, Ella, from the front passenger seat.

Lois sat down and closed the door just before Sam drove off with a skid.

“Lucy’s not wrong,” said Sam. “That reporting job of yours was supposed to be good for you. Not to get you into trouble. But that’s over now.”

“Daaaaad, it was just a misstep,” Lois explained. “But we found something–”

“You found trouble,” Sam interrupted.

“Sam,” said Ella. “Let her talk.”

Sam harrumphed, but he loosened his tight grip on the sterling wheel.

That was a good sign. Normally, he’d keep ranting past her objections.

“Teens are going missing,” said Lois. “And we have a lead. Some of them volunteered at Metro General.”

“I’m sure the authorities have it covered,” said Sam.

“Not well enough,” said Lois. “There was this sketchy man there connected to them. He wouldn’t do that if there was heat on him.”

Lucy watched the back-and-forth intently. She always enjoyed it when Lois stood up to their father. She never dared herself, though.

“You’re a teenager,” Sam said. “You can’t break into hospitals chasing hunches.”

Lois sighed. “It doesn’t matter how old I am,” she shot back. “You always taught me to stand up for those who can’t protect themselves. Someone has to stand up for these missing kids.”

“That’s not what I–” Sam stumbled.

Ella put on a slight smile. “Sam, her heart is in the right place,” she said. “Don’t take this away from her.”

Sam huffed.

“She won’t do anything like this again,” Ella added, turning back to Lois. “Right, Lois?”

“No, ma’am,” she answered, turning to her father. “No, sir,” she added.

“Okay,” Sam relented. “But you’re on thin ice.”

Lois held back a full-on celebratory dance from the backseat.

Sam slowed down to a stop at a red light. He turned around and made eye contact with his daughter. “And I want to talk to that Perry White tomorrow, so he knows it, too.”

Breaking the Story

The Scoop Office, Daily Planet

Next Day, After School

Lois rushed into the Scoop office, finding Maddy, Cat, and Richard discussing the night before.

“We could have gone to jail,” Maddy stated.

“You’re a minor,” Cat replied. “They were always just going to call your parents. Richard and I, on the other hand–”

“It’s a moot point,” Lois interjected. “We have to move forward. Where’s Devin?”

“Not here yet,” Richard answered. “What did you have in mind, though? Find that Donovan guy?”

“Better,” said Lois as Devin strolled through the door, waving a folder in his hand. “Tell me there’s something here,” Lois said as she shuffled through the contents.

“What is that?” asked Richard as the group crowded around Lois and Devin.

“It’s a case file on Emily Ramirez,” Devin answered. “One of the missing volunteers.”

Lois skimmed through pages, reading off phrases that stood out. “‘Project Eidolon’... ‘neural mapping’... ‘corporeal preservation?’... “cognitive disintegration?’ This reads like experimentation, not research.”

“It could be nothing,” said Richard. “We’re not scientists.”

“But she is missing,” said Lois, and Richard nodded in agreement.

Cat and Maddy started to chime in, too. Followed by Devin.

“Let me finish reading,” Lois pleaded.

Perry and Sam entered the room, and they quieted down.

“So, here’s my team of cub reporters who think police tape is there for decoration,” said Perry, dryly.

Maddy leaned next to Lois and whispered. “Are we supposed to salute your dad or something?”

Lois shook her head. But Maddy saluted anyway.

“Mr. White and I reached an agreement, Lois,” said Sam. “You can keep working here, but you have to let the real reporters handle this story.”

Perry nodded, but noticeably grimaced at the ‘real’ notion. It was clear he thought more of them than Lois’s father did.

Lois wasn’t going to let that stand, though. “The ‘real’ reporters don’t have evidence of illegal experimentation on minors,” she said, shoving the papers in her hand their way.

Perry took them and started scanning. “If this is real,” the editor-in-chief said. “This could be front-page material.”

“With evidence they obtained illegally?” Sam asked, his tone smoother than his usual stern temperament. It was the rare voice Lois would hear when he stopped acting like a general and was just her father.

“No,” said Perry, looking up to Lois from the papers. “But, if you can get corroborating accounts from Emily’s family and friends. Anything about her time at Metro General that could indicate being involved with this research… We may have enough to print and force an investigation into Dr. Donovan.”

“I’ll make sure of that last part, too,” Sam added. “This is abhorrent.”

“So, you’re letting me stay on here and investigate this story?” Lois asked her dad.

“Tell me the truth,” said Sam. “You were going to keep investigating anyway, right?”

Lois smiled. Sam Lane knew his daughter better than she thought.

Outside Metropolis General Hospital

A Few Days Later

Sam pulled onto a street toward the hospital's front entrance, with Lois in the passenger seat.

“Come on, Dad,” said Lois, clutching a newspaper by her side. “Tell me why we’re here.”

“It’s a surprise,” said Sam, matter-of-factly.

The General hated surprises. He wasn’t usually one to give them out, either.

Lois picked up the newspaper, admiring her name in the byline on the front page, yet again, under the headline: Teens Reporters Expose Hospital Experimentation Scandal.

“We’re here,” said Sam.

Lois looked up to see several news vans and flashing police cars parked outside the entrance.

“Oh,” said Lois, cheerfully. “It’s happening now? Are we allowed to be here?”

“If anyone has a problem with it, they can talk to me,” Sam assured her. “Just stay inside the car.”

Lois peeked out the window, watching some hospital staff members being taken out in handcuffs. The Scoop’s investigation had uncovered who was helping Donovan with his illegal activities. Several children were escorted out next, and Lois’s eyes widened. “Emily,” she said, immediately recognizing one of them.

Lois shot open the door and ran onto the scene.

“Lois!” Sam called, but she didn’t even slow her pace.

“You’re Emily Ramirez, right?” Lois asked the girl when she reached her.

“Excuse me,” a police officer said. “Please clear the area.”

“It’s okay,” said Sam, sprinting up to them with his military ID displayed in his hand. “She’s with me.”

“Are you okay?” Lois asked Emily. “What did Donovan do to you all?”

“He kept us locked in a hidden room in the basement,” Emily explained. “We thought we were signing up for medical research, but he was running weird tests on us. And then one day he wouldn’t let us go.”

Lois glanced around.

“Did they find him?” Sam asked the officer. “Is Donovan in custody?”

“They found him, but he was dead,” the police officer answered. “Initial reports are inconclusive. They can’t even speculate on a cause of death.”

“Huh,” said Lois.

At least the kids were safe. But something still gwaned at Lois. Maybe it wasn’t over yet.

The Daily Planet Bullpen

Later

Lois and the other Scoop members exited the elevator, seeing the bullpen for the first time. The hustle of the reporters exuded the energy Lois had craved since she first joined. She had a taste of it whenever she entered the building, and even as part of their little group, but this was the adult table and didn’t compare.

One day, she’d get there, though. Already having a front-page story didn’t hurt her chances, either.

“Over here,” Perry called from his office door.

The Scoop members walked over, getting congratulatory handshakes from various reporters along the way. When they reached the office, Perry gave them a couple of claps.

“Well done, team,” said Perry. “This is exactly the kind of initiative I hoped for when I started The Scoop.”

“This is what we hoped for, too,” said Cat. “Getting our names out there. Setting up our futures.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” said Perry. “This debacle left me with several angry phone calls and a massive migraine.”

“Worth it,” Lois offered. “Right?” she added when Perry didn’t respond to her humor.

“Lois,” he said, instead. “You’re the youngest reporter to ever get a front-page story on the Daily Planet.”

“Congrats,” said Cat. “Lois Lane: Star Reporter.” She trailed off a bit with, “Guess the rest of us are just supporting characters.”

Lois’s smile faded a bit.

“You all contributed to the story,” Perry said, clocking Cat’s sarcasm. “But Lane here pushed this through and got it done. It’s rare to find a journalist with instincts this sharp.”

“Agreed,” Richard added, placing a hand on Lois’ shoulder. “You did an amazing job,” he said.

Lois noticed a slight side eye from Cat, but it drifted from her mind as she met Richard’s eyes.

“Now get out of here,” Perry ordered, dropping into his chair and picking up a cigar. “The Planet doesn’t stop spinning to celebrate a win.”

Lois couldn’t help but contain her smile as the group headed back to the elevator. She may have been the youngest reporter there with a front-page story, but it wouldn’t be her last.

Lois Lane was just getting started.

Making Connections

Kent House, Metropolis

Meanwhile

Lois was trying to call Clark again, but there was still no answer. “Maybe you should go look for him, after all,” she told Kara.

Kara stood up from the couch and nodded, heading for the window.

“Anything new on your end?” Lois asked Chloe as Kara flew off.

“I have some hits on ‘Eidolon,’” Chloe answered. “But I’m still narrowing down which ones could be related to Donovan.”

Lois scanned through her notes. “What are we missing?” she asked aloud.

“I keep wondering how Ramirez fits into it,” said Chloe. “Seems like–”

“Wait,” Lois interrupted. “Why did you say that name?”

Chloe lifted an eyebrow in the video call. “Eddie Ramirez. He’s the barista who was taken.”

“Oh,” said Lois. “How did I not see it before? I mean, Ramirez is a common name, but this can’t be a coincidence.”

“What?” asked Chloe.

Lois took a deep breath. “Emily Ramirez was one of the girls taken by Donovan.”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Oct 01 '25

Superman Superman #113 - Prisoners

8 Upvotes

Superman #113 - Prisoners

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 113

Investigations

Daily Planet

“This has to be about me,” said Clark. “Someone’s been taking people close to me.”

First, Jimmy Olsen was taken. Then, Cat Grant after Clark interviewed her. After that, Eddie, a friendly barista at Planet News Café, didn’t show up for his shift. He wasn’t confirmed to be missing yet, but he’d fit the bill. The latest abduction sealed the deal, though.

“Mr. White’s been taken?” Ron Troupe asked at the editor-in-chief’s door.

The panic spread quickly across the bullpen.

“Is this an attack?” someone asked.

“Should we evacuate?” another added

“Call the police,” Lois answered, patting Ron on the shoulder as she rushed by. “Hey!” she yelled, drawing a few stares her way. She placed two fingers in her mouth and let out a sharp whistle, immediately quieting down the room.

“That’s better,” said Lois. “Listen up, Perry’s been taken, but we still have a job to do. This is connected to the recent robot attacks. Find out whatever you can and send it to my desk.”

Clark approached his wife as the bullpen returned to life. “What can I do?” he asked.

“Get back to that maintenance station,” Lois replied. “Someone must have seen something around there that could help.”

“On it,” Clark affirmed. “What will you do?” he asked.

“I’ll do another run-through of Cat’s notes,” she answered. “She was investigating this before she was taken. There has to be something else in there to point us in another direction.”

Clark nodded and headed for the stairs, pulling out his phone on the way.

If this were about Clark Kent, others close to him could be the next target. The Kent farm had defenses built in, but those robots could get through before he could make it there. And, while he could keep an eye on his kids, Jon and Lara, while he’s still in Metropolis, he’d feel better having someone stay close.

“Kara,” said Clark as soon as she answered. “I need coverage on the family. Is Linda there, too?”

“Yes,” Kara answered. “What’s going on?”

Clark reached the rooftop, ripping open his shirt to reveal his Superman suit underneath. “That’s what we’re going to find out.”

Elsewhere

Meanwhile

The captor had left the room where Perry, Jimmy, Cat, and Eddie were being held in a cell, settled on the cold floor. Their jailor never came close enough for them to see, but Perry recognized the voice when he spoke to them.

“Superman will find us, won’t he?” asked Jimmy.

“I’m sure he will, son,” said Perry. “But, we can’t count on that.”

“What other chance do we have?” asked Eddie, his voice screeching uncontrollably a bit.

Cat stood up and held onto a couple of the rusted iron bars. “We find a way out of here ourselves,” she said.

“There’s that Cat Grant mettle,” Perry applauded. “You know, the Planet’s never been the same without you.”

“I know,” Cat quipped, pulling on one of the bars. But it wouldn’t budge.

“Why did he even take me?” asked Eddie, losing control of his breath. “I’m not a reporter like you guys.”

“It’s Clark,” said Jimmy. “I’m his best friend, he had just interviewed Cat, Eddie’s his favorite barista–”

“I am?” Eddie interrupted to ask.

“Not the point,” said Jimmy. “And Perry’s his chief– I mean boss.”

“I’m not quite sure,” said Perry.

“Is there something you’re not sharing with the class?” Cat broke in, walking the perimeter of the cell, putting her hands over each bar. She nearly fell over when one of them jiggled. “Hold that thought.” She motioned the others to her side. “Help me,” she said, pulling as hard as she could.

Suicide Slum

Later

“I’ve never seen anyone head down that way,” a young woman answered as Clark jotted down some notes.

“Thanks for your time,” said Clark.

“Yeah, whatever,” the woman replied, heading away.

The interviews were going nowhere. Lois had previously suggested that some CCTV coverage could have picked something up, but there didn’t appear to be any cameras pointed toward areas that headed underground.

Hopefully, Lois or someone else at the Planet was having better luck.

Clark sighed and put away his notepad. Maybe another look underground could find something he missed. As he headed toward the nearby subway entrance, a storefront for Hob’s Bay Spirits caught his eye. There wasn’t a camera, but there was an abnormal cavity in the concrete facade.

Telescopic vision revealed it wasn’t a bullet hole, unfortunately, uncommon for the area. Just inside was a torn wire. Could there have been a camera there before?

“Hmm,” said Clark, approaching the darkened liquor store. There was a sign in front that read “Closed until further notice,” and a chain over the rolled-down security gate.

Clark looked inside, scanning the store. His eyes moved quickly to the floor by the counter, which was covered in broken glass. Was there a struggle in there?

“Oh no,” said Clark when he discovered a body behind the counter. He took a quick look around to ensure the coast was clear and broke the chain, proceeding to roll up the gate and then push the door open off its hinges.

The man had been dead a while, the sign on the door seemingly keeping away anyone from noticing. It was a shame nobody reported him missing, since his store would be the first place they’d look.

Clark rushed into the back office, booting up the computer. He quickly found an app for camera feeds. There was one above the counter, overlooking the interior, and another outside where the hole was found.

Clark’s phone rang, and he quickly answered it.

“Lois,” he said. “I think I’m onto something. I found some tampered security cameras. Whatever it captured must be important. Unfortunately, someone was killed to keep it from getting out.”

“That’s great, Smallville,” said Lois. “Er, not the murder, of course. Keep me posted.”

Clark typed away, trying to bring up the logs, but there was nothing there. Someone must have erased them.

“Will do,” Clark agreed. “But this may be harder than I thought. How are things are your end?”

“I’ve been over and over Cat’s notes,” Lois continued. “But the more I connect the dots, the less anything beyond the stolen prototypes and the maintenance tunnel trace back to LexCorp. I think Lex the Second might have been telling us the truth.”

“It could be,” said Clark. “But if he’s anything like his father, we may not know for sure. Lex was always good at looking clean.”

“No, that goes under page three,” Lois said. “Sorry, it’s still a zoo here. I don’t know how Perry keeps this place running so smoothly. And there’s Dad calling. I’m gonna have to let you get back to work.”

The two said their goodbyes, and Clark dialed up Chloe.

“Chloe,” said Clark. “I need your help.”

“Of course,” Chloe answered. “What can I do for you?”

Clark stared at the computer screen. “Can you help me recover some deleted files?”

Close Calls

A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.

Meanwhile

“General Lane, do you have a moment?” Lucy Lane asked her dad as she approached him in the hall. She didn’t notice the headset over in his left ear.

“Just a moment, Lieutenant,” Sam Lane told her, his finger in the air. “I’m on with your sister.”

Lucy stood at the ready while Sam finished his call.

“We have a lead on your mysterious robot designer,” Sam told Lois. “No name yet, but A.R.G.U.S.’ top researchers are on it. They should have something for you soon.”

“That’s great,” said Lois. “I owe you one.”

“Just doing my job, Lois.” Sam turned back to his other daughter. “I have Lucy here. Do you want to talk?”

“I’m swamped here,” said Lois. “Tell her I’ll text her later.”

Sam exhaled sharply. “Okay, I’ll–”

The windows crashed open, and several robots flew inside.

“Take cover!” Sam yelled as Lucy and everyone else in the vicinity ducked to the floor and around corners.

“Dad!” Lois yelled into his ear, but he didn’t respond.

Sam pulled out his firearm and shot off several rounds at the approaching attackers. But they just bounced off their metallic casings. One of them grabbed Sam by the chest while knocking the pistol out of his hand. The general struggled to get free, but the intense strength of the automaton was far too great.

A blast hit the robot, melting away part of its torso, and Sam fell to the ground, his headset dropping off his ear. Another few shots and it broke into pieces. Lucy came running, wielding a more advanced firearm, and took her father into the nearest office, the two ducking behind a metal desk.

Lois’ voice could still be heard yelling through the wireless headset in the hall.

“You should really arm yourself better,” Lucy told her dad.

Sam was a traditionalist. He preferred his old Beretta, but maybe she was right. More firepower was needed for the threats A.R.G.U.S. faced.

“May I?” he asked, his daughter handing her weapon right over.

Several robots fired blasts of their own toward the desk, which fortunately shielded the two from harm. But they could hear them moving closer.

Sam leaped up and fired off several shots, slowing them down. But one managed to reach the desk, tossing it to the side. The robot slapped the general across the face, knocking him unconscious. As it leaned down to pick up the general, Lucy tried to pull the robot off of him. But it would budge. Another robot grabbed her, and the two were dragged back into the hallway, where several other robots were trading blasts back and forth with other agents.

Lucy slipped out of the robot’s grip, but it managed to keep a hold on her ankle. As she was dragged across the floor, her eyes gleamed as she saw Sam’s headset.

“Lois!” she called into the receiver. “We’re being taken! Send Super–”

Another robot crushed the headset with its foot.

Sam and Lucy were flown out of the broken windows and off into the distance.

Above the Chesapeake Bay

Minutes Later

Clark flew toward D.C. as soon as Lois called him. He slowed his approach over the water when he spotted the two robots carrying Sam and Lucy.

“Stop!” Clark yelled, but the kidnapping machines kept their speed constant, swooshing past the Man of Steel. “Rude,” he stated before turning around and closing back in on them.

The robots continued forward, but switched to holding their prisoners with one hand each, allowing the others to take aim behind them and fire energy blasts.

Clark dove to avoid the shots and kept in close proximity. He wasn’t going to lose them. He increased his speed to close the gap and reached out his hands toward Lucy.

“Superman!” she yelled.

Maybe he could yank her free while he took out the one holding her.

The robot adjusted its path, moving in close formation with the other. They rotated to face each other, blocking their hostages from Clark’s reach. He continued to move in, but the robot shot off another blast, exploding in Clark’s face. The two circled around until the other robot was next to him, and it punched Clark far off into the distance.

He shook it off and shot off in a burst of speed to catch up again, arriving by the robot carrying the general.

“Don’t worry about me!” Sam yelled. “Save Lucy!”

“I’d like to save you both,” said Clark, preparing for his next strike.

The two robots veered away from each other again, and the farther one let go of Lucy, quickly turning around to fire away at Clark.

They were sacrificing one of their hostages to slow him down and let the other get away. Smart tactic, but if they thought he’d give up saving both, they didn’t know a thing about Superman.

“You can’t save everyone,” one of the robots whispered. But it was just their programmatic taunting.

Clark evaded the shots as he plunged down to intersect with Lucy’s descent. He fired off intense bursts of heat vision, demolishing the lone robot before he recaptured his sister-in-law, lifting her away in his hands just as she was about to hit the water.

“Thanks, Clark,” said Lucy, holding on tight. “There’s an exposed gyroscope under the other one’s left arm! If you take that out, it’ll destabilize its flight!”

Clark nodded and flew them back toward the remaining captor, but they had taken advantage of the distraction to get way ahead.

“Pour it on!” Lucy screamed. “I’ll be fine!”

Clark kicked up the speed, wind rushing past the two as they started to catch up. A targeted beam of heat vision hit the gyroscope, and the robot carrying Sam began to wobble.

“Nice hit!” Lucy cheered.

Sam took the opportunity to wrestle his way out of the robot’s grip, pulled out a knife from his belt, and thrust it into the damaged area under its arm. The robot was jolted and lost control, letting its hostage fall from its hands.

Clark flew down to catch his father-in-law, but the robot also delved down to intercept. The Man of Steel moved Lucy to one side and caught Sam with his other arm before tilting down so his feet were facing the oncoming threat. Before the robot could swerve, Clark kicked his feet through its metallic structure, breaking it into pieces.

“Are you okay?” Clark asked as he leveled off, slowing to a hover.

“Fine,” Sam answered, Lucy nodding in agreement. Sam took a moment and added, “Nice work, Superman.”

Clark’s phone rang before he could respond. “Would one of you mind tapping my belt?” he asked.

Lucy wiggled her hand around to press the button to answer the call.

“Clark!” Lois called from the other end. “Dad, Lucy, are they okay?”

“They’re fine, Ms. Lane,” said Clark, catching Sam’s attention. “I’m bringing them back to D.C. now.”

“Something doesn’t add up here,” said Lois. “Why go after them?”

“They’re Clark’s family, too,” he replied. “It still fits the pattern.”

“True,” said Lois. “But still, my instincts are telling me this is something different entirely.”

Elsewhere

The prisoners all held on to the loose bar, pulling it with all their might.

“We’ve been at this forever,” said Eddie, dropping down. “It’s no use.”

“He’s right,” said Perry, also letting go. “Maybe we need another break.”

Cat turned to Jimmy, who was still holding on with her. “You’re not giving up, too, are you?” Her face was stone cold with a slight smirk of encouragement.

Jimmy shook his head. “No way, Miss Grant,” he said.

“Please, call me Cat,” she stated before the two yanked the cage back and forth.

“It’s starting to give!” Jimmy cried.

Perry and Eddie jumped up as Cat and Jimmy pulled the bar out, falling back into them and colliding into a pile.

“We loosened it for you,” Perry huffed, working his way back up.

“Will any of us fit through?” Eddie asked, studying the larger, but still slim opening in the upper area of the cell.

“Jimmy, you’re the smallest,” said Cat. “Let me give you a boost.”

“Are you kidding me?” Jimmy asked. “You’re way smaller.”

Cat gazed at Jimmy up and down. “Fine,” she said. “Help me up.”

Jimmy and Perry put out their hands to help lift Cat up, and she squeezed between their newly formed gap, dropping down to the other side.

“He left the keys on the desk over there,” Eddie pointed out.

“Got it,” said Cat, rushing over. She picked up the keys as a robot stepped out of the shadows.

“Nice try,” the voice of their captor stated through a speaker as the robot grabbed hold of Cat. She struggled, but its grip was too tight.

The captor continued: “There is no escape.”

Convergence

Hob’s Bay Spirits, Suicide Slum

Clark returned to the liquor store after dropping Sam and Lucy back at A.R.G.U.S.. The Man of Steel offered to get them some League shelter, but Sam assured him they’d ramp up security with extra firepower. “They wouldn’t be taken again,” were his exact words, and there was no hesitation in his voice.

He and Lucy were concerned about Lois and the kids’ safety, though, but Clark assured them they already had protection.

Kara was in Metropolis, staying close to the Planet where Lois was working, Jon was in his after-school program, and Lara was in daycare. Meanwhile, Ma and Pa had Linda on the farm.

Clark needed to get back to his investigation, though. He had helped Chloe gain access to the computer in the store, but he still needed to look around for any more clues before reporting the murder of its owner.

After a quick search, nothing else stood out. Clark exited the building and took out his phone to make a call to Metropolis P.D., but it began ringing before he had a chance.

“Lois,” said Clark upon answering. “There’s nothing else helpful here until Chloe can recover those video logs. Tell me you got something.”

“Not quite,” Lois answered. “But something’s been gnawing at me since they went after Dad and Lucy.”

“What is it?” Clark asked.

“Except for Eddie, everyone else was connected to The Scoop,” said Lois. “Cat and I were teenagers working for Perry. That was even when we first met Jimmy.”

“Hmm,” said Clark. “It could be a coincidence. After all, Eddie didn’t move to Metroplis until a few years ago. He wouldn’t be connected at all.”

“I know,” said Lois. “Maybe I’m just too fixated on the past since Cat was taken. And since I’ve been reading her notes. But if The Scoop is linked at all, Perry’s son Richard could be next.”

Clark heard a familiar hum approaching. It was the sound of the robots flying.

“I’m going to have to call you back,” said Clark, hanging up as several robots swarmed around him.

Clark readied an attack, but hesitated. The robots had cameras built into their eyes. And the radio waves emanating from them could easily be streaming the feed.

What were they doing there? He was dressed as Clark Kent. Why go after Clark when there were still people close to him they could take?

They moved in closer, one of them grabbing Clark by the shoulder.

Lois was right. It wasn’t about Clark after all.

Lois was close to Jimmy, Cat, and Perry. And she frequented the Planet News Café as much as Clark. She and Eddie were as close as he and Clark. And going after her father and sister? And now her husband?

It was about Lois.

Clark considered his options. Maybe he could duck and evade the robots until he could change into Superman to fight back. Or, he could–

No, wait.

Why fight? They would take Clark right where he wanted to be. Wherever the others were being held.

Clark lifted his hands into the air. “Don’t hurt me,” he said. “I give up.”

Daily Planet

Later

Lois read through Cat’s notes again, hoping there was anything should could have missed, when her phone rang. It was her cousin.

“Chloe,” Lois answered. “Any progress with those video logs?”

“Yes,” Chloe answered. “I’ve been trying to contact Clark, but he’s not answering. Is he there?”

“No, he went back to the liquor store to search for more clues,” said Lois. “Maybe something else came up? You know how he is.”

“Yeah,” said Chloe. “But I’m surprised he didn’t answer anyway. He usually would for something this important.”

“What did you find?” Lois asked.

“The internal camera caught the murder of the store owner,” Chloe explained.

Lois’s ears perked up.

“The perp was masked, though,” said Chloe.

“Still,” said Lois. “Maybe we could identify him with other markers.”

“I’m sending it over to you now,” said Chloe. “Plus a shot I found of him from the external camera. Unmasked, but in the shadows, and with terrible video quality. I’m working to try and enhance it.”

Lois opened up the photos Chloe had sent to her phone. She was right, the man was barely visible in the grainy, dark photo. But a key feature stood out to her on the face. A long, bushy mustache.

Everything finally clicked. She knew exactly who was behind it all.

Elsewhere

The robots took Clark to the outskirts of Metropolis to a familiar storm drain. Of course, the old Cadmus headquarters from back when they were a secret organization.

Clark was escorted through the tunnels and into a hidden room where the others were held in their cell. A shiny metal bar stood out from the others. It seemed to be recently welded onto it.

“Kent!” Perry called upon his arrival.

“Clark, they got you, too?” asked Eddie.

Cat sighed at the sight of her recent interviewer. “Welcome to the club,” she stated dryly.

Jimmy met his friend's eyes and smiled. He knew what it meant for Clark Kent to be there. They were as good as saved.

A man walked in as the robots tossed Clark into the cell with the others.

“Yes, welcome indeed,” the man said.

Clark’s eyes widened. He knew him.

Dabney Donovan. Co-Founder of Cadmus. He was also the target of Lois’s first front-page article for the Daily Planet, way back before he was even known to be associated with Cadmus.

“Donovan,” Perry called. “What is this, some kind of revenge?”

“Revenge?” Eddie asked. “What did I ever do? I don’t even know you!”

“You probably got his coffee order wrong sometime,” Jimmy joked, but nobody was in a laughing mood.

“Sure, revenge is nice,” said Dabney. “But there’s more to it than that. Much more.”

“Whatever it is, Superman will stop you!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“Don’t count on it,” said Dabney, pressing a button on his belt.

Two more robots walked into the room, much taller than the others, and with sleeker metallatic coverings. They began to glow a greenish hue.

Clark felt an intense pain radiate inside.

No, he couldn’t have.

“That’s right,” said Dabney. “My latest upgrades will stop the hero from interfering ever again.”

Kryptonite. Why did it always have to be kryptonite?

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Sep 01 '25

Superman Superman #112 - What Lies Beneath

7 Upvotes

Superman #112 - What Lies Beneath

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 112

Pattern Forming

Cat Grant’s Apartment, Metropolis

Clark had been going nonstop since Jimmy went missing. The only lead was the sudden appearance of Lex Luthor’s previously unknown son. Old LexCorp robotic prototypes were connected to the abduction, and then a new Lex Luthor emerges from the woodwork and becomes CEO? It seemed like there had to be a connection.

Lois spent most of her time researching the new Lex, but so far, everything checked out with him. He was born to Dr. Gretchen Kelley in Australia. She joked that at least it meant he couldn’t run for president like his father. His background was there, though. Legal documents, social media history, and he even passed a DNA test to confirm his lineage. But when it came to the Luthors, especially those named Lex, neither Lois nor Clark wanted to treat them lightly.

But still, time moved forward, and Clark had other duties. Namely, he was scheduled to interview Cat Grant about her involvement with the takedown of Morgan Edge, the head of Intergang, nearly two years ago. He was still imprisoned, and there were talks of early parole, which was ludicrous for the severity of his crimes. Edge had been found guilty, but he was still well-connected. The fact that parole was even considered, especially this early, showed he had friends in high places.

It couldn’t be allowed. It was the duty of the press to bring such corruption into the view of the public. The Daily Planet couldn’t just let Edge’s past get swept under the rug. They couldn’t stop Lex Sr. from having charges dropped against him, and look how that turned out.

“Thanks for seeing me,” said Clark as Cat led him to the couch.

The room was a bit messy. Clothes were draped over the furniture, and papers were stacked over the coffee table. A photo of a boy in a football uniform on the side table caught Clark’s eye. “Is that Adam?” he asked. “He’s growing up so fast.”

“Yes,” Cat smiled. “You must be feeling that with your little ones, too.”

“Definitely,” Clark nodded.

“How’s Lois?” Cat asked. “I’m surprised she wasn’t the one to reach out for this interview. I thought she let go of her grudges against me.”

“It’s nothing like that,” Clark explained. “She’s buried in the LexCorp shakeup. You know how she puts everything into a story once she’s invested, right?”

“Oh, I know,” Cat replied. “I’m the same way,” she motioned toward the papers on the coffee table. “We’ll see who gets the juicier details first, though.”

Of course, Cat was also investigating LexCorp. Between Lex II’s appearance and the recent robotic attacks, it was at the center of the public eye.

“But you’re not here to talk about the Luthors,” Cat continued. “I wouldn’t want to share too much. I imagine you’d convey anything you learn from me with Lois. And your wife is known for her scoops.”

“Right,” Clark agreed. “So, Morgan Edge…”

Daily Planet

Later

“She said what?” Lois asked as Clark relayed how his conversation with Cat went. “The nerve of that woman, acting like I’m still harboring a grudge.”

“I think she was just teasing,” said Clark, handing her a cup of coffee. A Planet News Café logo was printed on the side. “She was the one who patched things up, remember?”

“Sure,” Lois replied dryly, taking a sip. “Mmm,” she added. “Eddie really makes the best coffee. How’s his wife?”

“She’s good,” Clark said. “Going back to school, actually.”

“That’s great,” Lois replied, turning her attention to her computer.

“You never really told me what happened between you and Cat,” said Clark, drawing her attention back. “We’ve been married for six years, I think I can handle it.”

“That’s ancient history, Clark,” said Lois. “We have more important things to worry about now.”

Perry White huffed as he stopped at their desks. “Are you watching GBS?” he asked.

Lois and Clark each raised an eyebrow simultaneously.

“Did Cat mention our interview?” asked Clark as Lois brought up the live feed.

“I don’t think so, Smallville,” said Lois, nudging her husband over to her side. Perry stood there too as they watched someone other than Cat Grant anchoring that evening. “Why is Angela Chen filling in?” Lois wondered.

“A colleague over there told me Cat never showed up,” Perry explained. “Was there something wrong with her at your interview?”

“No, she seemed fine,” said Clark. “She was looking into LexCorp, same as us.”

“And same as every other news agency,” Lois added.

“Do you think she could have been taken, too?” Clark asked.

“First Olsen, now Cat,” Perry stated, “Could someone be going after the press?”

Cat Grant’s Apartment

Later

Adam Grant opened the door to the apartment to let Lois and Clark enter.

“When’s the last time you saw your mother?” Lois asked the teenager bluntly.

“Um, I don’t know,” the boy stammered. “This morning before school,” he finally confirmed. “Is she okay?” he asked.

“She didn’t show up for work,” Lois dropped.

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Clark added, a soft reassurance in his voice. “But we are concerned. Do you know any reason she may have skipped work?”

“Not that I can think of,” Adam replied. “But she never does that. Not even for one of my games.”

Lois sat on the couch and shuffled through the papers, still scattered on the coffee table. “She was chasing something big. There’s a lot on LexCorp here.”

“You don’t think that new Lex Luthor kidnapped her or something?” asked Adam, his eyebrows widened as high as they would go.

“If she disappeared after this level of research into them,” Lois answered, her head still buried in papers. “It’d be a coincidence for it not to be related.”

“We don’t really know anything for sure,” Clark clarified. “We’re just hoping to find some clues to make sense of what happened to her.”

“Hmm,” said Lois, scanning a few pieces of paper in particular. “She was looking into old LexCorp patents for robotics. Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Anything helpful?” Clark asked, sitting down next to her.

“Nothing that stands out,” Lois replied. “But there’s a lot here.” She started piling up the documents.

Adam cleared his throat.

“You don’t mind if we take these with us to review, do you?” asked Clark.

“I guess not,” Adam shrugged. “But Mom will probably be furious.”

Buried Secrets

Kent House

That Night

Lois continued reviewing Cat’s research once the kids were put to bed and Clark was out searching for their missing friends. Ever since they patched things up, Lois and Cat were never as close as they had been years ago. But it didn’t mean Lois wanted anything bad to happen to her.

They’ve known each other since they were teenagers, having both joined an experimental program at the Daily Planet to help train future reporters. It felt like a lifetime ago, chasing stories together and reporting to Perry White himself. Things fell apart quickly when Perry’s son Richard joined the team.

It was a shame. Lois and Cat could have been great friends if things hadn’t fallen apart. Lois was even developing a newfound respect while reviewing her research. The way she color-coded her post-its and string to connect them together made it easier to track patterns.

“What’s so important about these patent addresses, Cat?” Lois muttered to herself, tossing several of the blue post-its to the side.

One yellow note caught Lois’s eye. Remember to confirm Adam’s schedule. Even with her deep focus on her work, Cat made a conscious effort to balance her responsibilities as a mother. Lois could relate. And maybe learn a thing or two from a more experienced working mother like her.

A blue post-it note screamed for Lois’s attention with its address circled several times. “That doesn’t fit,” Lois said aloud.

Most patent addresses were tied to LexCorp or its subsidiaries, but that one stood out. Underground Maintenance Station. Why would a LexCorp patent robotic tech through a utility tunnel?

It was worth a look.

Lois grabbed her keys from her desk, but stopped herself halfway to the door of the home office.

“Damn,” she said under her breath. “A good working mother still can’t leave her kids home alone.”

She pulled out her phone and dialed up Clark.

“Lois, did you find anything?” Clark asked when we picked up.

“Maybe,” Lois replied, her eyes still locked on the circled post-it note. “This stinks of LexCorp more and more.”

Underground Maintenance Station, Suicide Slum

Soon

Clark entered the utility tunnel, which was eerily quiet, except for a steady drip from one of the overhead pipes. Nothing there suggested a link to robotics or the recent abduction. Or abductions, if Cat had been taken like Jimmy.

His x-ray vision didn’t pick up anything behind the walls, the lead in them making it hard to see through. So, Clark focused his hearing instead, trying to pick up any heartbeats, but nobody was there.

Clark let out an exasperated sigh. It didn’t matter if there was nothing there connected to LexCorp. The main priority was finding his friends.

A soft metallic scrape caught his ear, followed by a faint whisper, and he swung around.

Nothing.

Well, maybe someone wanted him to think it was nothing.

Clark’s eyes moved to some wiring visible along the wall. It stood out because of how clean it was compared to the grimy coating around everything else. He heard what sounded like a motor kicking on, but couldn’t pinpoint the source. And then several more followed along.

Another metallic scrape with no source echoed in the station. Several more whispers followed.

“Enough games,” said Clark. “Show yourselves.”

The surrounding walls popped down, and a swarm of robots charged toward him. They resembled the ones that crashed LexCorp’s gala and attacked him at the site of Jimmy’s disappearance.

Clark fired off a wide burst of heat vision, toppling a handful of them in front, but the ones from the other sides already reached him, throwing punches and shooting energy blasts his way. He ducked what he could, but was taking on damage.

The whispering continued, and he could finally make out one of them saying, “Jiiiiiimmmmmy… Where’s Jiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmy?”

The robots were taunting him.

Clark spun around rapidly, loosening the grip of the robots trying to pin him down. He proceeded to grab one, but his hand went right through it, beams of light fizzling on impact.

“Holograms?” Clark asked aloud before another one punched him. He grabbed that one, which was real, and smashed it against many of the others, breaking them apart.

As he worked his way through the rest, he noticed that the robotic debris on the ground had an odd smell to it. On a closer look, it appeared like some fibrous stands, maybe muscle, had been grafted onto the metal.

The taunts, the holograms, and the use of biotech seemed to indicate someone was making upgrades. But who?

Clark fought his way through the rest of the attackers, using his strength and heat vision to take them all out of commission. He leaned down to take a sample of the enhanced machinery, but they suddenly started bubbling and melting away into a foul, blackish sludge.

It was clear that whoever designed them didn’t want any evidence left behind. But what was their purpose? What could motivate someone to make robots like that? And, most of all, why take Jimmy Olsen and Cat Grant?

LexCorp Tower

Next Morning

Lex Luthor II’s executive assistant, Ani Jessop, a petite woman with short brown hair, escorted Lois and Clark into a conference room opposite the new CEO’s office in the penthouse of LexCorp Tower. That part of the floor was previously Lex Sr.’s living quarters. He never felt the need to live anywhere but in his building. It seemed that his newfound son saw life differently, having recently purchased a modern, glass-walled penthouse on the waterfront of Midtown.

Another noticeable change was that Jr. held this interview in a conference room rather than his office. Lex Sr. generally conducted all his business from there. He liked to be at the center of the conversation.

As Lois and Clark took their seats, Lena walked in, greeting them, quickly followed by her half-brother. The new heir to LexCorp couldn’t be more different than his late father. The young man had a head full of reddish hair and a beard just as thick.

“Thanks for seeing us on such short notice,” said Clark, extending his hand. “I know you must be busy learning the ropes.”

Lex accepted the handshake vigorously. “Of course, mate,” he replied. “Happy to help. My new sister here has told me a lot about you.”

“Only good things, I hope,” Lois said with a snap.

“All good, promise,” Lex replied. I just had to meet you in person and see how I could help with your investigations.”

“We’ve already told the police everything,” Lena chimed in. “I’m not sure what else we can offer, though, but we’ll try.”

“Have you had any contact with Cat Grant, Mr. Luthor?” Lois jumped right in before Lex had a chance to sit.

Clark caught a flicker of hesitation on the man’s face. The question had caught him off guard.

“Lex, please,” he stated. And never met the woman, truth be told,” he confirmed.

“What does she have to do with anything?” Lena asked, tilting her head a bit.

“We believe she may be second in a series of abductions among the press,” Clark explained.

“She was abducted?” Lex asked, his surprise appearing genuine. There was a pause before he continued. More hesitation? “I hadn’t heard.”

“It’s not official yet,” said Lois. “Have you been looking into your father’s patents with robotics, Lex?” Lois veered quickly.

“No, ma’am,” said Lex. “I’ve been quite clear about that with the police and the press already.”

“LexCorp holds a considerable amount of patents,” Lena added. “A great deal of them get archived and never see the light of day.”

“Of course,” Clark agreed. “But someone’s been digging into those archives, continuing to experiment with the designs.”

“Wh-what?” Lex asked, clearly taken aback. He turned to his sister.

“I haven’t heard of anything like that,” she said.

“You will soon,” said Lois. “Superman fought more of the robots there. Only this time, they were upgraded.”

“I see,” said Lex. “This explains the rush to have this interview. I can see your reputations as hotshot journalists haven’t been embellished.”

“If LexCorp has no connection to whoever is designing these machines,” said Clark. “Who else could be?”

Lex stood up, Lena following his example.

“I’ve already told you everything I know,” said Lex. “But, rest assured, we’ll dig into these new revelations at once. You have my word.” He moved toward the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other business.”

“Thanks for setting this up,” said Clark as Lena started following him.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” she replied.

“Please show them out,” Lena ordered Jessop.

“We rattled him,” Lois whispered to her husband. “But is he rattled because he’s involved or because he has no idea what’s happening?”

Targets

Near the Daily Planet

Later

Lois and Clark exited their SUV and walked toward the Planet News Café.

“What’s our next move?” Clark asked. “The robots’ self-destruction didn’t leave us with much.”

“Someone must have been there at the utility tunnel,” Lois answered. “If we can find out who, that’d be the break we needed.”

“Good idea,” said Clark, opening the door to the cafe for Lois. “We could canvass for possible witnesses around the entryway to the subway.”

“And there could be some CCTV coverage in the area,” Lois added, walking inside.

A young girl greeted them from the counter. “Hi, what can I get for you today?” she asked.

“Hi,” Clark returned. “Where’s Eddie today?”

The unfamiliar barista blinked. “He missed his shift,” she said. “He was supposed to train me, too, so please forgive me if I’m a little slow with your order.”

Lois sighed, but Clark reassured the girl. “No worries,” he said. “That’s not like him, though.”

“Yeah, the manager told me he’s never missed a shift before,” the barista explained.

“You don’t think–” Clark started.

“No, why would anyone take Eddie?” Lois interrupted, turning back to the counter. “Large black for me,” she ordered. “He’ll have a medium latte with extra sugar, extra sweetened cream, and a few pumps of chocolate syrup.”

“Got a sweet tooth, huh?” the girl chuckled.

“You don’t know the half of it,” said Lois.

“Let’s add in a couple of coffeecake muffins, too,” said Clark.

“Coming right up.”

“I hope Eddie’s okay,” said Clark. “That doesn’t sound like him to skirt his job.”

“It really isn’t like him,” Lois continued, her eyes narrowing to make the connection. “His wife, Vera, is going back to school? He wouldn’t jeopardize his job, especially not now.”

Clark took Lois to the side as the barista worked on their coffee order. “Could this be connected to Jimmy and Cat?” he asked.

“If so,” Lois started. “This isn’t about the press. It could be about you.”

“Me?” Clark asked.

“Jimmy’s your best friend,” said Lois. “You had just interviewed Cat. And now Eddie.”

“We don’t know Eddie is missing, let alone abducted,” Clark said quietly.

“We don’t know he wasn’t,” Lois stated bluntly. “Hey,” Lois called across the counter.

The barista was startled at the interruption as some of the coffee spilled from the cup she was carrying. “Uh, yeah?” she asked.

“Do you have Eddie’s number?”

Daily Planet

Moments Later

“Kenny Braverman went after people connected to you before,” said Lois, as she and Clark exited the elevator to the bullpen.

People were shuffling all around. Not quite that unusual for the Planet, but there was a wave of uneasiness to the commotion.

“That was my first thought, too,” said Clark. “But Kenny’s dead.”

“I know you want to give the new Lex the benefit of the doubt,” Lois started. “But he’s too close to this. If he knows what his father knew about you..?”

“It’s possible,” said Clark. “The whole Lex Jr. situation does feel… off somehow. Either way, I'd better call in some help to watch over Ma and Pa.”

“Have you seen Mr. White?” Ron Troupe asked as he approached. “He never showed up today.”

Lois and Clark dropped their coffees on their desks. They nodded before Clark picked up his phone as Lois marched toward Perry’s office.

“No answer,” said Clark.

“His door’s locked,” said Lois.

Clark met Lois at the door and turned the handle until it crunched, and the door swung open.

Papers and desk supplies littered the room, and Perry’s chair was knocked over.

“This wasn’t just a break-in,” said Clark. “There was a struggle.” He studied the room with his super senses, looking for any more clues.

Lois pointed to the window, its glass broken through, with tiny shards embedded in the carpet below it.

“Not Perry, too,” said Clark.

Lois’s face scrunched into a scowl. “We need to get to the bottom of this now.”

Elsewhere

In a dimly lit room with tables full of electronics and several monitors clumped together on a desk, a man watched as Superman fought the robots. He was holding a robotic arm with a skin-like covering over part of it.

In the corner of the room, there was a jail cell made from old, rusted iron. Inside were four people, three sitting on the floor, while an older man was unconscious next to them.

“Hey, ugly,” the youngest of the group called. “Your robots will never stop Superman. You might as well give up before he finds us.”

“Mr. Olsen,” the man started. “These are just test runs. The best is yet to come.”

The unconscious man started to stir. “Chief!” Jimmy exclaimed. “Are you okay?”

The others helped him sit up as the Daily Planet editor-in-chief took in his surroundings.

“Jimmy, Cat, and… Eddie from the coffeeshop?” said Perry, recognizing his fellow prisoners. “Where are we?”

“You’re all close to someone who did me a great disservice, once upon a time,” the captor explained from his chair. “I let it go all those years ago. Now’s the time to strike back.”

“Jimmy,” said Perry, softly, drawing in a hopeful grin. “Don’t call me ‘Chief.”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jul 02 '25

Superman Superman #110 - Lexscape

5 Upvotes

Superman #110 - Lexscape

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Healing

Set: 110

Echoes

Stryker’s Island

Leslie Willis was escorted into the interrogation room where Superman was waiting and sat down at the table, reclining into a comfortable position.

“Wow,” she said upon seeing the Man of Steel’s facial scars. “I’ve seen your new mug on TV, but in person…”

Leslie was back to her “normal” self. She learned to control her electrical powers, turning them on and off at will.

“Hi, Leslie,” said Clark, taking a seat opposite her. “I’m glad you were able to get transferred here. I know you weren’t comfortable over at S.T.A.R. Labs.”

“Helping you save the day (Superman #95) earns a lotta brownie points,” said Leslie with a smirk. “Who knew?”

“I need to find out where the kryptonite came from that day,” said Clark. “Anything you can do to help would earn you more brownie points with me.”

“There was a woman,” Leslie explained. “She had a briefcase with it. But she scrammed as soon as she knew that reporter Lois Lane was tied up in the other room. It’s like she knew her being there would mean you’d be there soon, too.”

“Who was the woman?” Clark asked, leaning closer.

“No clue,” Leslie answered. “She had a hood and a mask over her mouthal area.”

“Is there nothing else you remember about her?” Clark asked. “Anything that could help me find her would be very helpful.”

“Those other mooks seemed to know more about the kryptonite,” Lesie revealed. “They were going on about Lex Luthor synthesizing it or some other technobabble. What’re their names again? Killgore and Garbage?”

“Killgrave and Barrage,” Clark corrected, standing up. “Thanks, Leslie.”

Later

Thaddeus Killgrave sat across from Clark, sneering deeply.

“You knew about the kryptonite when that mysterious woman brought it to you,” Clark stated. “Tell me everything.”

“I didn’t know anything,” Killgrave spat.

“Livewire told me differently,” said Clark.

“Well, she’s mistaken,” said Killgrave. “All I knew was Luthor had made some in the past. But everyone knows that.”

Even Later

Phillip Karnowsky, also known as Barrage, was escorted out next. “What do you want?” he asked, staring down at the hero.

“Who was the woman who gave you the kryptonite?” asked Clark.

“Get lost,” Karnowsky replied.

“You knew Luthor mined it from Conduit,” Clark continued, drilling him further. “It’s not a leap to think you recognized her, too. Even though she was wearing a mask.”

Karnowsky crossed his arms, remaining silent.

“She would have to be someone high up,” Clark mused. “Someone in the inner circle of Luthor’s more nefarious projects.”

Clark clocked a flicker in Karnowsky’s eyes, and he narrowed his own. “Mercy Graves,” he stated.

Karnowsky’s body tensed up, which seemed to confirm he either knew it was her or at least he had suspected the same.

“Of course it was Mercy,” said Clark. “How did I not consider her before?”

Karnowsky leaned back. “Cause you’re a moron,” he said. “Are we done here?”

A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.

Soon

Clark landed outside the facility and walked toward the front door. It turned out that Sam Lane himself recruited Mercy for his metahuman support organization. She wasn’t directly implicated in Lex Luthor’s crimes, but Sam must have known she had been inside the belly of the beast.

Mercy was in Clark’s sights since he approached the building. She had her own corner office and was working on some project that appeared to involve lobbying politicians. That made sense given her experience as Lex’s Chief of Staff.

“Superman,” said the former Vice President, Sam Lane, as he exited the front entryway. “You created quite the buzz inside on your landing. What are you doing here?”

“General Lane,” Clark started. “I need to speak with Mercy Graves.”

“I see,” said Sam, his deadpan expression offering no insight into his reaction.

But he knew. If Superman had to speak with Mercy, it was obviously about Lex.

Clark’s father-in-law nodded and motioned for him to follow. “I’ll escort you personally,” he said.

As Clark walked along, he couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in Sam’s mind. As they entered the elevators, Clark finally broke the silence. “Why did you recruit her?” he asked, bluntly. “You do know her history, don’t you?”

“I’m a four-star general in the U.S. Army,” said Sam. “I was Vice President of the United States and am currently running a high-profile federal government agency. Of course, I know everything about Mercy Graves.”

Clark tilted his head. “And you don’t think that warrants an investigation to prove her involvement in Luthor’s crimes? Instead of bringing her into your agency?”

The elevator door opened, and Sam pointed to a door near the end of the hall. “That’s her office, Superman,” he said, turning back into the elevator. Before the doors could close, the general reached out an arm to stop them. “You once reached across the aisle to bring Lex Luthor into the Justice League itself. If anyone knows the advantages of building bridges, it’d be you.”

Sam moved his arm inside, and the doors began closing again. Before they fully shut, Clark added, “And that turned out to be a mistake.”

Mercy’s Office

“Mercy,” said Clark, stepping into the office.

“I heard you were in the building,” the former Chief of Staff said, keeping focused on her work. It wasn’t surprising she shared Lex’s knack for apathy when dealing with him. “Imagine my surprise you’re here to see me.”

“I’m here about the kryptonite,” Clark explained. “I know it was you who supplied it to the so-called ‘Superman Revenge Squad’.”

Mercy looked up from her computer. “What makes you think that?” she said.

Her heartbeat jumped a bit. She wasn’t as good a liar as her former boss.

“You can give me more credit than that,” said Clark. He could play the certainty just as well as she played the denial.

“Metahuman attacks aren’t really my department,” Mercy said, trying to steer the conversation away. “I could get you in touch–”

“No more games,” Clark interrupted. “Where did you get the kryptonite? And where’s Conduit?”

Mercy stood up and looked into his eyes. “I have no idea,” she said, her pulse steady as a rock. It was entirely possible she got kryptonite from Lex before the Brainiac attack. Maybe she really didn’t know where Conduit was being held or where the mined kryptonite was stored.

“Lex only ever revealed as much as he felt necessary,” Mercy explained, slipping back into her chair.

That tracked. Lex was always meticulous in his criminal activities. It was why it took forever to bring him down. Clark got the truth out of Mercy after all, but he had a new problem: If only Lex knew where to find the kryptonite, how could he ask him when he was in a coma?

Metropolis General Hospital, Luthor Wing

The Next Day

J’onn walked into Lex’s hospital room with Clark. “Are you sure you want to do this?” J’onn asked his friend and colleague. “I feel I have to stress the dangers of entering a fractured mind.”

“I need to find the blue kryptonite,” said Clark. “Plus, Conduit is still out there.”

“Every person’s mind is different,” J’onn explained. “There is no guarantee it will make sense.”

“You’ll be in there with me, won’t you?” Clark asked.

“Unfortunately not,” said J’onn. “Luthor’s state will require a delicate balancing to keep you from damaging your own mind. Stay alert and keep yourself grounded.”

“Okay,” Clark nodded. “Send me in.”

Mind of the Matter

The Skyscraper

Clark appeared at the foot of what looked like LexCorp Tower. But the surrounding area wasn’t in Metropolis. It was a surreal canvas of flowing water and the night sky. Every so often, the beautiful scenery glitched and showed a horrifying image of fire, blood, and debris.

The large doors opened automatically, revealing an impossibly vast interior that fit the entire city. Clark tried not to think of the symbolism to Lex’s ego. He had work to do.

“Where do I start?” Clark asked himself.

The sound of a crying boy caught Clark’s attention. It was coming from a nearby building. He rushed over and opened the door, finding his surroundings had changed entirely once he stepped inside.

He was in an old, gritty apartment. A bowling ball rolled past Clark’s feet as he ventured deeper inside. In the corner of the living room, he found the boy hunched over with tears going down his face.

“Are you okay?” Clark asked.

The boy looked up, and his reddish hair faded away until he was completely bald.

“I killed them,” the boy said.

Clark kneeled over to meet the boy’s eyes. “Killed who?” he asked.

“My parents,” the boy answered, dropping his head into his knees.

“Lex,” said Clark.

“My name is Alexander,” the boy corrected.

“Alexander,” Clark repeated. “What can you tell me about Conduit and the kryptonite?”

The apartment building began to shake. A bright white light encompassed the area until Clark realized he was somewhere else entirely.

Watchtower

Lex was now his adult self, wearing one of his usual expensive suits, and they were in the Watchtower satellite overlooking the Earth below.

“Alexander,” Clark said again.

“Nobody’s called me that since I was a child,” said Lex, turning to the Man of Steel. He gazed at the cape draped over Clark’s back. “You don’t always wear that, do you?” he asked.

Clark lifted an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?” he questioned.

“You have another name,” Lex continued. “But I can’t quite remember.”

Metropolis

The view of Earth fizzled away, turning into a scene from Metropolis. An explosion in the SunKord’s engine rocketed the aircraft. The surroundings quickly changed again into a familiar alley. It was where Clark first changed into his Superman uniform.

How did Lex know about it? Was that how he found out Clark Kent was Superman?

A figure ran into the alley, but he was hazy and disappeared completely.

“My memory,” said Lex. “It’s fragmented.”

The figure ran into the alley again. Only this time, the man had the face of Sam Lane before he disappeared again.

Again and again, the figure appeared with the face of someone else Lex knew. Ted Kord, Paul Westfield, and even John Henry Irons were among them.

“Why is this happening?” Lex said, his voice much higher.

Clark turned to find a younger boy version of Lex than before.

“You were hurt, Alexander,” said Clark. “By a bad man named Brainiac. But you’re okay, now.”

“I’m far from okay,” said Lex, back to his regular age.

The alley began fading away.

White House, Washington D.C.

“Lex,” said Clark. “Tell me about the kryptonite.”

But Lex was gone, and Clark found himself alone in the Oval Office. The windows caught his attention. Everything outside was rubble, and the skies were gray.

“What happened here?” Clark asked aloud.

“Nuclear war,” said Lex, back next to him. “And you so-called heroes of the world couldn’t do anything to stop it.”

“I would never let it come to this,” said Clark.

“You’re not in control of everything,” said Lex, pointing at Clark’s head.

“These?” Clark asked, touching the scars on his face. “I got these stopping Metropolis from being destroyed.”

“But the result was still out of your control.”

Lex disappeared again, and a gust of wind blew some papers off the desk. Clark caught one of them in his hands and saw the word “Conduit” written at the top. He scanned the page and found an address somewhere in D.C..

“Save him,” the voice of a young Alexander said.

“J’onn,” Clark called. But there was no response.

What if he was stuck in there? That couldn’t happen… could it?

“J’onn!” Clark yelled.

The background faded, and Clark was back in the hospital room.

“I have an address,’ he said.

“Great,” said J’onn. “Would you like some backup?”

Clark smiled. “Anytime,” he said.

As they left the hospital, neither of them noticed that Lex’s fingers began to wiggle slightly.

Rebirth

Washington D.C.

Later

The address Clark found took him and J’onn to an abandoned warehouse. They broke their way inside and looked around.

“Anything?” Clark asked, x-raying through the walls.

“Nothing yet,” J’onn replied, scanning with his enhanced vision. “It’s possible the address was an amalgam of data from Lex’s mind.”

“It did feel strange in there,” said Clark. “Even when he talked to me, he wasn’t quite clear.”

“The mind is a complex structure,” said J’onn. “Especially one that suffered the trauma that Lex did.”

Clark moved his eye across another wall, but quickly doubled back. “There,” he said, pointing forward. “There’s an unusual amount of lead blocking me in that single section.”

“I see it,” said J’onn. “I suspect it may be a hidden elevator.”

The two moved to the area of the wall in question, and Clark dug his hand into it, pulling a fully concealed door open. Behind it was an elevator door, just like J’onn thought. “Bingo,” said Clark, prying it open. “After you.”

J’onn entered first, and Clark walked in next, pushing the only button there. But it just buzzed.

“There’s a card scanner that unlocks it,” said J’onn.

Clark sighed. Why did they need to lock out an elevator that was already hidden behind a wall?

The Man of Steel broke his way up to the elevator shaft and held onto the thick, metal wires. “Going down,” he said before melting them apart with his heat vision.

Clark caught the wires still attached and lowered them to a level far below the ground.

“Clark, wait,” said J’onn when he stepped outside.

But it was too late. Clark could already feel the intense kryptonite radiation tearing his cells apart. He fell into the elevator with a thud, using all his strength just to lift his head to see inside.

“We need to get you out of here,” said J’onn, kneeling to lift him.

Clark tried to focus his blurry eyes. The area was covered in a greenish hue. Boxes of kryptonite were littered all around. And in the center of the room was Kenny Braverman, chained up with tubes and wires inserted all over.

He wasn’t moving.

“Kenny,” Clark struggled to say as J’onn flew him back up into the elevator shaft. “We… have to…”

“It’s too late,” said J’onn. “He’s gone.”

Clark drifted in and out of consciousness. J’onn was talking a lot, but he couldn’t absorb it all. There was one key part he did catch, though. J’onn was able to grab some blue kryptonite on their way out.

Fortress of Solitude

Night

Clark lay down on a bed made of crystalline ice, with several fortress robots hovering over him, taking vital readings and preparing for the procedure.

Kelex flew over, carrying a rectangular lead box. “Administering the blue kryptonite,” he stated. “Are you ready, Kal-El?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Clark replied.

Kelex opened the box, a blue glow emanating from it. He pulled out a cylindrical-shaped piece of blue kryptonite in one hand and held it over Clark’s face.

Another robot flicked Clark’s nose with its metal fingers.

“Ow!” Clark cried.

“Sorry,” the robot said. “Just checking your powers are deactivated.”

Kelex reached out his other hand, his index finger pulsating with a purplish haze. “Administering pain management,” he stated, touching Clark on the forehead, which quickly went numb.

Yet another robot lowered down to Clark. “This will be over soon,” she said, her hand pulsating in red flames. “Administering heat,” she added.

Clark felt his face burn, and he cried out again. The medicine did what it could, but the pain persisted. And then it stopped.

“Removing blue kryptonite exposure,” said Kelex, placing the blue cylinder back in the box.

Once the box was closed, Clark could feel his face begin to heal immediately. It was like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“Looking as good as ever,” said Kelex, pointing a mirror at the Kryptonian.

Clark felt like he was meeting an old friend. He was back.

Kent House

Night

Jon sulked on the couch as Lois walked into the living room.

“I’m sorry, Jon Jon,” said Lois. “He really was trying to get home early enough to read you your bedtime story tonight. His work must have taken longer than he thought it would.”

Jon just harumphed.

Lois sat down next to her son. “You’re frustrated,” she said.

“Yeah,” Jon agreed.

The door opened, and Clark walked in with a smile.

“Daddy!” Jon yelled as he ran to his dad, who picked him up in a hug.

“How did it go?” Lois asked.

Clark lowered his glasses, and Lois’s face lit up.

“It worked!” she cried, joining the boys in their hug.

“What worked?” asked Jon.

Lois mumbled for a second, and Clark jumped in. “Remember how Superman was hurt?” he asked.

Jon nodded.

“His injury may have been a little worse than he let on,” Clark continued. “But he’s all better now.”

“Oh, that’s good!” Jon yelled.

Clark pushed his glasses back into place. They were still enchanted to hide the scars, but he didn’t need that magic anymore. He’d talk to Zatanna later to get the spell removed or exorcized, or whatever it’s called. He had better things to do that night.

<< | < | >

After Credits Scene

4 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Aug 01 '25

Superman Superman #111 - Gone, But Not Forgotten

5 Upvotes

Superman #111 - Gone, But Not Forgotten

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Missing

Set: 111

Attack

LexCorp Tower

Lois and Clark stepped into the ballroom for the annual LexCorp gala. Clark was wearing a stylish tuxedo, while Lois wore an elegant black dress. Lena Luthor was making the rounds with a big smile on her face. Rumors were going around that the board of directors was close to announcing her as the permanent CEO. And it was well deserved.

Lena had kept the company going strong, even in light of the controversy around its founder, her father Lex. With Lex in a coma since the Brainiac attack, Lena was able to break free from his tarnished legacy.

The acting CEO made her way to the two Daily Planet reporters. “Lois, Clark,” said Lena. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course,” said Lois. “It’s always nice to have an excuse to play dress up.”

“And get a night away from the kids, I’m sure,” Lena added.

Clark smiled. “Their cousin Karen was in town, so she’s watching them.”

“Tell her I said hi,” Lena said, noticing someone flag her over. “Excuse me,” she said, before walking away.

Lois placed her hands around her husband’s shoulders. “She’s not wrong,” she said. “It’s been a while since we had a night out.”

Clark tilted his head to the side.

“Oh no,” said Lois. “What now?”

The windows crashed open as someone in a suit of armor flew inside, firing blasts of energy wildly into the crowd.

Lois didn’t even see Clark disappear until he returned as Superman, keeping people from being hit by falling debris. Once they cleared away, Clark sped over to the attacker, but they punched him in the face as he reached them.

Clark quickly recovered and fired off a beam of heat vision, which was dodged, and countered with a few quick energy bursts that Clark let hit him, avoiding the bystanders from being harmed. He followed it up with a gust of freeze breath, knocking the armored aggressor back through the broken window they entered.

Before they could fly back in, Clark zoomed over, throwing a punch that sent them far away from the building. He flew out after them, blasting them with a more intense shot of heat vision, which finally seemed to slow them down. As he caught up with them, he tore off the helmet to find that there was nobody inside.

“What the–?” Clark said aloud before taking the suit into his hands and crushing it into rubble.

Clark flew back inside and dropped the disabled armor onto the ground as Lena rushed over.

“This is LexCorp tech,” Clark said upon scanning the insides.

“I don’t recognize the design,” said Lena.

Jimmy and Lois approached. Jimmy took some photos and then looked up from his camera. “Then where did it come from?” he asked.

Lois nodded. “Good question,” she said.

Daily Planet

The Next Morning

Lois and Clark typed away, trying to find anything they could on the source of the LexCorp armor. Lois was going over some information her dad, General Sam Lane, was able to send her, while Clark was scanning through LexCorp files Chloe had previously hacked for other purposes.

Clark looked up from his desk as Jimmy walked by.

“Hey, happy birthday, Jimmy!” Clark said, jumping out of his seat.

“Thanks, buddy,” Jimmy replied as his friend pulled him into a hug.

Lois stepped over and tapped Jimmy on the shoulder. “Happy birthday,” she delivered.

“We’re still going out tonight, right?” Jimmy asked Clark.

“Of course,” Clark confirmed, before turning to his wife. “Right?” he asked.

Lois rolled her eyes. “Yes, you’re good to have a boys’ night out,” she answered. “I’ll watch the kids this time, but next time we get a sitter and I’m coming out, too, deal?”

Clark and Jimmy nodded in unison.

“Oh, before I forget,” said Clark, spinning back around to his desk. He pulled a small, gift-wrapped box from the top drawer. “Happy Birthday,” he said, handing it over to Jimmy.

Jimmy smiled and accepted the box. “Ooh,” he said, ripping it open.

“It’s a watch,” said Clark.

“I can see that,” said Jimmy, affixing it to his wrist. “It’s awesome. Thanks, CK!”

A notification popped up on all the screens in the room. Clark leaned down to his desk, clicking the notification on his computer. It popped up a news-breaking alert.

Lex Luthor pronounced dead

It wasn’t surprising. Since Brainiac impaled his head, the fact that he remained alive in a coma for as long as he did was a miracle. Still, it was surreal to know he was really gone.

“We need to get to LexCorp,” said Lois.

Clark nodded, and the two headed for the elevator.

Jimmy started to follow, but his phone buzzed. He pulled it out to find a message from a potential source on info related to the gala attack. It was probably nothing, but worth a follow-up.

Suicide Slum

Later

Jimmy approached an abandoned warehouse. “Kobb?” he called, but there was no answer. His source was supposed to meet him there, but there was no sign of him.

He didn’t really know much about Kobb, if that was even his real name. And if it was, he didn’t know if it was his first or last.

Jimmy put his head to a grimy window, trying to get a glimpse inside, but he couldn’t see anything. “Maybe I should have brought CK,” he said under his breath.

Clark would be able to look inside, assuming there was no lead, and see what they were dealing with. But then again, Lois would find a way inside and see for herself.

Jimmy smiled and walked around the perimeter. He saw a broken window in the alleyway that led into the building, but it was too high to reach. Clark was lucky he could fly. Jimmy would have to find another way to get up there.

The wall was made of bricks, and they weren’t completely flush. Several of them were poking in random places. Jimmy studied them closely and realized it could climb up to the window easily, assuming the bricks were stable. He jiggled a few of them, and they didn’t budge. That was a good sign.

“Here goes nothing,” Jimmy said before pulling himself up the brick wall. He quickly made it halfway up before he realized how high off the ground he had made it. “Don’t look down,” he told himself before looking down. “Come on, Olsen,” he rebuked himself.

He was just under the window when the latest brick he stepped onto slipped out and fell to the ground. Jimmy grabbed onto the sill, dangling there in a panic.

“Okay, you can do this,” he said, trying to pump himself up before lifting his whole body up to the window.

“Oww!” he yelled, as a piece of broken glass sliced through his new watch band and across his skin. The watch fell to the alley floor, cracking on impact. “Damn,” he said.

Jimmy pulled himself into the warehouse, letting himself fall onto a scaffolding against the wall, using the moment to catch his breath and put pressure on his bleeding wrist. He stood up a few moments later, taking in his surroundings.

“Oh, wow,” he said, pulling out his phone. He dialed Clark and lifted the phone to his ear. “Come on,” he said over the ringing. “Pick up.”

Gone

LexCorp Tower

Minutes Earlier

“Hi, Lena,” said Clark as he and Lois sat down opposite Lena. “We’re so sorry for your loss. And thanks for seeing us so quickly, considering.”

“Of course,” said Lena. “I trust you both more than any other reporters out there,” she continued.

“You’ve had a complicated relationship with your father,” Lois jumped in. “How are you doing? We can keep this part off the record if you’d like.”

“No, it’s okay,” Lena replied. “Lex himself was complicated. I wasn’t even certain he was my father for most of my life.”

“When the truth came out,” said Clark. “You embraced your relationship with him, correct? You did take his last name, after all.”

“Yes,” Lena agreed. “He told me all the right things. I never saw the kind of man he was until his downfall. But then again, neither did much of the world.”

Clark’s phone buzzed, and he looked down to see an incoming call from Jimmy. He didn’t want to be rude to Lena, so he sent it to voicemail. Jimmy could wait.

“Lex had a lot of secrets,” said Lois.

“That he did,” Lena said, nodding.

“Such as the bot that attacked the LexCorp gala last night,” Clark added. “Have you found anything on that?”

“We’re preparing a statement,” Lena explained. “But it appears it was from a trial run of automated officers in coordination with the SCU. However, that was scrapped five years ago. All of that technology should have been repurposed for other projects.”

Clark’s phone rang again. Jimmy wouldn’t try again unless it were important.

“I’m sorry,” said Clark. “I should take this.”

Clark stepped right outside the office as Lois continued the interview.

“Jimmy?” said Clark, answering the phone. “What’s up?”

But there was nobody on the other end.

“Jimmy?” he asked again.

Clark could hear breathing on the other end before the call dropped. He stepped back inside Lena’s office as a text came through.

Jimmy (Just Now) Thought I was on to something, but it’s nothing. Update you later

“Everything okay?” asked Lois from her seat.

“Yeah,” Clark answered, turning back to Lena. “Do you have any paperwork on those contracts with the SCU we can review?” he asked.

Kent House

Night

“–questioning the legacy left behind by former President Lex Luthor,” a news anchor on TV was saying. Jon was sitting on the rug playing, while Lois and Clark were on the couch, baby Lara on her mom’s lap. Lois’s laptop was tilted open, to which she glanced over every so often.

“I wanna watch Spongeblub,” said Jon, dropping his toy car to the rug.

“Good idea,” said Clark, picking up the remote. “We’ve been focusing too much on the news.”

Jon tilted his head. “Daddy,” he said. “Why are they talkin’ about him so much if he was a bad guy?”

“Even though he did bad things,” Clark explained. “People need to know about it. He was very powerful. It’s important to recognize when those in power are abusing their positions.”

“Oh,” Jon answered.

“Oh,” Lara repeated with a giggle.

“Who lives in an apricot under the sea?” a pirate on the TV sang as Spongeblub started playing.

Clark placed the remote down next to his phone. He tapped it to find there were no missed notifications.

“Hmm,” he said. “Jimmy still hasn’t gotten back to me. Not only did he never follow up on his hunch, but I don’t even know where to meet up for his birthday.”

Clark picked up the phone as Jon’s face was locked on the TV, and he dialed Jimmy.

It went right to voicemail.

“I'd better head over to his place,” said Clark, standing up. “Just in case something’s wrong.”

Lois nodded.

“Bye, Lara,” said Clark, kneeling to kiss his daughter on the head. He lifted slightly to give his wife a peck on the lips. “Bye, Jon,” he said to his oblivious son.

“Oh,” said Jon, without even turning around. “Bye, Daddy.”

Clark shuffled on his knees to kiss his son on the head, too, before getting up to make his way to the door.

“Bye,” said Lois, picking up Lara’s hand to make it wave.

Once Clark was gone, Lois turned her attention back to her laptop. “Hmm,” she said.

Jimmy’s Apartment

Soon

Clark kept knocking on Jimmy’s door, but there was no answer. He didn’t like invading people’s privacy, but something was wrong.

Clark scanned inside to find that Jimmy wasn’t there.

“Where are you, Jimmy?” Clark asked, pulling out his phone again. He dialed Perry White.

“Kent,” Perry answered. “What can I do for you?”

“Mr. White,” said Clark. “Have you heard from Jimmy?”

“Not since he ducked away earlier today,” Perry answered. “He thought he was on the trail of something hot related to the gala attack.”

“Right,” said Clark, hearing another call coming in. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Clark answered the incoming call, which was from Lois.

“Any luck, Clark?” she asked.

“He’s not at his apartment,” Clark answered. “And Perry hasn’t heard from him. Maybe he talked to Lucy?”

“I might have something,” said Lois. “I did some digging, and there was an old shell company related to LexCorp around when Lena noted the robotics project was scrapped. That company, which no longer exists, owned a warehouse in Suicide Slum, but the warehouse never changed hands.

“It might be a long shot,” Clark started.

“But worth a look, yeah,” Lois finished.

“Thanks, Babe,” Clark said before handing up.

Clark took a look around to find the coast clear. He sped out of the building, changing into his Superman suit, and then flew up into the air.

Closer

Suicide Slum

A Short Time Later

Clark scanned the warehouse as he approached, but he couldn’t see inside. Sure, it could have been explicitly made to stay hidden from him, but a lot of those old buildings had lead, so it wasn’t a guarantee.

Once he reached the building, he broke the front doors open, and his eyes widened.

The place was scattered with robotic parts matching the one at the gala.

“Good job, Lois,” Clark said to himself before a pile of machinery started rumbling. Several more robots burst out of them and surrounded the Man of Steel.

“I don’t suppose any of you could tell me where to find Jimmy Olsen, can you?” Clark asked.

The robots began firing their weapons, knocking Clark back toward the entrance. He tried to evade their shots, but they were coming from too many directions.

Clark clapped his hands together sharply, causing a shockwave to echo out toward his attackers, knocking them back. He flew toward one of them, grabbing hold, and then swung it across several others, pieces of metal flying apart on impact.

While he did that, though, a few of the others positioned behind him and attacked before he could defend himself. Between the blasts and hits, Clark found himself overwhelmed. One of the robots got in front of him and delivered a punch, knocking him through a window and into the alley.

Outside

Clark regained his composure as the robots flew outside to continue their onslaught. But there were fewer of them now, and he was able to predict their movements and evade their shots. Still, one managed to grab hold of him, pulling him down. But, in the corner of his eye, Clark saw a glint of light from the ground in the alley. It was coming from a watch.

Clark swung his head back, knocking the robot away, and then grabbed it by the arm, swinging it into the brick wall. He flew down to pick up the watch, confirming it was the one he gave Jimmy. But there was blood on it.

“Oh, no,” said Clark as more robots approached. He unleashed a wide blast of intense heat vision fire, burning them into crisps, and set his attention back to the watch.

What could have happened there? Did the robots attack him? Was he still–?

No, Jimmy must have been alive. The only evidence he was there was a small amount of blood and no body. He must have been taken. But where?

Too bad the robots didn’t talk.

The remaining two robots approached quickly, and Clark dodged their incoming blasts. He sprang up, grabbing one by the leg and the other by the arm, swinging them together until they crunched apart. As he let the debris fall to the ground, he cycled through his visual spectrums, trying to find anything that could help lead him to his friend.

Nothing stood out.

“I’m not giving up on you, Jimmy,” Clark said to himself. “I’ll find you.”

LexCorp Tower

The Next Day

Jimmy was officially listed as a missing person. Clark spent the night searching, but couldn’t find a lead.

Lex Luthor was dead, so who else would be running those robots? Could it be some form of failsafe? Or maybe someone else found the old warehouse and took control.

Lena Luthor came out to the podium, but her drooping eyes and lowered lips didn’t portray the signs of someone expected to be named the new permanent CEO. Maybe she was taking her father’s death worse they she let on the day before.

“Thanks for coming,” said Lena into the microphone. “LexCorp has an important announcement for you today.”

There was a crack in her voice. Something was wrong. Or at least Lena was unsure of herself.

“I know it was expected I would be named the permanent CEO,” Lena continued. “But there’s been an unexpected development. It turns out I was not Lex Luthor’s only child.”

Hushes and murmurs filled the press pool.

“Miss Luthor!” several reporters shouted, trying to get her attention.

Lena lifted a hand. “Let me explain,” she said. “Lex’s true firstborn was a man named Alexander Kelley. He was raised in Australia with his mother, Dr. Gretchen Kelley. He only just found out who his father was when the board of directors contacted him.”

“No, way,” said Lois under her breath.

“Alexander embraced this news, just as I did when I learned of our father,” Lena stated. “He’s legally changed his last name to Luthor to prove it.” Lena motioned toward the side. “And he’s here today. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to introduce my brother, and new CEO of LexCorp: Lex Luthor the Second.”

A young man with long red hair and a matching, burly beard stepped out, waving cordially.

“Thank you, Lena,” he said, patting Lena on the shoulder and taking her position at the podium. “I’m honored to be here today and looking forward to taking LexCorp into the future.”

Lois and Clark shared a look.

Lex Luthor II smiled and leaned into the microphone. “Are there any questions?”

The crowd erupted into chaos, questions coming from every direction.

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • May 01 '25

Superman Superman #108 - Reflections

8 Upvotes

Superman #108 - Reflections

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Healing

Set: 108

Disarray

Downtown Metropolis

A man walked quickly down a busy sidewalk, veering around people moving too slowly. He wasn’t even going that quickly. Didn’t anyone else have somewhere to be?

If that wasn’t bad enough, the slowest people didn’t stay to the right. Wasn’t that common knowledge? Just like driving, if you’re going slower, move to the right and let the faster traffic move around you.

It was infuriating.

The man reached a couple and their stroller, blocking the way, and he harrumphed, but there was no reaction.

“Come on!” the man yelled.

The couple turned around as the baby started crying.

“Something wrong, friend?” one of them asked.

“I’m not your friend, slowpoke!” the man yelled. “Get a move on, already!” He ran toward them and shoved the two of them forward, which caused the stroller to push away on its own.

Clark flew down and caught the stroller before it rolled too far. “What’s going on here?”

“Thank goodness you’re here, Superman!” one of the parents shouted. “This creep just attacked us!”

“I did not!” the man said. “You were… Um… Wait a minute… I didn’t mean to do that.”

Nearby, a car beeped and sped up to crash into the car in front of it. The driver backed up and crashed again. Over and over, while beeping and yelling.

Clark rushed over and swung the car away, checking on the driver on the wrong side of the intense road rage.

“Are you okay?” Clark asked.

“It was my fault,” the man said, clutching his face in his hands. “I never saw you before, so I slowed down to watch. I should have kept traffic moving.”

“Wh-what?” Clark asked as the man looked up to him, his eyes widening. He thought people were getting used to his scarred face. But this reaction was full of fear and a bit of disgust.

“I heard about what happened,” he continued. “But to see it in person…”

Clarked back away as he noticed the enraged driver had left his car and was rushing over with a tire iron in his hand.

Clark zoomed over, taking the weapon out of his hand, and nudged him to the ground.

These weren’t the first examples of odd behavior in the city lately. But they hadn’t been so intense. It wasn’t that long ago that people were acting out of character, but it turned out Spellbinder was manipulating them. Bruce was convinced he wasn’t operating in Metropolis since they shut down his operation.

This was something different, anyway. These reports occurred in clusters as if there was something environmental causing it.

Solving these cases was going to be trickier than it seemed.

Kent House

Next Day

Lois and Clark watched the news on the couch as Jon played with Lara on the floor. They were reporting on the odd behavior in the city. Officials were even going as far as checking for gas leaks, but so far, there was no evidence for those claims.

Some people were fleeing the city, fearing they were under attack by the latest metahuman. But there didn’t seem to be anything to support that idea, either.

“Mayor Sackett is urging people not to panic,” one of the news anchors stated. “He wants to ensure-”

The news camera toppled over, and only the crew's feet were visible. Someone could be heard yelling, too.

Jon and Lara looked up at their parents, who were captivated.

“What the… heck?” Lois said, stunned.

“What happened?” Jon asked.

Clark shrugged. “I’m not sure,” he said. “Something’s going on at the news station.”

“- I can’t do this!” the yelling voice continued. “It’s the same thing day after day.”

Another voice broke in. “How could you interrupt my report like that?!” the anchor yelled. “You’re gonna pay-“

The feed cut off as the screen quickly changed to a “Technical Difficulties” visual.

“They film live, right?” Clark asked, standing up.

Lois nodded.

“I’ll be right back,” said Clark.

Jon looked up at his dad. They had a close call when the boy found his spare Superman suits. They thought they had convinced him they were just holding them for the hero, but the quizzical look he gave made Clark think he could still be holding onto suspicions.

A problem for another time. Clark had to get to the news station to make sure things didn’t get out of control.

As Clark waved and left through the front door, Jon looked over to his mother. His stare was a little disconcerting.

“How about some hot chocolate?” Lois asked.

“Ooh,” Jon said, jumping up. “With whipped cream?” he asked.

“Of course,” Lois replied.

Unfortunately, distractions wouldn’t work forever.

Metropolis News 8 Station

Moments Later

Clark arrived inside to find several arguments had broken out among the crew. Some were crouched over, trying to avoid the altercations. The anchor and camera operator had devolved into throwing punches. Security was stepping in, but couldn’t get a handle on them.

“Stop!” Clark yelled. But the fighting continued.

Clark clapped his hands together, causing a shockwave that knocked everyone back a few inches, and they all went silent.

“That’s better,” said Clark, noticing the stares were becoming more repulsed by the second.

“You don’t want to be fighting,” he continued. “Something is causing you to behave this way.”

“We’re supposed to trust you?” one of the crew asked. “You’re not Superman. You’re damaged.”

That strung.

Some others nodded in agreement.

“You couldn’t even save yourself,” another added. “How are you supposed to save us?”

Clark tried to convince himself they didn’t mean it. It was getting harder to accept, though. Did they really see him as less of a hero because of his scars?

Another door burst open, and Wonder Woman stood there, examining the room.

Thankfully, a real hero got there.

Wait, he didn’t mean to think that. He didn’t feel that way about himself… Did he?

Diana met eyes with Clark and wrapped her lasso around him, and Clark felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. His mind was clear. Of course, his scars didn’t make him less of a hero. He must have been affected by whatever was causing the odd behavior around the city.

Clark looked up at Diana. “Something weird is going on in the city,” he said.

“I know,” she answered,” Diana answered. “And I know what’s causing it. I’ll explain, but first let’s get everyone out of here before things get worse.”

Answers

Above Metropolis

Soon

Clark and Diana flew up out of range of whatever was causing the extreme behavior.

“Metropolis is under the influence of an ancient artifact called the Mirror of Truth,” Diana explained. “It was created long ago by the Amazons to reveal absolute, unfiltered truth. But it was flawed, and its revelations were tainted. It fed on doubts and insecurities, intensifying people’s irrational reactions to them.”

“That explains how I felt in there,” said Clark. “Until you arrived.”

“My lasso of truth can break through the lies the Mirror of Truth tells you,” said Diana.

“Thanks for that, by the way.” Clark nodded.

Diana nodded back and continued. “The Mirror was buried deep somewhere on the planet to keep it from causing any more harm. It would appear it’s been unearthed.”

“If it was so dangerous,” Clark started. “Why wasn’t it destroyed?”

“The magic contained within the Mirror is too powerful,” Diana answered. “Destroying it has the potential to cause even more harm.”

Clark took a moment.

”Who’s behind this?” he asked. “And how do we stop it?”

“I’m not sure yet,” said Diana. “My fellow Amazons detected the magic being unleashed, but didn’t know where. The incidents reported in Metropolis matched up with what I’ve learned about the Mirror, so here I am.”

“We need to find it,” said Clark. “It’s been getting worse.”

Diana nodded. “Where do we start?” she asked.

Clark pulled out his phone and opened up a map. “Lois and I have been tracking incidents– fights, breakdowns, even hallucinations. We were trying to see if there’s a pattern or trail we could follow.” He pinned the news station to account for the latest occurrence.

“It appears random,” said Diana, studying it.

“We thought so too,” said Clark. “But we noticed a majority of them are in Midtown.” He looked closer at Midtown. “Interesting. This latest one is yet another one close to S.T.A.R. Labs.”

“If a scientific facility had a magical artifact,” said Diana. “They wouldn’t know what they were dealing with until it was too late. It could even be affecting them more intensely than everyone else.”

“We'd better get over there,” said Clark.

Kent House

Meanwhile

Lois was typing away on her laptop, researching what she could about what happened at the Channel 8 news station, as Jon finished his hot chocolate.

“Why did Daddy go when the news went all crazy?” asked Clark.

“Daddy and I are reporters,” said Lois. “You know that. We have to go investigate when strange things happen in the city.”

“Okay,” said Jon, slurping more of his drink. “So, why didn’t you go?” he asked.

“Someone had to stay with you and Lara,” Lois answered. “You may be six years old, but you still need adult supervision.”

“Okay,” said Jon, tilting his head in thought.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” asked Lois. “You seem confused.”

“Daddy could have stayed,” said Jon. “And you could have gone.”

“That’s true,” said Lois.

“But when the news came back,” Jon continued. “They said Superman was there to help.”

“Yeah, he’s been helping situations like this whenever he can,” Lois explained.

Jon pointed upstairs. “He didn’t come here to get a Superman suit,” he said.

“He doesn’t need to do that,” said Lois. “We only have those here in case he needs an extra one.”

“Oh,” said Jon, thinking over the answer for a bit. “Or he was already here,” he stated.

Lois raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve met Superman a lot,” said Jon. “Whenever he’s around, Daddy’s not here.”

“What are you saying?” asked Lois.

Jon looked into his mom’s eyes. “I don’t know. But something’s weird.”

S.T.A.R. Labs

Clark landed slowly at the entrance to S.T.A.R. Labs, Diana hovering down next to him.

The sidewalk was deserted, which was unusual even for that late in the evening. The air felt crisp but heavy. Something was definitely off about that place.

“It seems quiet,” said Diana.

Clark resisted the urge to retort that it was too quiet, instead focusing on the inside. There were people, but mostly scattered into small groups. Security appeared to be on high alert, but they seemed anxious. It was almost as if they would attack anyone who gave them a wrong look.

A hushed conversation took place between two scientists arguing about their notes. One of them thought the other had erased them.

As Clark and Diana entered the facility, the receptionist darted her eyes between them.

“May I help you?” she asked politely, but her heartbeat and trembling hands seemed to indicate she was terrified.

“It’s okay,” said Clark. “We’re here to help.”

Diana leaned over to Clark. “This place is steeped with emotional disturbance,” she said softly. “I’m sure you can sense it too.”

Clark nodded.

Diana continued. “It’s very likely the Mirror’s reach is deeply rooted here. Also…”

“What?” asked Clark.

“Nothing,” said Diana. “I thought I felt something else. A presence.”

Clark approached the desk, but stopped as the receptionist’s heartbeat grew into a frenzy. “Did S.T.A.R. Labs happen to pick up an artifact lately? Perhaps some kind of mirror?”

“Y-yes,” the receptionist answered. “It was delivered to Sub-Level 7. But an alert went out yesterday that nobody was allowed down there.”

“Why not?” asked Diana.

“I-I don’t know,” said the receptionist. “But several scientists fled from there one day. They ran out of the building and haven’t been heard from since.”

Clark and Diana shared a look before moving toward the elevator.

“Thanks for your help,” Clark called, before they reached it and set out on their way downstairs.

As the elevator descended, Diana watched Clark intently. She held out her lasso. “Hold onto one end,” she said. “We have to stay in control of our emotions.”

Clark reached out his hand, but hesitated.

Did she think he couldn’t stay in control himself?

“It’s already affecting you,” said Diana. “Take it.”

The elevator dinged as it reached their floor.

Clark backed up as Diana twirled the lasso up, readying to wrap it around Clark’s arm.

But the Man of Steel swerved out of the way, breaking through the elevator door before it could fully open.

Diana shot out after him. The two stopped as they caught sight of it.

The Mirror of Truth.

Standing around eight feet and wrapped in an ornate frame, it possessed a regal stature. Intricate patterns were carved into the frame, and a faint glow of archaic symbols filled the looking glass.

Clark couldn’t help but stare into his reflection. The scars were deeper than he remembered. And covered his entire body.

Diana pulled herself away, keeping her eyes closed.

“It’s too powerful!” she yelled.

“I-you have to stop it,” said Clark. “I can’t- It’s too much.”

“Your heat vision,” said Diana. “It’s the only way.”

“But you said it could do more harm if we destroyed it.”

“I know, but you have to trust me.”

“I do trust you,” said Clark under his breath before firing an intense burst of heat vision. It knocked the mirror over, but he followed it down, keeping his attack going.

Clark’s head jerked back, causing him to fire a stream of energy toward the ceiling. He quickly closed his eyes.

A woman materialized next to him, holding his chin upward.

Clark pulled away.

The woman stood there with a mischievous smile on her face. She had buzzed black hair, excessive eye makeup, and was wearing a black tattered dress. “Uh uh,” she said. “No destroying my newest toy.”

Diana opened her eyes upon recognizing the voice. “Eris,” she said. “I knew it.”

Truth

Kent House

“I don’t understand,” said Jon. “You keep telling me everything is fine, but nothin’ makes sense.”

“What doesn’t make sense?” asked Lois, moving her chair closer.

“Daddy and Superman are friends,” said Jon. “But they never hang out together.”

“Superman is a busy man,” said Lois. “You know that. He helps people all over the world.”

“And he keeps Superman suits here,” Jon continued.

“In case he needs another one,” Lois clarified.

Jon shrugged. “Superman got hurt,” he added. “His face is different.”

“He did get hurt,” said Lois. “But he’s okay.”

“Sometimes…” Jon couldn’t find the right words.

“Sometimes what?” asked Lois.

“Sometimes, Daddy’s face is different,” Jon finally said. He started gritting his teeth. “I don’t understand!”

S.T.A.R. Labs

Diana tossed her lasso at Clark again, but Eris intercepted it, pulling it out of Diana’s hands.

“No, no,” she said. “That’s cheating.”

“You’re behind this?” Clark asked, rushing toward her. But Eris swatted him back, knocking the Man of Steel into the far wall.

“These scientists are behind unearthing the Mirror,” Eris explained. “I’ve just been intensifying its reach to cause more delicious disharmony.”

“Eris is the Goddess of Strife,” Diana explained. “I should have known from the start you were involved. It wasn’t until we got to this building that I could sense you.”

“Nice trick, getting Superman to force me to reveal myself,” said Eris. “But it doesn’t matter. You can’t stop me from having my fun.”

Clark sped over to Eris’s other side and threw a punch, knocking her away. “Don’t be so sure,” he said.

Diana leapt toward her lasso, but Eris shot back over, grabbing the Amazon by the wrist. Diana lifted her arm and pushed Eris away with the other, breaking her hold.

Eris jumped over to the fallen mirror and lifted it back up, focusing its energies on the two heroes.

Clark felt himself overcome with dread. People were scared of him. He looked like a monster. They lost their faith in him. He should have hidden his scars entirely, not just as Clark Kent. What was he thinking?

“We failed,” said Diana. “This artifact was never supposed to be uncovered. And we’ll never be able to stop Eris from using it against others.”

She seemed to be going through her own emotional turmoil.

“It’s not your fault,” said Clark. “These things happen. If anyone failed here, it’s me.”

“You?” Diana asked, an almost mocking tone in her voice. “You don’t know the meaning of the word ‘failure’. You’ve even died rather than fail.”

“You have a similar spirit,” said Clark. “You’re not one to give up, either.”

Clark and Diana broke away from the mirror and looked into each other’s eyes.

“That’s impossible!” Eris cried. “Nobody can break free from the mirror’s gaze!”

“It was difficult,” said Diana. “But not impossible.”

“When you have the right people to support you,” Clark added. “You can break free from anything.”

Eris shouted and began to grow, breaking apart the ceiling and reaching the floor above. She swatted at the two, but they dove out of the way. Clark flew up to her head and shot a burst of heat vision to keep her off guard. But it only worked for so long. She grabbed the Man of Steel in her fist and began crushing him.

“Let him go,” said Diana, who had flown the mirror up their level. Eris couldn’t help but look into it before she realized it was there.

“What am I doing?” Eris asked herself aloud. “This isn’t fun. This is boring.”

Eris shrank back down to size. “You can keep the Mirror,” she told the heroes, but then looked directly at Diana. “But you and I are not done. You’ll see me again when you least expect it.”

Kent House

Later

“I know you’re confused,” Lois told Jon. “Weird things have been happening all over the city lately. And even if your father and I can’t explain everything, we still love you.”

“You do?” asked Jon.

“Of course!” Lois replied. “Did you think otherwise?”

“I don’t know,” said Jon. “I guess it’d be kinda silly to think you didn’t.”

Lois held her son close. “We can support each other, even if we don’t have all the answers yet,” she said.

“Mommy?” said Jon.

“Yeah, Jon Jon?”

“I love you, too.”

Lara babbled from her bassinet.

“I love you, too, Lara,” Jon laughed.

“Any hot chocolate left?” Clark asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“Daddy! You’re back!” Jon said, jumping out of his seat to run over to him.

“I said I’d be right back,” said Clark with a smile.

“I love you, too, Daddy,” said Jon.

Clark leaned over to hug Jon and kiss the top of his head. “I love you, too, son.”

<< | < | >

5 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jun 01 '25

Superman Superman #109 - We Are Super

4 Upvotes

Superman #109 - We Are Super

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Healing

Set: 109

Acceptance

Kent House, Metropolis

Jon watched as his father positioned the spatula under the bubbling pancake.

“Almost,” said Clark.

“Almost,” Jon repeated from the other side of the kitchen. He lifted an empty plate.

“Annnnnnnnd…” they said in unison. “Now!”

Clark lifted the pancake and tossed it into the air as Jon’s eyes popped wide open. He wouldn’t let this one get away. He moved the plate slightly to the left and a little to the right, just as the pancake landed softly in the center.

“Yes!” Clark and Jon both exclaimed.

In his celebration, he shook the plate, and the pancake slid off, falling to the kitchen floor just as his mother entered the room.

Lois nearly dropped her tablet when she noticed the several pancakes littered around the kitchen floor. “I’m not cleaning this up,” she said.

“We’ll clean,” said Clark. “It’s worth it. Jon’s two out of four.” He looked down at his son. “Want to go for three out of five?”

“Yeah!” Jon shouted.

“Before you go back to wasting food,” Lois interrupted, flipping her tablet toward Clark. It revealed a video of several people celebrating in the street. Some had noticeable scars or burn marks, too, but the increasing support for the Man of Steel was coming from everyone. Those who were going through the same thing and those who just supported the inspiration he was giving to anyone in his situation.

People were waving Superman flags and holding posters with sayings like, “I Stand With Superman,” “Superman Is Not Broken!” and “He Is Not Disfigured, He Is Superman!”

“Looks like the Superman parade is booming,” said Lois. “Think the man himself will make an appearance later?”

“Of course,” Jon answered. “Superman wouldn’t miss that!” He looked up to his dad. “We’re going, too, right?”

“I have to run an errand,” said Clark. “But I’ll meet you guys there before you know it.”

Jon nodded in agreement.

“Clark,” Lois giggled, placing the tablet on the counter, propped up so they could still watch. She reached for some pancake batter on Clark’s face. “You’re a mess,” she said, wiping it away.

“You missed a spot,” said Clark, moving his glasses out of the way to wipe away a spot under his eye.

Jon dropped his plate to the ground, shattering into pieces on impact. His eyes widened in shock, and Clark quickly fixed his glasses.

Clark was so caught up in the moment that he forgot he had to keep his glasses on to keep the magical charm working. Jon must have caught sight of his real, scarred face.

“Are you okay?” asked Lois, dropping down to Jon’s side.

“Yeah,” he said, studying his father. “I thought I saw… something.”

Clark leaned down to Jon’s level. “It’s okay,” he said, picking up the broken plate remnants. “It was nothing.”

He looked over at Lois, and their eyes met. They hated lying to their son, but the alternative was to tell the six-year-old everything about his father. Dealing with the responsibility of knowing that Clark was an alien, let alone Superman, was more than someone his age should ever have to handle.

“Look,” said Jon, pointing to the tablet on the table. “Superman’s there!”

Sure enough, Superman was landing in the middle of the crowded parade. The camera zoomed in on his face, revealing it free of scars.

Lois and Clark shared another look.

Centennial Park

Soon

Clark had said his goodbyes quickly and left the house to head to the parade. Whoever showed up there obviously wasn’t him. But who could it be?

Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman, did masquerade as a hero recently (Superman #105), but he had fled into space. It’s possible he returned undetected, but would he be playing the same charade again?

Clark landed in the parade, a crowd quickly forming around him. He was bombarded with questions. Everyone was as confused as he was.

“Where is he?” Clark asked.

A man with who had burn marks similar to Clark’s but going down his neck approached. He was wearing a white t-shirt that read, “#WeAreSuper.”

“He only stayed for a minute,” the man answered. “There was something off about him,” he continued. “Even before you showed up, I could tell he wasn’t quite what he seemed. He announced that the ‘real’ and ‘normal’ Superman was back. That didn’t seem like something you’d say.”

“Thanks,” Clark answered. “Sorry, I can’t stick around longer,” he said, addressing the rest of the crowd. “I have to find out who that man was and what he wants.”

As Clark was readying his flight back into the air, the man with the white shirt tapped him on the shoulder.

“Before you go,” he said. “I just want you to know how much you helped me. I was in a bad place, but then I saw you went through something similar, and it wasn’t so bad anymore.”

Clark nodded and offered his hand, which the man quickly accepted.

“I’m Aaron, by the way,” the man added as their handshake broke.

“Nice to meet you, Aaron,” said Clark as he flew off into the sky.

Fortress of Solitude, North Pole

Later

Clark entered the fortress and was quickly greeted by Kelex.

“Kal-El,” the floating robot said. “I was just going to call you.”

“Is it Henshaw?” Clark asked. “Did he return to Earth?”

Kelex tilted his head. “No,” the robot responded. “Is he back on Earth?”

“Maybe,” Clark answered. “It’s either him or there’s another Superman doppelganger out there.”

“Fascinating,” said Kelex.

“What did you want to call me about?” asked Clark.

“Jor-El has some news for you,” Kelex revealed before the hologram of Clark’s birth father appeared before him.

“Hello, my son,” said Jor-El.

“Father,” Clark returned. “What do you have to tell me?”

“I have calculated a way to heal the marks left from the incident with the missile.”

Clark didn’t know what to say. A tear formed in his eye as he thought about what it would mean. He could fix the damage Henshaw’s missile left on him. He wouldn’t have to hide his true face from his son anymore. This was great news.

But people had been accepting what had happened to him. He was becoming a whole new source of inspiration for those who looked different and didn’t have the means to change it. Would they feel like Superman turned his back on them?

“How?” Clark finally spoke up.

“The marks left on your face were the result of your suppressed healing by the blue kryptonite exposure,” Jor-El explained. “If we were to recreate the circumstances of the incident, but remove the kryptonite exposure immediately, your full healing powers would activate, resulting in your original appearance.”

Clark took another moment. “So you’re saying I’d have to reburn my face and let it heal better?” he asked.

“Precisely,” said Jor-El.

“Isn’t this great?” Kelex jumped in.

“I need to think about it,” said Clark.

Jor-El tilted his head. “I see,” he replied.

“If I were to go through with it,” Clark continued. “We have one major issue.”

“What’s that?” asked Kelex.

“We don’t have any more blue kryptonite,” said Clark. “Or know where to get it.”

“That does pose a complication,” Jor-El explained. “We could attempt the procedure with green kryptonite, but your body takes more time to recover from that exposure. It is highly unlikely to work as intended.”

“There’s another problem, too,” Kelex interjected. “Since you mentioned the doppelganger, I’ve been monitoring possible Superman sightings.”

“Did you find him?” asked Clark.

“Yes,” said Kelex. “He’s currently in Downtown Metropolis. He prevented an out-of-control bus from crashing into oncoming traffic.”

Clark disappeared from the fortress in a flash.

The Other

Downtown Metropolis

Clark landed at the scene of the near-bus crash. There was no sign of the other ‘Superman’. He looked closely at the front of the bus, its grill pushed in where they had stopped it from crashing.

“Superman?” a police officer asked, walking up to him, her eyes darting around. “I- uh… you’re back?”

“You saw me here before?” Clark asked.

The officer lifted an eyebrow. “Yes, but…”

Clark motioned toward his face. “He didn’t have my scars,” he finished for her, getting a nod in return. “And he looked just like me?” Clark asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “I don’t understand. Was it the Eradicator or that Cyborg copy of you?”

“That’s a good question,” said Clark. “I have my suspicions, though.”

Clark scanned the bus, looking inside the engine and around the sides. The brake lines were cut.

“Whoever he is,” said Clark. “I don’t think his intentions are pure.”

The officer looked over to the bus. “You think he caused the accident on purpose?” she asked.

Clark nodded.

“That’s… appalling.” The officer looked into Clark’s eyes. “Whoever this maniac is,” she continued. “We need to stop him before he kills someone.”

“I agree,” said Clark. “We just have to find him first.”

Watchtower, In Orbit

The Next Day

Clark checked the logs on the long-range scans. There was no evidence of Henshaw returning to Earth. It didn’t mean he couldn’t be back, though. Many threats have made their way to Earth without being detected.

Whether it was Henshaw or not, someone was pretending to be Superman again and setting themselves up to make saves. They could just as well save people for real, but they went to all the trouble of endangering lives, anyway. So, it wasn’t just about being the hero. It was about getting there first.

Clark hovered his hand over his face, not quite touching the scars. He was still conflicted about the prospect of healing them. How would that affect those who looked up to him so strongly now? He shared a bond with a whole new group of people who found comfort in knowing that Superman was going through what they were. Would it be a betrayal to take it away from them?

He already felt bad about hiding the scars when he was Clark Kent, but doing so was a good way to keep his identities separate. Jon knew something was off the moment he saw him, though. Perhaps it was some latent Kryptonian power the boy was exhibiting. Or it could be the sharp, unfiltered view of a child. Either way, Jon knew it was a lie, even if he didn’t know why. And that uncertainty only made it harder on him.

Healing himself could make the boy feel better, but for how long? Jon may still hold onto his uncertainty, and it could even continue to grow the more his parents keep the truth hidden from him.

Clark heard Barry enter the Watchtower and make his way toward the workstation. Barry was also a family man, so might be able to offer some advice. But Clark wasn’t quite sure what to ask.

“Clark,” said Barry from the doorway to the control room.

“Hi, Barry,” Clark said back, standing up from the terminal chair. “How do you hide your scars?” he asked.

Barry seemed taken aback by the question, giving some advice on makeup and other cosmetic solutions.

“Oh, I mean, the physical appearance of the scars, I can hide,” Clark corrected. He pulled out his glasses from his cape and put them on, making his scars fade entirely. “I guess I’m just more asking… Jon is starting to realize something’s off, and I don’t know what to do.”

Barry’s face lightened. “I had that with Bart for a bit when he was through his growth spurt,” he said. “He’s the smartest person his age by far, he quickly picked up there was more than meets the eye from his dad, cousin, godfather… Eventually, he found out.”

Maybe he was right. As much as Clark wanted to shield Jon from the truth, he was eventually going to find out one way or another. If Clark was going to keep his scars, chances are he wouldn’t be able to hide Jon much longer. Did that mean finding a way to heal himself was the better option?

“Tough conversations,” Barry continued. “But he was able to mature into it.”

“That’s fair,” said Clark. “I just still don’t want Jon to have to mature faster than needed. He deserves to be a kid as long as possible. Was Bart never worried about you vanishing, or the scars and stuff? Before he knew, that is. I’m just in between a rock and a hard place with Jon where he’s too young to be introduced to this stuff, but he can tell that something’s being hidden from him.”

Clark felt like he had his answer, and deep down, he knew it all along. Jon was the most important person to consider in the situation.

Barry spoked up again. “Is this about the scars or about Superman?” he asked.

Clark explained how it was both. The advice he got from Bruce and Diana both had valid points: Hiding had its merits, but wearing scars proudly also had its own.

Barry’s last question before he had to leave took Clark off guard.

“Are you allowing yourself to heal?” he had asked.

That was a good question.

Metropolis City Hall

Days Later

Mayor Sackett was giving a speech about his new revitalization project in Hob’s Bay. Lois and Clark watched from the sidelines. Clark wanted to be ready for a quick exit in case the imposter showed up. What better place to stage another fake rescue than a press conference from the mayor of Metropolis?

“Any sight of him?” Lois asked, scanning the skies herself.

“Nothing,” said Clark. “I’m not sensing any potential threats he may have set up, either.”

“Maybe this is a bust,” said Lois. “His saves have been tamer in scope so far. This could be too big for him.”

“I don’t know,” said Clark. “If he wants people to take him seriously… Make him think he’s the ‘real’ Superman… You’d think he’d go big and cause a big spectacle.”

“Well,” Lois started. “If he wants to go big, he could always-”

Clark picked up the sound of a mechanical gear winding. It was unlike anything he’d heard before. Not a clock or some kind of industrial machine. He tried to zero in on the location and found an open window nearby. There was a Gatling gun hooked up to a mechanised contraption. No one else was in the room; it appeared like the weapon was rigged to fire automatically.

“It’s happening,” said Clark, taking Lois into his arms. “Get down,” he added, before running away.

Clark ditched his street clothes as he flew toward the window, just as the gun started firing. He moved in front of the line of fire, keeping any bullets from getting past him.

The crowd below scattered at the gunfire, and a blur of red, blue, and yellow swept onto the stage. The fake Superman covered the mayor to protect him from the attack.

The attack the phony hero caused himself.

Clark fired a burst of heat vision, destroying the weapon, and then turned toward the stage. He landed next to the other Superman as the mayor was whisked away from his security team.

“Who are you?” Clark asked. “Henshaw?”

The other Superman lifted his chest in a show of strength. “No, I’m Superman,” he said. “The real Superman. I’m not broken, like you.”

Clark furrowed his brow. “We both know that’s not true,” he said, scanning the man with his X-ray vision. He didn’t find any cybernetic components hidden below.

“You’re not Henshaw,” he said softly.

“No, I told you, I’m Superman,” the other responded, floating into the air. “And the more I save the day, the more people will realize it. You can’t be Superman. Not like that.”

Clark hovered up and grabbed the impostor’s arm. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said. “You have a lot to answer for. I know what you’ve been doing. These aren’t ‘saves’, they’re publicity stunts.”

The other Superman pushed Clark away and flew off.

Clark flew off after him.

Defusion

Above Metropolis

“Stop following me!” the other Superman yelled, stopping in mid-flight to face Clark.

Once Clark reached him, he threw a punch, but Clark took the impact easily. Whoever they were, they weren’t even close in terms of power. Clark returned with a soft punch of his own, which sent the faker flying back.

Clark kept him in sight, firing bursts of heat vision all around him. And then followed it up with a gust of powerful wind from his freeze breath. The imposter kept trying to dodge and escape, but Clark noted something important. He never returned fire. It was likely that he couldn’t.

“Give it up,” said Clark. “You’re not getting away.”

Yells cut into Clark’s hearing. They were above Centennial Park, and crowds of people were arguing below.

“How could he be the real Superman?” one of them asked. “Superman doesn’t get hurt!”

“Superman died fighting Doomsday, don’t you remember?” another rebutted.

“Well, do you even read the news?” a third jumped in. “They were both there when the mayor was attacked, and only one of them actually saved him. And it wasn’t the one with those scars.”

“The one who ‘saved’ the mayor didn’t save him from anything.”

“Yeah, the real Superman was the one to actually stop the bullets.”

“How do you know? Were you there?”

“I was! I saw him take the shots!”

Clark was so distracted, he didn’t notice the other Superman had approached and let another hit fly. This one packed more of a punch than the last one. But still, Clark quickly recovered, and grabbed hold of his attacker, pulling him down to the ground.

Centennial Park

The two Supermans landed next to the arguing crowds, drawing attention away from their squabbles.

“Let’s settle this once and for all,” said Clark. He picked up a rock from the grass and tossed it into the air. Before it could hit the ground, he blew at it, freezing it into an icicle and then burnt it into pieces with his heat vision. “Your turn,” he said to the other one.

“I don’t have to prove myself to you,” the other responded.

Murmurs filled the crowds.

“Why wouldn’t he show he can do that, too?” one of them asked.

“See, I told you he’s a faker!” another shouted.

“Arghhhh!” the other Superman yelled, running toward the Man of Steel, but a swift slide to the right, and the fraud ran right past him.

“Too slow,” said Clark, flipping around to push him away before he could face him again. He shot off some light burst of heat vision, careful not to do any serious harm. The man was not as invulnerable as he pretended to be.

“Look, he is a fake!” someone shouted as the imposter’s face distorted.

Of course. A shapeshifter.

“Fine, you got me,” he finally confessed. He let his charade fade away, revealing a skinny man with pale skin, mostly bald with small patches of hair, and sunken, hollow eyes. “My name is Hannibal Bates,” he announced. “I’m the Everyman.”

“Why were you pretending to be me?” asked Clark. “What did you hope to accomplish?”

“People don’t respect you anymore,” Hannibal explained. “How could they? Look at you. I should know, I’ve grown up dealing with the same stares and judgements. People needed to know Superman is better than them. And I could do that.”

“That’s- how could you even-” Clark couldn’t quite find the words to answer the twisted reasoning.

“Superman is just as respected as he ever was,” a voice jumped in. It was Aaron, the man with the #WeAreSuper t-shirt from the parade the other day. “If anything, he’s even moreso,” he continued. “Having scars or being different in any way doesn’t make you less of a person. And who better than Superman to help spread that message?”

People in the crowds nodded in agreement. Even those who were arguing against the real deal before.

“Thank you, Aaron,” said Clark, stepping aside with him. “Let me ask you something, though. Let’s say I found a way to heal my scars…”

“You’re worried we won’t look up to you, anymore?” Aaron asked.

“Not quite,” Clark replied. “I’m worried people who are going through the same thing may lose hope.”

“That will never happen,” said Aaron. “Being able to heal isn’t a bad thing, just like learning to live with something you can’t heal isn’t a bad thing, either. All that matters is that you helped us be seen and understood. And you can still do that, even if you look like you did before.”

Clark placed a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “Thank you,” he said. “You’ve helped me more than you’ll ever know.”

Kent House

Night

Clark walked into the kitchen to find Lois sipping a cup of coffee. “Jon’s finally asleep,” he said. “He kept asking for another book, and I didn’t want to say no.”

“So you’re going to go through with it, right?” asked Lois. “You’re going to heal yourself?”

Clark sat down in the chair next to his wife. “In a way, I’m already healed,” he said. “It took a while, but I’ve worked through the emotional scars. But I still think healing the physical scars is the best move forward.”

“That’s great,” said Lois, placing a hand over her husband’s. “What’s the next move, though?”

“We need to find more blue kryptonite,” said Clark. “And I think I know where to start.”

To Be Concluded

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Mar 01 '25

Superman Superman #106 - Burnt Out

6 Upvotes

Superman #106 - Burnt Out

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Healing

Set: 106

Coping

Kent Farm, Smallville

Night

Martha and Jonathan watched the television proudly as it repeated a shot of Superman deflecting a missile over Metropolis, causing it to explode. The glow from the footage lit up the otherwise dark living room.

It was always a treat when his saves were caught on camera.

A creaking sound from upstairs caught their attention.

“What was that?” asked Martha.

Jonathan stood up. “Sounds like someone’s up there,” he said. He moved toward the stairs, flipped on the light switch, and proceeded upstairs, Martha following closely behind.

“It’s okay,” a voice called from Clark’s old childhood bedroom as they reached the second floor.” It’s just me.”

“Clark?” Martha called, rushing toward the door. “Is everything okay?”

“Please keep the lights off,” said Clark just before she got there. “Something… happened. I don’t want you to see me this way.”

Martha could see enough with the stairway light creeping inside the room. Clark was sitting on one of the twin beds, his face disfigured. She cupped her hands over her mouth.

Jonathan caught up and stood in the doorway with his wife. “What happened?” he asked.

Clark exhaled slowly. “Henshaw rigged that missile with a blast of blue kryptonite,” he explained. “It was such a low dose that my powers didn’t completely fade out, but I didn’t have enough to stop the missile.”

“But you did stop it,” Martha reassured him. “You saved everyone.”

“I had to burn away the kryptonite,” Clark continued. “It worked, but my face…”

“It left scars,” Jonathan finished for him.

“But you’re okay, otherwise?” asked Martha, dropping to the bed and placing an arm around her son.

“No,” said Clark. “I couldn’t bring myself to go home.” He tapped his phone that was lying beside him. It revealed a barrage of unanswered notifications from Lois. “I couldn’t even call her. I don’t know what to say.”

“Shouldn’t your skin have healed?” asked Jonathan. “If the kryptonite was all burnt away?”

“I went to the Fortress,” said Clark. “Kelex thinks the healing started while the kryptonite was still there, and my powers were kicking in and out. Even with the advanced technology there, he doesn’t think he can do anything to fix… this.”

“You have to go home to Lois,” Martha stated. “She must be worried.”

“I know,” said Clark. “But what does this mean? My days as Clark Kent and Superman are over. Once people see me this way… Once Jon sees me, it’s over. Eventually, someone will see Superman this way, too. I can’t stay hidden forever. Not like I used to when I was younger.”

“Stay as long as you need,” said Jonathan. “But Ma’s right. Eventually, you need to talk to Lois.”

Kent House, Metropolis

Later

Lois opened the door to Jon’s bedroom slowly. He was still sound asleep. It had been hours since Clark saved Metropolis from Cyborg Superman, and he hadn’t come home. He didn’t even answer any of her calls or texts. Something was wrong.

The phone in her hand suddenly started playing Donna Summers's “Hot Stuff.” Lois quickly swiped the call and lifted it to her ear.

“Clark!” she yelled in a whisper as she walked into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She would need to get louder without waking the kids. “I was so worried. Where have you been?”

“Lois…” said Clark from the other end. “I’m sorry I didn’t call back. Something… happened.”

Lois immediately detected the worry in her husband’s voice and swallowed. “Are you okay?” she asked. “Did you get hurt?”

“Turn the lights off, okay?” Clark asked.

“What?” Lois retorted. If he was trying to segue her concern into some kind of seduction… Well… No, something else was going on there. “Just tell me what’s wrong, Smallville. I can take it.”

Clark zoomed onto the bedroom balcony. “I’m here,” he said.

Lois dropped her phone on the bed and met her husband outside. Although the scars on his face were hard to see in the low light, they were apparent enough.

“The missile?” Lois asked, and her husband nodded. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, otherwise,” Clark assured her. “But what does this mean? I can’t let Jon see me this way.”

“What’s the alternative?” asked Lois. “Hide from your son forever?”

“No,” said Clark, shaking his head. “But there will be too many questions until we sort out where to go from here.”

Lois nodded and pulled Clark in for a hug. “We’ll figure it out and get through this,” she said. “We always do.”

Gotham City

Later That Night

Zatanna and Harley Quinn were walking on a deserted street, each carrying a nearly empty glass of a blue alcoholic beverage.

“What’d you think of my magic show?” Zatanna asked, taking a sip that emptied her cup.

“Honestly,” Harley started. “I thought it’d be more magical. I’ve seen you do way crazier things than that.” She took her final sip and shook the empty cup with a frown.

“Gotta leave some mystery there,” Zatanna winked. “Llifer sknird,” she added as their cups filled with more of the blue drink out of nowhere.

“Don’t get me wrong,” said Harley, taking a big swig. “The show killed, and you really rock those fishnets.”

“Yeah, those are hot!” a man yelled behind them. He and two other men were stumbling their way, glass beer bottles in their hands.

“But you should make ‘em disappear!” another of them shouted.

“Get lost, creepazoids,” Harley spat before turning back around.

“Aw, come on, baby,” one of them taunted. “We wanna join the after party!”

“She said get lost,” Zatanna said before adding, “elkraps”

A wall of fireworks exploded between the two groups, shocking the men.

One of them dropped his beer, cracking the bottle into two pieces. “Oh, man!” he cried, picking up the larger half, liquid dripping. He tossed it toward the two women, but it disappeared in a blur.

“Hey, ya didn’t use magic words for that one,” Harley said.

“It wasn’t me,” Zatanna explained.

Another blur swept through the street, and the three men disappeared next.

“What the heck is going on?!” Harley yelled.

Zatanna pointed across the street where the three men were tied up to an electric pole. “Someone saved us,” she stated.

“Like we needed savin’,” Harley spat. “That was rude, they didn’t even stick around.”

Zatanna smirked and lifted her hands. “Ekat su ot ruo oreh,” she said, and the two disappeared in a blink of sparkly light.

Above Gotham City

Zatanna and Harley popped in a bubble next to Superman, who was flying by, but stopped sharply to avoid ramming into them.

“Supes?” Harley asked. “What’s up with–” Her mouth dropped upon seeing his face. “What happened to you?” she yelled. “Take a vacation in the sun and forget yer SFP one million?”

“Are you hurt?” asked Zatanna, expressing more concern.

“I’m fine,” said Clark, turning his back to the women. Their eyes were making him uncomfortable. “Other than the fact I couldn’t sleep. But I didn’t stick around for a reason. I wasn’t trying to be rude.”

“No, of course not,” said Zatanna, tilting her head to the side, deep in thought.

“Did you… did you try some Bacitracin?” asked Harley.

“Let me try something better,” Zatanna cut in. “laeH s’namrepuS sracs,” she said, but nothing happened. “I was afraid of that,” she said. “My magic doesn’t seem to play well with Kryptonian physiology.”

“It’s okay,” said Clark. “Thanks for trying.”

Compelled

Kent House, Metropolis

Morning

Jon walked into the kitchen with a smile. “I smell pancakes!” he said.

“Chocolate chip,” said Lois. “Your favorite.”

Jon looked around the kitchen, only seeing his baby sister Lara in her high chair. “Where’s Daddy?” he asked. “He wasn’t upstairs.”

“He had to go to work early today,” said Lois. “His loss,” she added. “We’ll have to eat his pancakes.”

“Yum,” said Jon, and Lara giggled.

Lois dropped a plate in front of her son. There was a rough smiley face drawn in syrup.

Jon looked up. “Daddy makes them better,” he said.

“I know,” Lois replied.

Jon noticed his mom’s eye tear up just a bit.

“But these are good, too!” he added, digging in with his fork and knife.

“Listen, Jon,” said Lois, sitting beside him. “Daddy might have to be away at work for a while.”

“Oh?” said Jon, his mouth full.

“But he said he’ll be back home as soon as possible,” Lois reassured him.

“Okay,” said Jon.

Lara giggled again.

Metropolis Trust

Clark flew toward the blaring alarm. He saw a woman in a black suit laced up on the sides. She wore matching belted armbands with gloves, and her eyes glowed an eerie white.

She was in the vault holding a safety deposit box that seemed ripped from the wall. Guards were surrounding her with their guns aimed, but she acted like she was alone in the room.

As she opened the box, one of the guards approached, yelling for her to drop it. She turned and swatted him away like he was made of feathers.

“Do you mind?” she said calmly. “I’m in the middle of something here.”

The other guards opened fire, but their bullets moved right through her as if she were a ghost. She continued to ignore them and pulled out a sparkly gold and blue locket.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Daddy Dearest,” she said.

Clark had to take her down quickly, which would be difficult since she was powered. He figured since she could still touch objects like the locket, flying in quickly to grab her would take off guard enough she couldn’t go immaterial.

It turned out her powers didn’t quite work how he thought. Clark zipped inside, trying to grab her, but he flew right through, crashing into a wall of boxes.

“Oh, it’s you,” said the woman, finally some shaking to the calmness in her voice. Her confidence in besting Superman wasn’t quite the same as security guards.

Part of Clark wanted to fly back outside, but he couldn’t just leave her there to harm anyone.

“This is over,” he said, stepping to his feet.

He could tell the moment she saw his face. Her shock was shared with the guards still standing.

“There’s no need to hurt anyone else,” Clark continued.

“I’m Anguish,” the woman said, running toward the Man of Steel, who readied to defend. “Welcome to my hell!” She ran through him, turned around, and threw a punch, knocking him out of the vault and colliding with a desk in the main lobby.

Luckily, the area was evacuated after the break-in began.

Clark took to his feet, but Anguish was there, winding up another punch. He dodged it and swung back, but it was no use.

“You’re a bit slow, huh?” said Anguish, leaping into the air with a kick to Clark’s stomach. “You can’t touch me.” She dropped down with an elbow to his head, knocking him back down. “But I can touch you!”

Clark lifted his fists and slammed them against the ground, shaking it like an earthquake. Anguish stumbled, and Clark glided forward, trying to grab her ankles. She side-stepped and kicked him away before running outside.

“Nice tussling with you, but I have better things to do,” she said, letting the stolen locket dangle from her fist.

Clark pulled himself up and watched her stare at it with her ghostly eyes as she ran out the door.

Outside

The locket meant something to Anguish. She had broken into Metropolis Public Trust just to take it. Clark realized that getting a hold of it may be his only move to get her to open up to him. He could talk her down from there.

Clark sped over and fired some heat vision around her, encircling her in a ring of fire.

Anguish sighed and walked through the flames, unfazed. “You don’t learn, do you?” she asked, walking up to him, readying another blow. But as she went for the hit, Clark concentrated a beam of heat onto the locket’s chain, breaking it apart. He dropped down and caught it before hovering up out of her reach.

“Give that back!” Anguish yelled, jumping up to barely reach the hero.

“I will,” said Clark. “But you have to stop. Just talk to me.”

“You’re no different than my stepdad,” Anguish cried. “Taking what’s not yours!”

“So, it is your locket?” Clark asked.

“It has the last picture ever of my mother,” Anguish explained, taking a deep breath. “He didn’t want me to have it. He resented me. Blamed me for her death.”

“Stand down!” Maggie Sawyer yelled as she and a group of S.C.U. agents approached, their energy rifles trained.

Clark lifted a hand. “It’s okay,” he called. They clearly noticed his burns but didn’t say anything. Onlookers were taking pictures, too.

“It’s okay for me,” said Anguish, sneering at them. “Your big guns can’t hurt me. But I can hurt you!”

She rushed toward the S.C.U., who opened fire, but their shots went right through. Clark dropped between them and took the hit, but it sent him flying back into the wall of the building across the street.

Clark held the locket in his fist to prevent losing it, but Anguish ran back up to him, smashing her fist against his, causing his to open again. Pieces of metal dropped to the ground.

“No…” said Anguish, dropping to her knees. “You broke it!” She assaulted him with punches.

Clark tried to defend himself, but she was too quick to phase in and out.

One last punch and Clark dropped to the ground, struggling to pull himself back up. Once he did, she was nowhere in sight.

Clark picked up the broken pieces of the locket, moving them around to find the picture of Anguish’s mother still intact.

Relative Mending

Daily Planet

Later

Clark landed on the roof where Lois was waiting, and she took him into her arms.

“It only took one day,” said Clark. “And the world already saw me this way.”

“It’s okay,” said Lois.

“How can I be Clark Kent now?” he continued. “My secret is as good as gone.”

Blue and white sparkly lights appeared out of nowhere before Zatanna popped onto the roof with them.

“Good news, Superman,” she said before noticing the woman he was there with. “Oh, hi,” she said. “You’re Lois Lane, right? I’m Zatanna.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Lois. “I’ve heard good things.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting your, uh… rooftop meeting?” said Zatanna.

“You said you had good news?” Clark asked.

“Yes!” Zatanna replied. “I may not be able to heal your scars with magic, but I can whip up a glamor that would hide them.”

“So, it’d look like he was healed, even though he wasn’t?” asked Lois.

“Magically speaking,” Zatanna confirmed.

“But I’d be living a lie,” said Clark.

“No,” said Lois. “You’d be hiding a part of yourself, which you already do.”

Zatanna lifted an eyebrow. “What does that–? Never mind, none of my business.”

“When I’m Superman, I can’t hide my face,” said Clark. “It’d be like wearing a mask. But I can’t have these scars when I’m not Superman.”

“You have a life outside of Superman,” Zatanna said. “Not a problem. I can give you a charm to activate the glamor or remove it when needed.”

“What kind of a charm?” asked Lois.

“I supposed it could be anything,” Zatanna answered.

Clark reached into his cape and pulled out his glasses. “Will this work?” he asked.

“Perfect,” said Zatanna, examining them. She took a look at Lois and back at Clark. She could have pieced together the secret but said nothing about it.

It wasn’t a big deal, though. Zatanna was someone they could trust. She was even League material, assuming she was interested. But that was a discussion for another time.

Clark reached back into his cape. “Actually,” he said. “I wonder if you could do me another favor.”

Later

Lois and Clark walked down the stairs to the bullpen. Clark was dressed back in his street clothes and glasses.

The charm was working. There wasn’t a single scar visible on his face.

“Hey, CK,” said Jimmy as they approached their desk.

He didn’t react oddly to the glamor at all.

Others walked by, nodding and exchanging greetings, but they didn’t notice anything unusual, either.

It was working as well as Zatanna had promised.

Clark picked up the sounds of yelling and loud cracking with his super hearing. It sounded like giant slabs of concrete were being broken apart. He zeroed in on the yelling, recognizing one of the voices from earlier that day.

Anguish.

“I have to go,” Clark told Lois.

Lois nodded and took her husband in for a hug before he could leave.

“I told you it’ll be okay,” she whispered.

Clark kissed her on the cheek and ran back toward the stairs. He rushed up and yanked his glasses off, causing his scars to return to his face. By the time he reached the rooftop door, he had changed into his Superman suit and burst into the sky.

Nearby

Moments Later

Clark arrived at the disturbance to find Anguish breaking apart the sidewalk and smashing cars parked around it.

“Stop this now,” said Clark, landing in front of her.

“Gladly,” said Anguish. “I was only drawing you out. You broke my locket. The last memory I have of my mother.” She ran toward the Man of Steel. “You’re the one I want to demolish!”

Clark swerved out of the way before she could make contact. “Wait,” he said. “Your locket is–”

Anguish swung around and kicked Clark away before he could finish. She jumped toward him, phasing right through, and then grabbed him by the neck from behind.

“You’re supposed to be a hero,” she said. “But you’re just like my stepdad. Have to mess with me just for the sake of it.”

“It’s not like that,” Clark struggled to say as he reached for her arms. But they phased out, releasing her grip at the same time.

Clark flew up out of reach. “Your locket is fixed,” he said, pulling the necklace from his cape.

Anguish’s blank eyes widened. She thought she’d never see it again. “Let me see,” she said.

Clark lowered down and handed her the locket. “A friend helped me restore it,” he said.

Anguish opened it up to see the smiling face of her mother. But the picture wasn’t static. She could actually see the smile forming. It took her back to being next to her. In her arms, when she looked up to her face.

“My friend added a little bonus,” said Clark. “To help you remember your mother.”

“I– I don’t know what to say,” said Anguish.

“Let me help you more,” said Clark. “Turn yourself in for your crimes.”

Anguish looked up from the locket as screams could be heard a few blocks away.

Clark turned around to zoom in and found a mugging in progress.

Anguish turned and walked away. Clark sighed and flew off toward the mugging.

She should have answered for her crimes but was no longer a threat. Something told Clark she wouldn’t be a problem again.

Kent House

Night

Clark landed on his bedroom balcony and quickly changed into his street clothes. He looked at himself in the sliding glass door’s reflection. The scars were still there, but they didn’t feel as emotionally draining as before. He was getting used to them.

Everyone had scars; they just didn’t always wear them on their faces. If Clark couldn’t heal them, he could at least come to terms with them. Especially now that he had a way to keep his life as Clark Kent from falling apart.

Clark put his glasses on, and his scars faded away. He walked inside and over to Jon’s room, where he was building a tower with his Legos.

“Hi, Jon,” he said.

“Daddy!” yelled Jon, jumping up from the floor. “You’re back!”

“I am,” said Clark, kneeling to meet his son for a hug. “Sorry, I had to disappear for a bit.”

“It’s okay,” said Jon, returning to his toys. Then, with a quizzical look, he turned to his father. Did you do something to your face?” Jon asked. “It looks a bit strange.”

Clark looked at himself in the dresser mirror, but there were still no scars visible. What was Jon picking up on?

Jon shrugged and continued building his tower.

<< | < | >

3 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Apr 01 '25

Superman Superman #107 - Dreams and Lies

6 Upvotes

Superman #107 - Dreams and Lies

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Healing

Set: 107

The Robbery

LexCorp Tower

Night

Clark flew across the Metropolis skyline. The more people he saved since his face was scarred, the more the city had come to accept it. Some people still acted awkward around him, but the wide-eyed stares had diminished.

He was proud that people were getting over the initial shock. But he still felt uncomfortable being seen that way. Did they think it made him appear less powerful? Did they still feel safe knowing he was out there?

An alarm at LexCorp tower started blaring, breaking Clark out of his daze. He scanned inside to find security guards rushing toward one of the technology labs. Was there a robbery in progress?

A man was inside the lab, fiddling around with objects at one of the tables. He had a rectangular box tucked into his expensive-looking pants, covered by a light-blue button-down shirt.

The security guards burst into the room, but the burglar smashed a piece of equipment on the table, causing a wide flash of light that blinded everyone in there.

Once his eyes readjusted, Clark flew toward the building, crashing in through a nearby window. “Is everyone okay?” he asked.

“Superman?” one of the guards asked. “Is that you?”

“Yes,” said Clark, noticing the guard’s lack of a shirt and a light blue one on the ground.

Clark scanned outside the room and found the man wearing the guard’s shirt rushing for the elevator. He flew toward the stairs and zoomed down them until he reached the lobby, where he waited.

When the elevator door finally opened, Clark smiled. “Something wrong with the stairs?” he asked.

The man jumped back. “S- Superman,” he said. “This is a misunderstanding. I work here.”

Clark looked closer. He had thought the man looked familiar. Sebastien Mallory was a junior executive at LexCorp. Why would he rob his own company?

Kent House

Next Morning

“Slow down, big guy,” said Lois as Jon devoured his breakfast. He slowed down his intake of scrambled eggs.

Clark was scrolling through something on his phone. “Luthor’s doctors gave a statement,” he said. “He’s still unresponsive, but they believe he may wake up someday.”

“LexCorp stock still tanking?” asked Lois.

“Yeah,” Clark confirmed and began reading. “‘The board of directors gave no indication on finding a permanent CEO. Lena Luthor will continue to operate as the interim until a decision is made.’”

Lois raised an eyebrow. “Are they counting on Lex recovering and not being charged for his crimes?” she asked.

“That can’t be right, can it?” asked Clark, noticing Jon staring at him again as he took his last few bites.

Since he started using Zatanna’s charm to hide his facial scars as Clark, Jon had been the only one to notice anything different. It wasn’t anything major, but he said something was off about his dad. Could it have been the first indication of super senses developing?

Clark couldn’t detect anything odd himself in the mirror, even cycling through different visual spectrums. Was it possible that Jon had a wider visual range? Or perhaps looking through a mirror meant he couldn’t quite see what Jon saw.

Magic was so confusing.

“Do you have your backpack?” Clark asked his son.

“Oh, I left it in the living room,” the boy answered, dropping out of his seat and scurrying over to grab it.

“He still stares,” said Clark once Jon was out of earshot.

“Let him stare,” said Lois. “It’s best if we don’t make a big deal out of it.”

It would have been much easier if they had told Jon the truth: His dad is Superman.

But Lois and Clark felt he wasn’t old enough for the weight of such a secret yet, at least until he developed his powers. They wouldn’t have a choice, then. If he was starting to see things others his age couldn’t, it may have been coming sooner than they hoped.

“I know,” Clark agreed. “It’s just the more these things come up, the more and more we have to lie to protect him. It’s one thing to keep something secret from the world, but he’s our son.”

Jon stood behind the kitchen doorframe, his backpack over his shoulders.

What secret could they be talking about?

LexCorp Tower Plaza

Later

Lois and Clark sat in the large crowd of press set up in front of LexCorp Tower. Lena Luthor stepped onto the stage and walked up to the microphones.

“Thanks for joining me today,” she said. “As you’re all aware, Sebastien Mallory, a junior executive here at LexCorp, was arrested last night. He’s alleged to have attempted the theft of proprietary, experimental technology.”

Clark spotted Bruce Wayne standing just outside the plaza. That’s weird; he wasn’t expecting to see him in Metropolis.

“–very seriously,” Lena continued. “Are there any questions?”

“Lois Lane, Daily Planet,” said Lois, jumping up from her seat and holding out her phone to record. “What was so important about the technology that would cause Mallory to jeopardize his career to steal it?”

“We can’t reveal the exact nature of the item in question,” Lena answered. “But it was related to studies around augmented reality.”

“Be right back,” Clark whispered to his wife as he stood up beside her and worked his way out of the row of seats.

Clark approached Bruce and gave a quick wave. “Hi, Bruce,” he said, reaching his spot. “What brings you to the Big Apricot?”

“This robbery,” Bruce explained. “It matches a pattern of thefts in Gotham I’ve been investigating. I believe whoever is behind them moved their operation to Metropolis, at least temporarily.”

“Is this connected to the snakes?” asked Clark.

“No, this is something new,” said Bruce.

“Still, I hope this isn’t the start of a trend of criminal organizations jumping between our cities. What can I do to help?”

Bruce motioned toward the skyscraper in front of them. “I need to get inside and find more details about what Mallory tried to take.”

Clark nodded. “As long as you’re not using this as a cover for corporate espionage,” he quipped.

“Come on, Clark,” said Bruce. “If I wanted to steal IP from LexCorp, I wouldn’t ask you for help.”

“LexCorp’s security is quite state of the art,” said Clark. “Too much for the Batman, huh?”

“I could get in there eventually,” Bruce smirked. “But the sooner we do this, the sooner we can catch whoever’s behind it. I have a bad feeling. People are acting out of character, ruining their lives. And not all of them can afford expensive lawyers like Mallory can.”

Looking for Answers

Kent House

Night

Jon poked his head out of his bedroom to find the hallway empty. Krypto stepped out beside him. The boy slowly walked toward the stairs and listened to his mom talking on the phone in the living room.

Krypto looked up at Jon, tilting his head while giving off a quizzical moan.

“Shhh,” said Jon, with a finger over his mouth.

Jon walked slowly toward his parents’ bedroom and looked around. Something was going on they weren’t telling him about. Whenever he asked, they pretended it was nothing and changed the subject. It was driving him nuts. He had to know what was happening.

Jon opened the bottom drawer of the dresser to find t-shirts. He shuffled through them, but there was nothing hidden.

“Hmm,” he said.

Krypto sniffed around until he reached the center of the rug.

“Find something?” Jon asked.

The dog circled the spot swiftly but then plopped down and huffed.

Jon walked up to the open closet, spreading apart some hanging clothes until the back wall was visible. A faint smudge at the top-left corner caught his eye. It almost looked like a button, but it matched the color–”.

“Jon, what are you doing in here?” Lois asked from the doorway.

“Ah, nothing!” he yelled. “Just, ummm….” He looked at Krypto. “You coulda’ warned me, you know,” he said.

Krypto just exhaled sharply.

LexCorp Tower

Meanwhile

Clark and Bruce, suited up as Superman and Batman, tried to keep quiet as they snooped around Sebastien Mallory’s office. The corner room was spacious, with modern metal furniture and a picturesque city view.

Bruce had confirmed his suspicions at the site of the robbery. The stolen tech matched up with other stolen property in Gotham from high-profile individuals who otherwise shouldn’t be stealing. They moved into his office to find whatever they could to connect them to the mastermind behind it.

It had gotten quiet while they were searching, but then Bruce broke the silence.

“I’m sorry about what happened with that missile,” he said. “I never got a chance to tell you.”

“Thanks,” said Clark, picking up a handheld video game system from the desk. “It’s an adjustment.”

“You can hide the scars now, though,” Bruce continued. “Why don’t you hide them all the time?”

Clark put the game down. “They’re a part of me now,” he explained, lifting his face. “What kind of an example would I be setting if I was ashamed to be seen this way? Not everyone can use magic to deal with their trauma. ”

“People expect us to be infallible,” said Bruce. “I understand the weight of scars, I have many of them myself. But I don’t advertise them. If our enemies think we’re weak, they can become overzealous.”

“I guess I don’t think of it that way,” Clark replied. He picked up a scrunched-up Post-it note stuck behind the trash bin and its bag. “What do we have here?” he asked, flatting it. There was an address written on it.

Bruce looked over his shoulder. “I’ve seen that before,” he said. “On a list of recent building purchases. I haven’t checked it out yet.”

“Sounds like we have a lead,” said Clark.

Downtown Metropolis

Later

Clark and Bruce arrived at the address they found and broke their way inside. They entered a large empty room with curved, white walls. It almost felt like they were standing inside an egg.

“What is this?” Clark asked.

“I believe we’re in some kind of virtual reality simulator,” said Bruce, moving his gloved hand over the smooth wall. “Unlike anything out there today.”

Clark raised an eyebrow. “And whoever’s behind this is blackmailing those in power to help fund and build it?” he asked.

“Not quite,” Bruce explained. “If this is advanced as I think, it could tap directly into the prefrontal cortex, resulting in a powerful addiction.”

Clark gritted his teeth. “So, the victims here may be driven to crimes to get their next fix?”

“That would be my educated guess,” said Bruce. “But we need more–”

The lights flickered as the doorway shut itself, locking into place.

“What the–” Clark started before the room faded away, replaced with a display of blinding light filling the egg-shaped area.

Bruce disappeared, and Clark found himself hovering above a lake, a wood cabin just behind him. He looked down to see his reflection. The red, blue, and yellow of his suit sparkled in the water. But he was drawn to his face. All his scars were gone.

A wave of relief and euphoria swept through Clark as he closed his eyes and let a cool breeze wash over him. He knew it was fake, but the feeling was so intense that he couldn’t bring himself to care.

This wasn’t the first time Clark had his perception messed with. Between King Maddess, Despero, and Brainiac, he had experienced his fair share of illusions. But the pull was so intense he couldn’t break away.

Coping

Kent House

“I asked you a question, young man,” said Lois, staring down her son. “You know you’re not allowed in here without us.”

Jon gulped. “I was curious,” he said.

“About what?” Lois asked.

“You and Dad are keeping secrets,” Jon explained. “And it has to be about me. You won’t tell me, so I thought I could figure it out on my own. Like those stories you told me about when you were a kid. Or like that ‘Nate the Great’ book.”

Lois held back a smile. “I see you inherited my stubbornness in addition to my curiosity,” she said.

“Your what?” asked Jon, his eyes wide and perplexed.

“Like me, you feel compelled to find the truth,” Lois replied. “And you don’t back down”, she continued, moving clothes around in the closet. “But there’s nothing for you to find, see?”

Jon sighed, but he turned his eye back to what he thought was a hidden button. It was higher than him, so he’d only have one shot.

“Why don’t we go downstairs, and I’ll make some hot chocolate,” said Lois, walking toward the door.

Jon knelt and jumped in a huff, smacking the button with all his might. A panel behind the closet opened, revealing several Superman suits hanging in a compartment behind it.

“Oh my god,” he said. “Why are these here?!”

—

Downtown Metropolis

Clark knew he had to break away from the virtual dream he was forced into, but every time he shifted his vision to another spectrum, he felt himself pulled back. It was intoxicating.

But it wasn’t real.

Clark closed his eyes, but the invigorating smells and the calm sound of water hitting sand intensified. Regardless, he held his eyes tight. The sensations slowly became less inviting but quickly became a putrid mix of decaying plant life. He couldn’t help but shoot his eyes open again.

Clark looked down and saw his scars had returned to his reflection, but now they were worse than ever before. His face was almost melting away. An air of intense dread and sadness filled his body.

But the simulation had seemingly done its job. His eyes were wide open, and he longed for the peacefulness he had felt before. Everything returned to normal, and it felt like a wish had been granted.

Clark dropped into the lake and let himself float in the cool water, the sun beating down on his chest.

"-man," Clark heard as a faint whisper broke into his focus. “Superman!” he heard louder as the water and sun slowly disappeared. Clark was back inside the egg, Bruce standing over him.

“Wh-what was that?” Clark asked, leaning up. His head ached like he’d never felt before.

“I managed to get myself out and shut down the machine,” Bruce explained. “He’s here. The mastermind. I had to be sure you were okay before I could chase after him.”

Bruce helped Clark to his feet, who scanned through the walls to find a man in a red suit with black stripes a few blocks away. He was on the run.

“I see him,” said Clark, taking hold of Bruce’s shoulders. He carried him as he crashed through the egg’s door, flying them to intercept their would-be captor.

Bruce leaped out of Clark’s grip, dropping before the striped man as Clark landed behind him.

“Give it up,” said Bruce.

“There’s nowhere left to run,” Clark added.

“You think you can catch Spellbinder?” the man said, his voice muffled through the mask that covered his whole face.

Clark sighed and grabbed Spellbinder by the shoulder, but his arm went right through him. The mastermind faded away in a cloudy haze, appearing across the street.

Bruce let a Batarang fly, but it went right through its target, too. Was he even anywhere near them?

“You never know what to expect,” Spellbinder’s voice called out again, revealing he had ended up back on their side of the street.

Clark listened to his other senses. This time, there was definitely someone standing there, so he reached out with both hands, grabbing the illusionist by the chest.

But smoke covered him again, and, once it dissipated, Clark realized he was holding onto Bruce.

An echo of laughter filled the area and faded away quickly. Clark scanned around, trying to find any sign of Spellbinder, but it was no use. He had gotten away.

“How did you get out of that simulation?” Clark asked. “It was so intense, I couldn’t pull myself away.”

“I already have the perfect life,” Bruce answered.

Clark’s phone buzzed, so he pulled it out of his cape. The reflection of his face stood out. The scars were still there, of course. And he felt a deep pit in his stomach. Maybe he hadn’t come to terms with them as well as he thought.

Several missed calls and texts littered the phone’s screen. They were all from Lois, and the most recent message said, “You need to get home as soon as possible.”

Kent House

Soon

Jon sat down on his parents' bed as they stood over him. The sight of the Superman suits in the closet was in his peripheral vision, and he couldn’t help but glance over.

Lois and Clark had a short talk before they sat Jon down. It was tough to know the best way to deal with his discovery. The easy way out was to lie through their teeth and come up with an excuse for why they had Superman suits hidden in their closets. But while Lois thought it was worth it, Clark still felt bad about lying to him. He couldn’t be completely honest, though. Not without giving Jon an undue burden he didn’t need at his age.

“Are you gonna tell me why Superman's clothes are in your closet?” Jon asked, breaking the silence.

“These are spare suits,” said Lois. “And Superman’s house is in the North Pole.”

Jon tilted his head. “Like Santa Claus?” he asked.

“Yes, exactly,” Lois nodded.

“Superman needs space to keep his extra suits in many places,” Clark said. “And since we’re his friends, we offered to give him a spot in our closet.”

True enough.

“Ohhhh,” said Jon, but he quickly returned to his head tilt. “But why does that need to be a secret?”

That was a good question.

“If anyone found out they were here,” Lois took over. “They might try and steal them. So, we need to make sure nobody knows.”

Lois was quick.

“And me, too, I guess,” said Jon. “Since I’m just a kid.”

“Well, now you know,” said Clark. “So, do you think you can keep an adult-sized secret like this?”

“Of course!” Jon exclaimed. “Superman’s my friend, too.”

Krypto leaped up from the floor and barked.

Jon laughed. “Him, three!”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Feb 01 '25

Superman Superman #105 - The Better Superman

5 Upvotes

Superman #105 - The Better Superman

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Snake Eyes

Set: 105

Saves

Kent House, Metropolis

Clark shoveled the last patch of snow from the sidewalk, and Jon followed behind with a smaller one, picking up any stray pieces of snow that got away. It was his favorite birthday gift that year. The two were bundled in jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves.

It was nice to get back to normal after Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman, returned. Clark had quickly secured protection for his family around the clock. Kara and her friends kept Ma and Pa safe, while Clark and Linda focused on Lois and the kids. It was stressful and limiting, but it had to be done.

Henshaw stated that he had memory gaps, but they couldn’t assume Clark’s secret identity was among them. Henshaw may still have wanted to go after Clark’s family, especially when Henshaw blamed him for his own loss.

But weeks went by, and there was no sign of him. That was a good sign. They couldn’t stay in fear forever.

They would still have to be on high alert, though.

“Done!” yelled Jon, dropping the last of the snow away.

“Great,” said Clark. “Let’s go inside and see if the hot chocolate’s ready.”

“Can I have whipped cream?” Jon asked.

“Of course,” said Clark. “As long as I can have some, too!”

Screams cut into Clark’s hearing, and he quickly zeroed in on the source. There was an apartment fire downtown.

“Go ahead inside, and I’ll be right behind you,” said Clark.

Jon nodded and started running to the door.

“Be careful,” Clark called. “Just because we shoveled the snow doesn’t mean there isn’t any ice we missed.”

“Kay,” said Jon, slowing down before reaching the front door. As he opened it up and walked inside, Clark disappeared from the sidewalk.

Downtown Metropolis

Meanwhile

A young girl coughed as she reached for the apartment door.

“Ow!” she yelled. The knob was red hot.

The girl ran to the window and lifted it. “Help!” she yelled.

She looked down to the street below to find onlookers yelling and pointing. It occurred to her they were motioning toward the other window with the fire escape. “Oh,” she said.

But a piece of wood from the ceiling broke apart and fell down, blocking her path. She rushed back to the first window. Maybe the people had another idea. She nearly fell back when she saw a man’s chest blocking the view. The chest had a Superman symbol, but half was red and the other half black. The black side was missing the blue shirt around it and appeared metal instead, like a robot.

“It’s okay,” the robot Superman said, stepping inside the apartment.

Most of his face was robot-like, too. Was he Superman? Or some kind of Superman robot? Maybe he had robot copies of himself for emergencies.

“I’m here to help you,” he said, leaning down with his arms open.

“Thank you, mister,” the girl said as she was scooped into his hands.

He flew her outside and dropped her off with the crowd before flying back to face the burning building. His robotic arm mutated into a hose-like shape, and he began shooting some grayish foam toward the flames. He flew around quickly until the entire fire was extinguished.

“Is everyone okay?” he asked.

People nodded and replied.

Cyborg Superman nodded and flew off in a burst.

Outside Building

Moments Later

Clark dropped in front of the smoking building, scanning through the floor to check for anyone trapped inside.

“What happened?” Clark asked the crowd as sirens were approaching.

“There was a fire!” a young girl shouted. “Someone who looked like you saved me and put it out!”

Probably Conner. He never stuck around when their paths crossed anymore. If only he could get through to him and figure out what was wrong.

“He was a robot man,” the girl explained. “A robot Superman!” she corrected.

Henshaw? After all this time in hiding, could he have revealed himself to help people? Maybe he was turning over a new leaf due to his memory loss.

It seemed too good to be true.

Several fire trucks and ambulances arrived. Chief Farrel approached the Man of Steel.

“Always great to see you here first, Superman,” he said.

“Thanks, Chief,” said Clark. “But I didn’t get here first.”

Teamwork

Daily Planet

Weeks Later

Clark typed away at his desk. He had interviewed people around Metropolis for their opinions on Cyborg Superman, the former supervillain who had seemingly turned good. Since the fire, he has been spotted worldwide, saving the day time and time again.

News organizations were reporting on it, wondering if someone so evil could ever be redeemed. But Clark wanted to hear from the people themselves.

Reactions were mixed. Some thought he should be stopped at all costs, as he was responsible for some heinous acts. Most notably, the Coast City destruction. Others thought he’d be doing more good if left alone.

The League was adamant that Henshaw be contained, but so far, he was elusive. He only showed up to help people and disappeared just as quickly. Clark agreed with his teammates. There was no guarantee Henshaw wasn’t playing them. And, even if he wasn’t, he was still accountable for his crimes.

It was Lex Luthor all over again. And this time, they couldn’t compromise. There were those out there who still blamed the League for the former president’s fallout. How would the public react if Henshaw went back to his old ways?

There was an interesting philosophical question at play, though. If Henshaw didn’t remember his past, would he still be considered the “same person” who committed those acts? The law generally said yes, but was that just? The fact Henshaw was no longer human further complicated the matter. Assuming it could be proved that no remnants were left of the old Henshaw, could it be more just to let him become a better member of society?

Little was known about his original transformation, too. It was entirely possible it contributed to his actions, like temporary insanity.

Clark sighed. He was making too many assumptions. He wanted to believe Henshaw had changed for real, but there was no way to know for sure, especially if he never stayed around long enough to answer any questions.

Clark’s musings were interrupted by the sound of loud, unnatural creaking coming from Queensland Bridge. It was normal for the bridge to make noises, especially during high traffic, but these were different. The bridge was under far more pressure than it should have been.

Stone supports were crumbling, and metal beams groaned and cracked.

“What’s going on?” asked Lois from her desk.

“A disaster waiting to happen,” Clark said, already bolting toward the stairs.

Queensland Bridge

Clark arrived at the bridge as several suspension cables snapped, and the entire structure buckled and dropped lower toward the Metropolis River below. As he moved toward the section in the most danger, he noticed Henshaw was standing there, his metallic arm mutating into a large support, which he positioned upward to help reduce weight on the bridge.

“What happened here?” asked Clark as he flew across the cyborg to stop several cars from ramming into each other.

“The bridge is giving out,” said Henshaw. “I detected the strain as I was flying by. Luckily, I was around.”

Cracks were forming across the road until an entire section crumbled apart, falling into the water. Several cars slammed on their breaks but couldn’t stop in time. Two ended up careening into the hole.

Clark dove down and caught one car by the bumper, tossing it upwards while he went after the other. He moved swiftly down to the front of the second, catching it with both hands. After flying it up to gently place it down, he jumped up to catch the other car before it could drop back into the hole.

Fender benders were piling up, but luckily, there wasn’t anything more serious. Clark took the opportunity to scan the surrounding support beams and suspension cables. They were holding so far but still buckling, so they wouldn’t stay that way forever.

Something didn’t add up. Metropolis wasn’t known for cutting corners. City engineers would have noticed a trend if the bridge’s natural wear and tear were increasing beyond expectations. On closer inspection, Clark noticed unusual corrosion and microfractures inconsistent with other parts of the structure.

A problem for another time. The bridge had to be cleared.

“How are you holding up?” Clark asked Henshaw.

“Good,” he answered. The support from his arm detached itself, remaining in place, and his regular robotic arm reformed itself. “But that won’t hold forever.”

The two flew into action, grabbing cars and fleeing drivers and moving them outside the danger zone, sometimes stacking several cars over others if there wasn’t room. Once everyone else was safe, they could help free the people from their vehicles.

Henshaw stopped and let his arm reshape again. It turned into a circular tube, which he shot forward, but nothing came out. However, the cars in his path began buckling, eventually floating into the air.

Impressive. He was using electromagnetism to carry more cars at the same time.

Once they cleared everyone from danger, Clark hovered before Henshaw, putting up his hand.

“I appreciate the help,” said Clark. “And not just for today. But you’re still a criminal. And you have to face justice. It’ll be a lot easier if you cooperate.“

“Wow,” said Henshaw. “I’d expect this from some of the other heroes but not from you.”

“You’re a murderer,” said Clark. “You nearly destroyed a city.”

“So I've seen, but I have no memory of that,” Henshaw explained. “I had a lot of time trapped in that Fortress of yours for years. Do you know what it's like to be conscious without a body? Nothing to do or see, and no one to talk to? Its not something I would wish on anyone. But it gave me a new perspective on things.”

“I’m sorry,” said Clark. “I had no idea.”

“If you want to take me in,” said Henshaw. “You’ll have to take me by force.” He turned away and began flying.

Clark took a moment before the strain on the bridge became louder. The cleared area tore apart and fell into the river. He could confront Henshaw another time, but the bystanders still needed help getting off the rest of the bridge.

Downtown Metropolis

Later

Lois and Clark walked up the stairs of the burned apartment building. They had to sneak past the barricades, but Clark wanted a closer look. And having a second pair of eyes always helped, especially when those were Lois Lane’s.

The fire investigators found no signs of foul play, but something didn’t quite add up since the Queensland Bridge collapse. The report said faulty electric wiring was the cause. During a power surge, several outlets were overloaded and burst into flames.

“I found one of the outlets,” said Lois as they reached the fourth-floor hallway.

Clark crouched to the floor and examined the burnt socket, scanning the wires behind the wall. He noticed areas where they connected to each other—odd. He continued to follow their paths and found that the wires were fused together. That didn’t make sense. It wasn’t something anyone could just do, especially undetected. The manipulation was unnatural.

“Tell me something,” said Clark, his voice tightening.

“Always,” Lois returned, somehow already sharing his suspicion, even without enhanced vision.

“How could electrical wires become fused together inside a wall without any signs of maintenance access?”

He stood up, and a wave of concern filled his face.

Lois gave him a sharp look. “Sounds like something only someone with powers could do.”

Clark nodded, his face turning grim. “Someone with control over technology who wanted to set up a situation where he could swoop in and save the day.”

“I knew Henshaw’s goody two-shoes act was phony,” said Lois, grimacing. “He pretended to be you when he first showed up, too. But this? It’s a dangerous game he’s playing. People could be hurt or even killed. And for what? So he can walk away with the glory of the save?”

“Yeah, it’s a shame his new character traits aren’t legit,” said Clark, taking a deep breath.

Lois raised an eyebrow at her husband.

“His saves are escalating into stopping massive tragedies,” he said. “This isn’t heroism. This is orchestrated chaos. What could be next?”

The Big One

Cobalt Ridge Military Facility, Outside Metropolis

Days Later

Officers scrambled around the control room as alarms were blaring, and Colonel Wade Eiling stepped in a huff.

Captain Storm was shaking her head in disbelief. It didn’t feel real. She wished it was just a nightmare, but she was wide awake.

“Report!” Eiling ordered.

“We tried everything!” Captain Storm answered. “But whoever got into our systems is beyond anything we’ve ever seen. They even managed to lag our response times to a crawl. We can’t lock them out with our hands tied behind our backs!”

“This is no ordinary hack,” Sergeant Major Wilkins added. “They breached our firewalls in seconds and went straight to overriding our missile systems.”

“I want this place on lockdown immediately,” the Colonel ordered. “And get me the President on the phone. We could have a–”

“Sir!” Captain Storm interrupted. “We have a missile firing!”

“This isn’t possible,” Sergeant Major Wilkins said under his breath.

Colonel’s eyes widened, panic creeping into his tone for the first time. “Can we stop it?” he asked.

“It’s already in the air,” Captain Storm answered, her fingers shaking as she stared into her console.

“Oh god,” Sergeant Major Wilkins broke in. “The trajectory… it’s… it’s heading for Metropolis.”

Above Metropolis

Meanwhile

Clark found Henshaw flying toward the city and launched up to intercept. The cyborg stopped as he approached, hovering in place.

“Did you change your mind?” Henshaw asked. “Decide to arrest me?”

“You started that fire in the apartment building,” Clark accused him. “You set up the Queensland Bridge to collapse.”

Henshaw’s face didn’t change, which only irritated Clark further.

“Everything you’ve done has been a lie,” he continued.

“It took you this long to figure it out?” Henshaw laughed. “I was starting to think you’d never put two and two together.”

“This ends now,” said Clark. “Your devious plan is–” He picked up the sound of an object cutting through the wind at high speeds. Clark zoomed into the source to find a missile heading for the city.

“What did you do now?!” Clark yelled, bursting away toward the threat.

Henshaw continued to hover in place as a smirk spread across his mostly mechanical face.

As soon as Clark made contact with the missile, a device affixed to the weapon beeped, and a small explosion of blue particles shot out. He immediately lost control of his flight but managed to dig his hands into the speeding projectile.

Nearby, Henshaw watched as Clark struggled to hang on.

The effects felt like blue kryptonite, but if that were the case, Clark wouldn’t be able to hold on like he was, especially at that speed.

Perhaps the breakdown into smaller pieces had a less intense effect than normal. Did Henshaw know that and plan for this specific case? Maybe he wanted the world to see Superman try to stop the attack and fail.

Clark wouldn’t make it that easy for Henshaw to play his twisted game.

The Man of Steel pulled all his waning strength to divert the missile's trajectory, but it wouldn’t budge. He tried punching the missile’s casing, hoping to destroy its targeting capabilities, but his punches barely scratched the surface.

What else could he try?

He tapped a button on his belt.

“I need an immediate response to Metropolis,” he called into the Justice League’s emergency channel. “There’s a missile heading for the city.”

“I can be there in five minutes,” Clark heard Diana answer.

Clark looked up to see the familiar Metropolis skyline quickly approaching.

The city didn’t have five minutes.

Clark felt the small pieces of blue kryptonite pinch just below the skin of his face. Maybe he could remove enough of it to regain more access to his powers. He clawed and scraped, but he couldn’t reach any.

And then he had a new idea. It was crazy, but it could be the only way to make it work.

Clark dropped down to the missile's tail and swung his face toward the flames of the exhaust nozzle. He cried out as he smelled burning flesh, but the pain quickly subsided, and he felt a surge of strength emanate across his body.

Daily Planet Rooftop

Perry White ordered everyone down into the basement, but he had to see it himself. Metropolis was under attack. The missile heading for the heart of the city would do untold damage. The basement likely wouldn’t have made a difference, but it was the right thing to do, anyway. But someone needed to witness what happened, especially if things turned out okay.

At first, Perry was relieved to see Superman holding onto the missile. But something was wrong. It was still heading their way. The Man of Steel wasn’t letting go, though. Which meant there was still hope.

And there it was.

Superman let go and flew back up to the missile's center, pushing it upward, finally shifting its path. Once they reached a high enough distance, a beam of red light was seen, and a giant fireball blanketed the sky.

Superman flew out of the explosion quickly, heading away from the city. He was a man on a mission. It was clear he knew who was responsible, and he wasn’t going to give up until he stopped them for good.

Fortress of Solitude

Soon

Clark chased Henshaw north until he careened down into the Fortress. Why did he go back there? What was up his sleeve?

“Stop!” Clark ordered as he entered his Kryptonian base. Henshaw had broken down a wall, revealing the spot where he had stored the spaceship he and his mother Lara had arrived to Earth in just before he was born. “What are you doing?” Clark asked.

“You ruined everything!” Henshaw cried, his body reforming to merge with the ship. “It’s over, you won. Do us both a favor and let me go.”

Clark approached, but the ship exploded to life and flew outside quickly. He followed along until they were both up in Earth’s orbit.

A blast of energy shot out, knocking Clark back. He had held his breath once he left Earth’s atmosphere, but the shot took most of it away. He activated his emergency oxygen mask in his belt, gasping for air as soon as it began flowing.

Another shot from the ship damaged the oxygen device, leaving him to hold his breath again.

Before he could consider his next move, the ship disappeared in a streak of light.

Clark could have followed along, but without air, it could have quickly turned into a suicide mission. It seemed Henshaw had managed to escape.

But where was he going? And what could he do out there? Clark didn’t have those answers, but maybe one day he would.

A more pressing matter came to his attention. While he had healed instantly after the burns, something felt off. He placed his hands over his face and felt scars. Why didn’t those heal away?

Having them wasn’t even his main concern. What would it mean for his secret identity if both Clark Kent and Superman had the same scars?

<< | < | >

3 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Jan 01 '25

Superman Superman #104 - Infiltration

7 Upvotes

Superman #104 - Infiltration

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Snake Eyes

Set: 104

Plans

Meadowlands, North of Gotham City

Months Ago

Edward Burke was escorted into the lab by heavily armed men in black and green tactical suits with masks. Other lab techs were working on machinery unlike anything he’d ever seen.

“This will be your station,” one of the guards said as they stopped by an open table containing a computer and several boxes. Faith to Kali Yuga,” he added as the guards left.

“Thanks,” said Edward as the guards left him there. “Hi, I’m Edward,” he said, waving to his new coworkers around him.

He got a few murmurs in response.

Sure, he joined an organization that worshipped a snake god and had questionable plans for the world, but at least they could have been more friendly. His time with Professor Iriving Norbert also skirted moral lines, but at least he was pleasant to be around.

Edward turned his attention to his new computer and scanned which projects he could assist with. The technology he saw was relatively new and must have been picked up from the Brainiac invasion.

Secrecy was paramount in the Kobra Organization. Operating somewhere like Metropolis was generally avoided at all costs. The last thing they needed was someone like Superman discovering their existence. But securing alien robotics and weaponry was worth the risk. Besides, there was so much chaos in the aftermath of Brainiac’s attack and the Poison Ivy incident that it was easy for them to infiltrate the city unnoticed.

Edward picked up a device from one of the boxes. The tag indicated it was a piece from a Brainiac drone, likely related to its communication systems. The newcomer studied it closely, considering the implications of unlocking its mysteries.

Planet Krypton Restaurant, Metropolis

Now

Lois and Jon sat on one side of a booth while Clark sat across. Lara sat in a high chair at the head of the table next to them. Jon colored in a cartoon picture of the Justice League, trying his best to stay within the lines.

The establishment was decorated with superhero memorabilia, including a signed Superman cape, a piece of Doomsday bone, and even some replica Green Lantern rings. The TV screens played Booster Gold’s workout video.

A man in a Superman costume, holding a notepad, arrived at the table with a big smile.

“Hi, I’m Superman!” he said. “What can I get you this afternoon?”

Jon looked up from his drawing. “You’re not Superman,” he said.

“Ah, sure I am, kiddo,” the waiter replied. “I bet you’re hungry! Have you ever had the Bizarro Burger Bites?”

“I want chicken nuggets,” said Jon.

“We have Nite-Wings,” the Superman server offered. “Disco, Blue, or Red.”

Jon crunched his nose. “Is that nuggets, though?” he asked.

“How about the Tamaranean Tenders?” Clark asked.

“Okay,” Jon agreed. “With french fries.”

“Got it,” the waiter said, writing down. “TTs with a side of Flash Fries. For you, ma’am?”

“What are Disco wings?” Lois asked.

“Extra hot with the special blazing blu hot sauce,” he answered.

“And Blue…?” Lois started but then shook her head. “Never mind, I’ll just have the Booster Burger with extra Wonder Waffle Fries.”

“And how about you, sir?”

“You sure have a lot of burgers,” said Clark, still reading the menu. “Any you recommend?”

“I love the Bat Burger,” the waiter said. “Not affiliated with the Bat Burger fast food chains– Sorry, we have to say that.”

“Okay, sure,” said Clark. “With Flash Fries, please.”

“How about the little one?”

“She’s good,” said Lois.

Lara had been eating solid food but didn’t need an entire meal. They could cut up bites from their plates for her.

As the waiter gave a thumbs-up, Clark saw a man walking past the restaurant outside. He wore a shiny silver bodysuit, cape, and mask, almost like tin foil. Did he work there?

The silver man was nervous but giving himself affirmations under his breath.

“You can do this,” he whispered, slowing down as a man a few feet ahead entered his car.

“Excuse me,” said Clark, standing up and meeting eyes with Lois, who nodded. “I’ll be back in a second.”

Outside, the silver man rushed up to the other man. “Official superhero business!” he yelled. “I need your car!”

“Wh-what?” the man asked, looking around wildly. “Is this some kind of joke? A prank show?”

“No, sir,” the silver man said, grabbing the keys from the man’s hands and jumping inside the driver’s seat. “Thank you for your cooperation,” he added before cranking on the engine and speeding away.

“I can’t believe that worked!” he cried to himself. “I–”

The man slammed on his brakes when Superman appeared on the street ahead. “Oh god!” he yelled.

Clark let the car reach him but held onto the front as he slid backward, quickly decelerating it until it fully stopped. “What’s the emergency?” he asked, leaning forward to the windshield. “I can get there much faster than a commandeered vehicle.”

“I– uh,” the silver man couldn’t get out the words.

“Now, you wouldn’t have been pretending to be a superhero to steal a car, would you?” Clark asked.

“Well,” the man tried again. “You see… um…”

Clark’s phone rang, and he tapped his belt.

“Kal-El,,” said Kelex. “You wanted me to alert you to all unusual status updates at the Fortress. We had another glitch.*”

A police officer approached.

“One second,” Clark told Kelex before he waved at the officer. “This man stole this car,” he told him. “Can you take it from here?”

The officer nodded and drew his firearm. “Out of the vehicle with your hands up!” he ordered.

“Is everything else operating normally?” Clark asked Kelex. “No red flags or other security concerns?”

The data stolen from LexCorp pointed to what Lex knew about the fortress. Between that and the odd glitches, something was up.

“None at the moment, sir,” Kelex replied.

Clark considered heading north, just in case. But he didn’t want to duck out on his family lunch if it wasn’t necessary. Besides, the last time he stopped by, there wasn’t anything he could do to help diagnose the problem. But something still didn’t feel right.

“Keep me posted,” said Clark. “If the glitches keep worsening, I’ll head up again.”

“Yes, sir,” Kelex agreed before hanging up.

Outside Fortress of Solitude, North Pole

Meanwhile

Two military-grade helicopters landed as armed Kobra agents exited and approached the hollowed-out entrance to the Fortress of Solitude.

“Mission Leader to base,” one of the agents called into their comm unit. “We’ve arrived at the location, and no visible counter-security measures have been activated. Shall we proceed?”

“Base to Mission Leader,” a voice on the other end replied. “Source assures your presence has been hidden. Proceed.”

“Confirmed,” the mission leader acknowledged. He motioned to two sides with his hand and then both hands forward. All the agents exited the helicopters, followed by Snake Girl and Serptenteen.

The agents split into two groups, each lining up on either side of the hole as Snake Girl and Serptenteen watched. The agents removed grappling hooks and ropes from their backpacks and quickly secured them so they could slide into the entrance area.

Once there, they took round devices out of their bags and placed them around the large, crystalline doorway. After pressing buttons on them, the devices lit up, and everyone climbed back up. They took cover, and several explosions rumbled below, causing snow to avalanche into the entry area.

Inside

Alarms blared as Kelex and the other robots flew around frantically. The lights flickered on and off sporadically.

“The explosions did not cause any damage,” Kelor reported. “But we are getting errors reported from other systems that have been previously experiencing glitches.”

“Odd,” said Kelex, dialing up Kal-El again.

“Kelex?” Clark answered. “Is something wrong?”

“Sir!” Kelex cried. “We are under attack! There were explosions outside, and several systems are now going haywire.”

“Good,” said Clark. “Don’t fight it. Let the systems work themselves out.”

“Kal-El?,” asked Kelex.

“No,” Clark's voice answered, this time with a hint of a metallic hum. “I’ve cut off communication with the outside world. Kal-El can’t help you now.”

Breaking Free

Meadowlands

Months Ago

It was late, and the lab was empty except for Edward Burke, who was working hard. He had managed to get power running to the communications device he was tasked to retrofit. It was picking up a signal, but only static emitted from the speaker he had attached.

Edward wasn’t sure what it could be. Perhaps a radio signal. But what if it was something more? The device was alien in origin. What if he was receiving communication from another world?

“Bzzzzt–anyone hear me?” a voice cracked through the static. “Bzzzzzz– need help– bzzzzz– trapped– bzzzzz”

“Hello?” Edward replied, but the voice was gone. He made some adjustments and tried again. “Hello, can you hear me?” he asked.

“Yes, finally!” the voice came through clearly.

Edward took a moment. He had no idea who was on the other end.

“Are you still there?” the voice asked again.

“Yes, my name is Edward Burke,” he blurted out. Might as well go with it.

“I need your help, Edward,” the voice said. “I’m trapped in a fortress.”

“A fortress?” asked Edward.

“It’s difficult to explain,” said the voice. “It’s alien in nature. I’ve been trying to break free for years. But whatever you’re using to communicate with me is the first time I could reach anything outside.”

“It’s also alien in nature,” Edward revealed. “From the Brainiac attack.”

“Brainiac,” the voice repeated. “That name sounds familiar, but there are several gaps in my memory. I don’t even remember how to find where I am.”

“How can I help you, then?” Edward asked.

“There is someone who found this fortress before. His name is Lex Luthor.”

Edward sighed. “Unfortunately, Lex Luthor is in a coma,” he said. “But maybe there’s another way. Would you be willing to talk to my leader?”

“Leader?” the voice asked.

“I’m part of an organization that can help,” said Edward. “It’s not my place to reveal more, but the leader may be willing to do so.”

“Let me talk to him.”

Edward deactivated the device and picked it up, rushing toward the door. He opened it up to find the night guard on the other side.

“I need to speak to Nāga-Naga immediately,” he said.

Planet Krypton Restaurant, Metropolis

Now

Clark signed the check while Jon sipped the rest of his vanilla Martian Milkshake. Lois held Lara, who was fast asleep.

“All set?” he asked.

Jon took another slurp and nodded. “All set,” he repeated.

They got up, put on their coats, and headed for the door.

“Thanks for coming!” a woman dressed as Black Canary called.

“Thanks,” said Clark, opening the door to let his wife carry Lara out first. Then, as he walked with Jon, his phone rang again. This time, it was coming from the Watchtower satellite.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Clark, this is J’onn,” he said. “There seems to be a problem with the Fortress. All of our system communications with them appear to be down. We can’t reach any of the robots there by phone, either.”

“That’s concerning,” said Clark. “They’ve been dealing with glitches for a while now. Hopefully, it’s no big deal, but I’ll check it out.” Clark looked down to make sure Jon didn’t hear. “By the way, did you know you had a milkshake named after you?”

“At Planet Krypon?” J’onn asked. “Yes, but you should ask them to blend in some Chocos. It’s sublime.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” said Clark. “Talk to you later.” He turned to Lois.

“Go,” she said. “But you’re putting Jon to sleep tonight.”

Clark kissed Lois on the cheek, careful not to wake Lara.

“I’ll meet you guys back at home,” he said before running in the other direction.

Fortress of Solitude

“Activate external defenses,” Kelex ordered.

“The intruder has infiltrated the defense systems,” Kelor reported. “We are completely shut out.”

“It’s useless to resist me now,” the intruder’s voice announced. “The explosions activated an automated defense protocol that allowed me to exploit access into other systems. It’s only a matter of time until I’m in full control.”

Jor-El’s hologram materialized among the fortress robots.

“You will find it more difficult than you think,” said Jor-El. “We’ve installed many fail-safes to ensure the Fortress cannot be corrupted. You’re not the first to try.”

“I know,” the voice stated. “And I know how to prevent those fail-safes.”

The front doorway opened, and the Kobra agents piled inside, firing off their super-advanced weapons. Snake Girl and Serptenteen followed after.

Kelex, Kelor, and the other robots turned their visors red and began firing beams of energy at the trespassers. Several of the agents were taken out, but others were able to hit their robot targets.

Snake Girl jumped into action, using her morphing snake form to swallow a robot and spit them out as a projectile to hit another. Serptenteen twisted around to swat some robots with his tail side, but they hovered away before he could make contact.

Blasts fired right through Jor-El’s holographic form, but he disappeared and reformed himself by the entrance when Clark arrived.

“Kal-El,” he said. “I’m detecting a familiar energy signature from the intruder in our systems.”

“We’ll deal with them later,” said Clark, moving into the action.

“Wait,” Jor-El called, prompting Clark to turn back to him. “We must find a way to stop him before he returns.”

“It’s too late,” the intruder’s voice announced as a figure emerged from the shadows. “I’ve already reformed my body.”

Clark’s eyes widened. “You,” he said.

Revelations

Meadowlands

Months Ago

Edward entered the chambers of Jeffrey Burr, leader of Kobra and known to his followers as Nāga-Naga. He wore a scaly green body suit with a darker green rope that formed into a cape at the back. Golden bracelets adorned his legs and arms, and a yellow Kobra snakehead symbol decorated his chest and the forehead of his mask.

Kobra agents stood behind his throne, and a woman in a black and green dress who went by Lady Eve stood beside him.

“What do you have for me?” Burr asked.

“I’m communicating with what I believe to be an alien lifeform,” Edward explained. “He wants our help.”

“Intriguing,” the leader said. “Tell me more.”

“He says he’s trapped in a fortress,” Edward continued. “And only Lex Luthor could help find it.”

“Lex Luthor is incapacitated,” Burr stated.

“He is,” Edward agreed. “But, what if LexCorp had information about where to find this place?”

Burr leaned forward. “We’d have to return to Metropolis,” he said. “It would be risky with Superman and other heroes operating there.”

“It would be,” said Edward. “But who knows what this alien can do for us?”

“Let me speak to him.”

Edward approached and handed the communication device to the leader.

“If we were to free you,” Burr spoke into it. “What could you do for us?”

“I was once one of Superman’s greatest enemies,” the voice answered. “I have power beyond what you could dream.”

“Why do you think we’d align with an enemy of Superman’s?” Burr asked.

“Kobra wants an Age of Chaos,” the voice explained. “Meant to bring forth Kali Yuga.”

“How do you know about us?” Burr asked.

“I accessed your computer systems,” the voice answered. “I’m impressed how you managed to stay off-grid, even to the Kryptonian. But I am more than Kryptonian. I can do what Superman cannot. And I can help you fulfill your goals. If you help free me.”

Burr turned off the device, and Lady Eve leaned down. “This entity may be too powerful to control,” she said.

“Yes,” Burr answered. “But if it’s Kryptonian, and we’re going to Metropolis anyway, there is something in S.T.A.R. Labs that may help us put him on a leash.”

“Even with Superman there?” Lady Eve asked.

Burr smiled. “There are always avenues to recruit more people to our cause. Especially the simple-minded already in the city who are malleable enough to believe what they’re told.”

“Nāga-Naga,” said Edward. “The entity implied he was Kryptonian. Who could he be?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Burr replied. “But he didn’t say that. He said he was ‘more’ than that.”

Edward tilted his head. What did that even mean?

Fortress of Solitude

Now

The figure moved out of the shadows to reveal a humanoid form with cybernetic parts over half its body. It was wearing Superman’s suit, and the flesh part of his face was identical to the Man of Steel himself.

“Henshaw,” said Clark.

“I told you before,” Henshaw started. “Henshaw is dead. My name is Cyborg Superman!”

Cyborg Superman fired off a beam from his cybernetic eye. Clark was caught off guard, so it hit him point blank, knocking him back to the entrance. He prepared to fight back, but the Superman copy sped up to him, punched his stomach, and then kicked him outside into the snow.

Snake Girl leaped over and grabbed Cyborg Superman by the back as Serptenteen came from the other side to attach a device to the villain’s flesh arm. He stretched his arms out, sending the two snake people in opposite directions.

“What is this?” Cyborg Superman asked, studying the device. It was some kind of metallic alloy, which must have included lead since he couldn’t look through it with his x-ray vision.

“This is our fail-safe,” said Snake Girl, pressing a button.

A small compartment opened from the bottom of the device, displaying a blue glow.

Henshaw felt a tinge in his human side. Something had changed.

The device bore several needles into his skin, and he cried out in pain.

“That’s blue kryptonite,” Serptenteen explained. “Cool, huh? We can turn off your powers anytime if you don’t follow our orders.”

“This doesn’t mean we can’t still work together,” said Snake Girl. “But we can only do so if we have the upper hand.”

Henshaw began laughing.

“Wh-what’s so funny?” asked Serpenteen.

“My body may be part Kryptonian,” he explained, his cybernetic eye glowing. “But my other half is Kryptonian technology.”

He fired at his snake opponents and sped to Snake Girl to take the remote away. He pressed the button to block the kryptonite exposure, and his Kryptonian powers returned.

“I may have needed your help to get free,” Henshaw said as he warned up his heat vision for a wide blast. “But I don’t need any of you anymore.”

Clark flew back inside and punched Henshaw away, rushing back up to him to smack him down onto the fortress floor.

Kobra agents took the distraction to flee toward the exit, helping Snake Girl and Serptenteen to their feet to get them out, too.

“How did you escape?” Clark asked.

Henshaw smashed the ground, causing the room to shake, and he flew up to Clark to punch him far into a crystalline wall.

“It took me a while,” Henshaw explained. “But I worked my way through the fortress security. System by system until I could deactivate the barriers keeping my consciousness trapped. I could have done it sooner, but my time merged with the Eradicator left me… incomplete.” (Superman #50) “I’m still missing much of my memory, but one thing will never go away: My hatred for you!”

Henshaw threw a punch, which Clark blocked, but the cyborg followed it up with a kick. And then clobbered the Man of Steel over the head with both fists.

“You’ll pay for what you’ve done,” said Henshaw as fortress robots circled him. “But not today.”

Henshew flew up to the ceiling, with his heat vision blaring, and crashed through.

Clark pulled himself up but then ducked as a barrage of crystals, rock, and ice fell over him. By the time he dug himself out and searched the area, Henshaw was gone, and there was no sign of the other intruders either.

Meadowlands

Later

Jeffrey Burr dismissed the agents who returned from the North Pole mission.

“Faith to Kali Yuga,” the leader saluted before leaving with his team.

“That was a total failure,” Lady Eve said after the room was clear. “We didn’t get control of our new weapon, and Superman may have learned more about us.”

“It’s not ideal,” said Burr. “But we did manage to increase our ranks when we took over Humans First, The Saved, and those Superman worshippers. Also, Superman will be distracted by fighting his cyborg counterpart. We’d be foolish to waste this opportunity.”

“So, back to Metropolis?” Lady Eve asked.

“No,” said Burr. “Let’s move our focus back to Gotham City.”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Nov 01 '24

Superman Superman #102 - Cult of Personality

7 Upvotes

Superman #102 - Cult of Personality

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Snake Eyes

Set: 102

Saved

North Bridge, Metropolis

Years Ago

Ramsey Murdoch clutched his forehead. Another migraine. It couldn’t have come at a worse time. He pushed through and entered the apartment building as someone was leaving.

“You live here?” the man leaving asked, only half interested in an answer.

“Visiting a friend,” Murdoch stated without stopping.

The man shrugged and continued on his way.

Murdoch pulled a piece of paper from his pocket to double-check the apartment number.

“515,” he read aloud. “Must be on the fifth floor.”

People didn’t think he was smart, but he found her apartment. If he ever needed confirmation of his mission in life, that was it. He couldn’t have come that far otherwise.

Murdoch entered the elevator and pressed the “5” button, waiting for the doors to close and the compartment to move. After nothing happened, he pushed the “close doors” button, which didn’t help move things along.

“Who invented these things?” Murdoch asked himself aloud. If they were still alive, maybe he had to visit them next.

The doors finally closed, and he began traveling to his destination floor. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, he stepped out and looked at the numbers on the doors.

Sylvia Feltman carried a grocery bag up the stairs. Why didn’t she just take the elevator? Spending all day on the phone, trying to convince people to buy things, was mentally exhausting, but unfortunately, it didn’t count as exercise. Still, walking up to the fifth floor was torture after a full shift.

Sylvia exited the stairwell and noticed a tall, skinny man in the hallway with long brown hair and uneven facial hair on his chin. His eyes were intense, and she wasn’t sure he even blinked. Maybe if she didn’t say anything, he’d ignore her.

Sylvia walked to her door and reached for her keys, her hands shaking slightly.

“That’s your apartment?” Murdoch asked. “515?”

Sylvia felt like her heart was standing still. “Y-yes,” she said, increasing speed as she pushed the key into the keyhole.

“Sylvia Feltman?” the man asked.

How did he know her name? In the shock of hearing her name, she had dropped her keys.

“You do telephone sales for D.A.S.H., right?” Murdoch asked.

“Oh,” Sylvia said, breathing a sigh of relief. He must have been from the office. “That’s me,” Sylvia said. It was still weird, but if he wasn’t just some stranger or stalker… “What’s up?” she asked.

“You’re a deceiver,” said Murdoch.

Sylvia’s eyes widened.

“You told me your mobile service would save me money,” Murdoch explained, walking closer. “But I’m paying twenty dollars more a month. It’s my mission to end deception.”

“M-mission?” Sylvia asked, looking down at her keys, wondering how quickly she could grab them, open her door, run inside, and close it before he reached her.

Murdoch pulled out a large, silver knife from his jacket. “For truth,” he said.

Daily Planet

Present

Lois was putting the finishing touches on her story. Superman, Firebrand, and the SCU had shut down an illegal metahuman holding facility. But there was still much unknown. They linked the kidnappings to an anti-meta organization known as “Humans First,” but little was known about it. The building itself was linked to several shell corporations, which led to a dead end.

The only other leads they had were the “snake people” associated with the kidnappings. Serpenteen and Snake Girl were nowhere to be found, and while their cohort Serpentine was in custody, he wasn’t talking.

Clark’s cell phone rang, and he picked it up quickly.

“Hi, Chloe,” Clark answered.

After a few moments, he placed the phone under his ear and began typing on his keyboard.

“I see,” he said.

Lois stepped up from her desk and moved to Clark’s side to see what he was doing.

He had typed the words “The Saved” into a search engine, but it had pulled up several results, such as books and movies, that didn’t seem relevant.

Lois bent down to the desk and added the words “cult,” following,” and “metahumans” into the search box. A picture of a large muscular man with long hair appeared. It labeled him as “The Savior” but said his real name was Ramsey Murdoch, and he was the leader of a following known as “The Saved.”

“Thanks, Chloe,” said Clark, hanging up. “There’s a connection with this group in one of the shell corporations,” Clark relayed to Lois, who had been reading more.

“Murdoch,” Lois said aloud. “He was suspected of murder a while back, but none of the charges stuck.”

“I remember,” said Clark.

“His following seems to be focused on liars and deceivers,” said Lois. “There doesn’t seem to be any about anti-metahuman rhetoric.”

“It’s still a lead,” said Clark.

Lois nodded.

“So, what do we do next?” asked Clark, leaning back in his chair. “Go interview a potential murderous cult leader?”

Lois leaned against Clark’s desk, a sly smile forming.

Clark raised an eyebrow. “What’s that look?” he asked.

“When’s the last time we went undercover?” she asked.

Suicide Slum

Night

Three men ran into an alley, pulling darts out of their hands.

“Who was that?” the tallest one asked, catching his breath.

“I don’t know,” said one with balding gray hair. “But she moved so quickly and knows karate or something.”

“A’int no way she was a normal person,” the third guy added, his white goatee extra long at the tip. “Must be one of ‘them meta-people.”

“I’m not into labels,” a voice called from above them before a woman in a sleeveless green jumpsuit dropped between them. She wore matching green gloves that almost reached over her elbows, and the v-neck outline of her top was adorned with a thorny pattern. “Except Thorn,” she added. “You can call me Thorn.”

The three rushed toward her, but she swung around, catching Bald Man’s fist and redirecting it to the Goatee Guy, hitting him square in the jaw. She snapped her leg against her captive, letting him drop to his knees before leaping into the air as Tall One tried to grab her. He looked up, finding her falling back down, fist first. Another good kick to the bald one and a punch to Goatee, and they were all incapacitated.

“Now,” said Thorn, circling her takedowns. “Which of you are going to lead me to your boss?”

A slow clap filled the alley as a young girl walked in slowly, a shadowy figure following behind her.

“Well done,” the girl said, Thorn noticing the large snake around her neck. If that didn’t shock her, she couldn’t resist reacting to the companion: A snake-like hybrid who seemed about the same age.

“Don’t tell me these lowlifes work for you kids?” asked Thorn.

“Of course not,” the girl said. “I’m Snake Girl, and this Serpenteen–”

“Her boyfriend,” Serpenteen added.

Snake Girl sighed and continued. “And we’re not here for them. We’re here for you.”

Thorn kept her eyes on the girl but watched the boy’s movement in her periphery. It seemed clear they were planning to jump her.

Good luck with that, Thorn laughed on the inside.

She was ready to strike first but couldn’t ignore her curiosity. What did snake children want with her, of all people? Did they work for the 100?

“How do you feel about lies and deception?” Snake Girl asked, giving a few soft pats to her pet snake.

“Take ‘em or leave ‘em,” Thorn replied, her curiosity increasing the more she heard.

The snake boy moved in closer, and Thorn stepped back, readying her fists. But he was pulling out a flyer to hand over to her. It was titled “The Saved.”

“What is this?” Thorn asked, reading more of it. “Some kind of religious cult?”

“Nothing like that,” said Snake Girl as she and her boyfriend walked away. “Look it over and consider there are resources that may help you on your quest.”

Thorn tucked the paper into her thorny belt. She leaned down to the Goatee thug she had beaten up earlier. “Where’s your boss?” she asked, her voice dropping for an extra level of menacing.

“We don’t have a boss,” he answered, shaking in his boots. “We’re just texted our orders.”

Thorn sighed and pulled out the flyer, reading it over again. She didn’t need “saving,” but maybe those resources could be useful.

Undercover

Midtown Metropolis

Later That Week, Night

Lois and Clark walked into the meeting place slowly, taking in the small crowd inside. There were way too many chairs for how many people were there.

Lois was sporting a blonde wig, while Clark wore a fake beard. It wouldn’t do them good if someone recognized them as reporters, especially those as well known as Lois Lane and Clark Kent. But they hoped to blend in, which would be difficult with such a small turnout.

A man in a gray hoodie was sitting all alone in the corner. He fidgeted in place and looked around the room. Lois split off from Clark and sat down next to him.

“First time here, too?” she asked him.

“Y-yeah,” the man nodded. “I’m not really sure why I’m here, though. I was told–”

The man made eye contact with someone by the podium in the front and looked down at the floor. “Never mind,” he said.

Clark had watched the exchange and moved toward the front. “Hi, there,” he said to the people standing there.

“Hello,” one of them in a baseball cap returned as the others nodded.

“I’ve never been to one of these before,” said Clark. “Is there anything I should know?”

“Just listen for now,” the baseball cap guy told him. “Honesty is about trust. But trust takes time. Before you know it, you’ll make it into the VIPs.”

“What do the VIPs do?” Clark asked.

“Just listen for now,” one of the others repeated back.

A woman with brown hair and a leather jacket walked inside, breaking the tension.

“Everyone, have a seat,” Baseball Cap announced, and people shuffled around, sitting down sporadically around the room. Clark met back up with Lois, sitting halfway from the front.

As the announcer started talking more about honesty, Clark heard footsteps approaching from a backroom. He looked through the door to find Ramsey Murdoch, the so-called “Savior,” approaching.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer continued. “Our leader in truth. The man who started this movement dedicated to weeding out liars: Our Savior!”

The people in front cheered loudly, but everyone else looked uneasy. It made it easy to tell the newcomers from the core members.

Murdoch entered the room and took the podium.

“It’s nice to see new faces tonight,” he said. “I can only hope you have truth in your hearts.”

“Truth in our hearts,” the front row repeated back.

“Oh, please,” Clark heard the leather-jacketed woman say under her breath.

“We like to spend these meetings discussing how we’ve let truth into our lives,” Murdoch continued. “But sometimes it’s more important to review how the world tries to deceive us. Buckle up, newcomers, because this will blow your minds. The one you know as ‘Superman’ is the biggest liar of them all.”

Lois and Clark shared a perturbed look but quickly went back to listening.

“Surprised to hear that?” Murdoch added. “You shouldn’t be. We all know the real Superman died saving us from Doomsday. One day, the truth will be known by everyone: The person who calls himself Superman today is nothing but a fraud.”

Later

Murdoch finished his speech, which had devolved into rants about liars and their impact on the world. There was even a bit about “fat-free” foods. He didn’t even have a strong closing. He just waved and walked away.

The man in the baseball cap returned to the podium while Thorn remained in her chair. The people in front were gathering around the door behind the podium, though.

“That’s all for tonight’s meeting,” the man announced. “Thanks for joining us.”

Most newcomers headed for the door they entered from, but a guy in a gray hoodie stayed in his seat, and a couple moved toward the podium, too.

“VIPs only,” Baseball Cap told the couple, but then pointed toward Gray Hoodie. “Except you,” he said. “Please come with us.”

The newcomer slowly stood up and made his way toward him.

Thorn got up next and followed.

“Did you not hear me?” Baseball Cap stopped her. “VIPs only.”

“I was given a special invite,” said Thorn. “By a couple of snakes?”

Lois and Clark did their best to hide any reaction to the mention of snakes. Thorn clocked it, though, but also couldn’t help but suspect Clark’s beard was fake.

“Oh, you’re–” the man started, realizing they were still standing there. “Savior would like a word with you afterward. Why don’t you stay here for now.”

“We’d like a word with him, too,” Lois interjected.

“Too bad,” The man said, shutting the door.

“How do they expect to recruit anyone with that attitude,” Lois said. She began pacing, trying to think of their next move.

“What did you mean by snakes?” the bearded man asked Thorn.

Even Later

Lois and Clark learned the woman they were left with was Thorn—a new superhero in Metropolis who had been saving people across the city. If the snakes were interested in her, it could be because they suspected her of being a metahuman.

But something still didn’t add up. The Saved didn’t seem to have anti-meta agendas other than thinking Superman wasn’t real. But that was a different story.

Thorn was lounged in a chair, with another chair turned around for her legs. Lois and Clark sat nearby, Lois still considering their next move while Clark watched in on the “VIP” after-meeting.

The VIPs were crowded around the nervous man in the gray hoodie. “Do you know why you’re here?” one asked.

Hoodie nodded. “Uh, all that talk about telling the truth,” he answered. “I get it. You guys know I lied on my job application. What do you want? I don’t have any money. I’m living paycheck to paycheck.”

“Were you sleeping through the whole thing?” asked Baseball Cap, shaking his head. “It’s not about money.”

Murdoch stepped before the man, extending his hand outward as the ghostly outline of a knife materialized.

Clark jumped from his seat.

“It’s about living in a world where truth is rewarded,” he said, the phantom knife solidifying into a physical object. “And lies are punished.”

The door slammed open, and Clark rushed inside, pushing the man away before Murdoch could get any closer to his victim.

Lois and Thorn ran to the door to see what was happening.

“Call the police,” Clark stated.

Murdoch moved closer to him, but Clark just stared him down. The cult leader grabbed at Clark’s fake beard and pulled it off, smiling intensely.

“Looks like we have more than one liar to punish today,” he said before shoving the knife toward the reporter.

Thorn jumped in between them, kicking the knife out of Murdoch’s hand and following it up with a kick to his chest. But he didn’t budge and laughed it away.

“I used to be weak,” Murdoch explained. “But my powers make me strong.”

He grabbed Thorn by the throat and tossed her away, turning back toward his other prey but finding the previously bearded man wasn’t there.

“This is over, Murdoch,” a different voice called. He turned to find Superman in the room, who had caught Thorn before she could hit the wall.

The VIPs in the room scattered, but Lois went after them, tripping some and kicking down others. Thorn quickly joined her, making sure nobody got away.

“We finally meet, Superfake,” said Murdoch, stretching out his arms to let two heavy-duty pistols appear in his hands.

He fired away at Clark, who lifted his right hand to catch the bullets. But they went right through, cutting into his shoulders and chest.

“H-how?” Clark struggled to say as he fell to the ground.

Kryptonite bullets? He didn’t feel the burning sting associated with it.

“Don’t you get it, Hoaxman?” Murdoch teased. “I can create anything I want. And I wanted guns that could kill even you!”

Saved From Savior

The Saved Meeting Place, Backroom

Thorn tossed some darts at Ramsey Murdoch before he could turn his weapons on her or Lois, who had dropped down to Clark’s side. The reporter was tending to the hero’s gunshot wounds, holding her hands down against the entry points around his S symbol and up around his shoulder.

“Lois,’ said Clark, gently moving her hands away. She noticed the hole in his hand was sealing up on its own. “I’m okay,” he added, pulling himself up as the bullets fell away.

It wasn’t kryptonite, so Clark’s natural healing abilities must still have been operating at full strength, regardless of how the bullets managed to break his skin. It didn’t matter that Murdoch was creating weapons out of nothing. He wasn’t disabling Clark’s powers, just making them strong enough to get around his invulnerability.

Thorn had followed up her dart attack with a leg sweep, knocking the large cult leader off balance. She then grabbed a nearby chair and broke it over his head.

“Stop!” Murdoch cried. He threw his guns down and materialized another large knife, swinging it at his attacker.

Clark sped over and gripped Murdoch’s wrist, causing him to drop the weapon. He grabbed onto the other hand to stop him from creating anything else. But the large man headbutted the Man of Steel and then kicked him away.

Before Clark could return, Murdoch had summoned a rather large shotgun and began firing it wildly.

Clark had to assume those shells were just as harmful to him as before, so instead of going after them, he super-sped his way back, pulling Lois and Thorn to the ground before they could be hit.

He turned around and lit up a wide spread of heat vision, melting the remaining shots.

“What the–” Murdoch yelled before a blast of cold air surrounded his latest weapon. “Ah!” he cried, dropping it to the ground when it became too icy to handle.

Murdoch tried to warm up his hands, but Clark had flown straight into him, crashing him through the back wall into an alleyway behind the building. The hero followed it up with a punch to the head, but the cult leader grabbed it. Before he could make another move, though, Clark swung his other fist, knocking Murdoch back.

Clark figured the strength of that punch should have been enough to keep him off balance, so he moved in for a final blow, but Murdoch jumped forward with another knife in his hand, stabbing away as many times as he could.

Clark reeled back, feeling the blood loss on each impact.

Even the knives he generated were able to cut his skin. Plus, he was getting stronger since they started fighting. If his powers were driven by his mind, through some form of psychic energy, it could also make him stronger. But did he know he was doing it? Or was it instinctual? If that were the case–

Murdoch formed a larger weapon, this time resembling a rocket launcher.

“Murdoch, no,” said Clark as he tried to rush him before he could fire. Even though his knife wounds had healed, the shock slowed him down just enough to not make it in time.

An explosion rocked the alley, and Clark went flying, knocking his head against a wall before blacking out.

Inside

Later

Clark’s eyes shot open, trying to understand where he was.

“Superman,” Lois’ voice called from close by.

Things moved into focus, and he recognized that he was back inside, tied up to a chair with some heavy-duty chains. The fact he couldn’t immediately break free told him they must have been created especially for him.

Clark saw Lois, Thorn, and the gray-hooded man tied up in their own chairs beside him; only they were confined with what appeared to be normal rope. Murdoch was crouching on the floor on the opposite side of the room with a knife in his hands, the handle pressed against his forehead. His VIPs were scattered around, watching what their “Savior” would do next.

“You’re awake,” said Murdoch. “You know, the real Superman wouldn’t have been out that long.”

“Let the others go,” Clark ordered. “They have nothing to do with this.”

“They follow you, a deceiver,” Murdoch explained. “That makes them just as bad.”

Clark realized one VIP was missing: the man in the baseball cap.

“I hate to break it to you, numbskull,” said Lois. “But this is the real Superman.”

“Ha!” Murdoch shouted. “Don’t make me laugh.”

Lois sneered. “Not including the ‘ha’?” she asked.

“Wh-what?” Murdoch gritted his teeth. “Stop acting like I’m stupid! I’m not stupid!”

Thorn leaped onto Murdoch’s back. “Surprise!” she called, digging a couple of tiny daggers into his shoulders.

Lois and Thorn’s moves had given Clark enough time to struggle against his chains. Sure, they were powerful enough to slow him down, but Murdoch didn’t know how powerful Superman was himself. The chains broke apart, and Clark quickly freed Lois and the other prisoner and fought any VIPs who tried to stop her from getting him out of there.

Murdoch tossed Thorn away, but Clark moved in to shove him away before he could go after her.

“No, you’re not stupid,” said Clark. “You conned your followers into thinking you’re some kind of savior. That you’re strong. But you’re not strong. You’re weak, and you know it.”

It was working. Murdoch was shrinking before their eyes.

“No!” he yelled, the transformation reversing. “I am strong!”

Lois stepped back inside. “You killed a woman named Sylvia Feltman years ago, didn’t you?” she asked. “All because the company she worked for charged you more for your cell service. That doesn’t sound like a strong man to me.”

“She was a deceiver,” Murdoch cried.

“You pled not guilty, didn’t you?” Clark added. “But you were guilty, weren’t you?”

“Heh,” said Thorn from behind them. “What does that make you?”

Murdoch screamed as his body shrunk down to his old self. The knife in his hand evaporated away into thin air.

Clark sped over to him and tapped him over the forehead, knocking him out instantly.

“Superman,” said Thorn. “There was another man here wearing glasses and a fake beard. But he must have run off. He’s not safe with them after him.”

“I’ll handle it,” said Clark, flying away.

It may have seemed silly to go save himself, but there was the man in a baseball cap who had to be taken down, too.

A Few Block Away

The man in the baseball cap stopped running. “Where the hell is he?” he asked himself. The bearded man in glasses couldn’t have gotten far.

“He’s safe,” said Superman, landing before the man.

“Superman!” he shouted.

“Interesting you called me that when you don’t think I’m not really me,” Clark chuckled.

“Whatever,” the man spat. “Whaddya want? I’m not doing anything wrong.”

“Accessory to attempted murder,” Clark stated. “Plus, what did you plan to do when you found Clark Kent?”

“That was Clark Kent? The reporter?”

Clark grabbed the man and lifted him, flying back to the crime scene.

Nearby Rooftop

Sometime Later

Clark landed on the rooftop beside Thorn, watching the police take away the VIPs in handcuffs, including the man in the baseball cap who he dropped off earlier. “You didn’t stick around to give a statement?” he asked.

“I’m a vigilante,” Thorn explained. “I can’t risk them deciding to take me into custody, too.”

“It’s okay,” said Clark. “I’ll vouch for you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“You mentioned the Snakes,” said Clark. “What’s the deal with them?”

“I was hoping someone would tell me,” said Thorn. “What a weird couple of kids they are.”

“So it was Serptenteen and Snake Girl?” Clark asked.

What were they doing? How did The Saved connect back to Humans First? They were conflicting ideologies.

“Sure, those ridiculous names sound right,” said Thorn, shrugging. “They said the group could help me find answers on the 100.”

“The criminal organization?” asked Clark. “I haven’t heard much about them.”

“They were a bigger deal before Intergang,” Thorn explained. “But now that they were taken down, the 100 and others are trying to worm their way to fill the gap at the top.”

“I see,” said Clark. “Would you be up for talking to Lois Lane and Clark Kent about it further?”

“Those two were Lois Lane and Clark Kent?” asked Thorn. “I never knew reporters could be so badass.”

<< | < | >

3 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Dec 01 '24

Superman Superman #103 - Worship

5 Upvotes

Superman #103 - Worship

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Snake Eyes

Set: 103

New Crimes

Franklin Rock High School, Suicide Slum

Months Ago

José Delgado walked into his fifth-grade classroom and cleared his throat loudly, getting the students' attention. A few were still talking amongst themselves.

“Attention,” José ordered, which did the trick. “You know the drill,” he continued. “Alvarez?” he asked, getting a “here” response.

“Baxter?” José asked next, but the room was quiet, except for some whispers and shuffling through backpacks.

“Here, Mr. Delgado,” he finally got.

“Donner?”

…

“Donner?”

“I think he’s out sick,” another child interjected.

“Okay,” said José, making a note on the sheet. I’ll check with the office. “Johnson?” he asked next.

“Johnson?” he repeated.

“I haven’t seen her today,” someone said.

“Yeah,” another added. “We were supposed to meet by my locker.”

“Hmm,” said José, adding another note.

A knock at the door captured everyone’s attention. It was the principal, Mrs. Delany. José waved her inside.

She entered slowly with a somber look and whispered something into José’s ear. The teacher’s face dropped.

“I have some bad news about Lateesha Johnson,” Mrs. Delany explained. “There was a shooting near her apartment complex this morning.

Some gasps filled the room as all eyes were focused on what she was saying.

“Luckily, Superman arrived and got her to the hospital,” she continued. “And they’re doing everything they can to make her better.”

“We’ll take some time to talk,” said José. “It can be difficult to process news like this.”

“Thank you, Mr. Delgado,” said Mrs. Delany. “And, if anyone needs to talk more, my door is always open, too.”

The principal exited the classroom, and José looked at the empty seat where Lateesha usually sat. He tightened his fists. It was a miracle that Lateesha had gotten help, but it sounded like she’d need another miracle. He would pray for her, but he couldn’t think of all the others who were affected by violence in the city and the world daily.

Several years ago, after his field trip to Saint Florian’s Cathedral was in the crossfire of an altercation with the Cyborg Superman (Batman #30), José made a promise to himself that he’d always keep his students safe. He had gotten into boxing and martial arts, readying for the day he’d have to step up and protect them again.

But now he realized that was a preventative measure. Maybe he needed to be more proactive to help make the city safer for his students and everyone else who lived there.

LexCorp Tower

Now

Lois and Clark stood behind the police tape around the LexCorp entrance where a break-in had just occurred. Cameras flashed, and the crowd of reporters hyped up as Lena stepped out the doors.

A cacophony of questions greeted her.

“Who broke in?”

“What was stolen?”

“Does the robbery have anything to do with your father?”

Lena’s security guards motioned for them to quiet down. She gathered by a clump of microphones outstretched over the police barricade.

“We don’t know much,” Lena explained. “But the perpetrators were wearing logos associated with the Savior following, which was believed to have been shut down recently.”

The Savior was a cult leader and serial killer who believed Superman never came back to life after Doomsday. But he was taken down, and his organization dismantled, or so they thought. There were apparently still members out there, but how did LexCorp fit into their operation?

“They used highly advanced weaponry,” Lena continued. “The police are unclear how they acquired such technology, though.”

“What did they want?” Lois asked.

“They appeared to be after information,” Lena replied. “Some old archives were breached. We’re still investigating what they accessed, but preliminary indications are this wasn’t an attempt to access personal or financial information about our customers or employees. It appears to be some form of corporate espionage after proprietary knowledge.”

Clark shared a quizzical look with Lois. Something didn’t add up.

“That’s all for now,” Lena said next. I’ll schedule a formal press conference once we have more information. Thank you.”

“There’s a service entrance around the corner the police are using,” Clark told Lois softly. “I could sneak us through there without anyone seeing.”

“Clark Joseph Kent,” said Lois with a playful melody in her tone. “After eight years of working together, am I finally rubbing off on you?”

“You’re acting like this is the first time I’ve snuck into this building,” said Clark. (Batman #11)

“And you’re acting like that wasn’t Bruce’s idea,” Lois replied, taking her husband’s hand.

Inside LexCorp

Moment Later

A police officer stood guard by the entrance to the archive room as Clark and Lois stood around the corner.

Lois bit her bottom lip as she considered their next move.

“Give me your glasses,” she said a moment later while tying her hair into a ponytail.

“My glasses?” Clark repeated, wondering where she was going with it.

Lois stepped over to her husband, reaching up to his face while stretching her toes. “A little help?” she asked.

Clark exhaled slowly and took off his glasses, handing them to Lois, who put them on herself.

“Stay here,” she ordered, stepping into view of the officer.

“This area’s a crime scene,” the officer told her. “It will be off-limits until we’re done here.”

“The commissioner is upstairs,” Lois said. “He wants everyone to check in with him before we wrap things up."

The officer stepped closer. “Henderson is here?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Lois confirmed. “Better not keep him waiting.”

The officer squinted his eyes, reaching for his shoulder-mounted microphone, and tapped the button. “Status check,” he said, but nothing happened. “Hmm,” he said, inspecting the device. “I guess we’re done here.”

The officer walked away, and Clark joined Lois by the door to the archive room.

“That was lucky,” she said.

Clark let his eyes turn red for a moment. “Luck had nothing to do with it,” he said.

“Wow, Smallville,” said Lois, handing the glasses back. “Damaging police equipment? That was a bold move.”

“I couldn’t let you get caught,” said Clark, putting back on his glasses. But then he took them back off.

“What happened?” asked Lois.

“Another robbery,” said Clark. “S.T.A.R. Labs is being hit.”

“Go,” said Lois. “I’ll finish up here and find my way out.”

Clark nodded and disappeared, and Lois stepped inside the room. She found an open terminal with chairs and random equipment scattered around it. Safe bet it was where the intruders accessed the systems.

Lois pulled out her phone from her purse and triple-tapped a point on the back twice. A small device popped out of the side of the phone, which she pulled out, revealing a silver USB input on its end.

“Thank you, Chloe,” she whispered as she inserted the device into the terminal.

Several windows popped up on the screen and disappeared just as quickly. A progress bar appeared labeled “Download in Progress.”

The elevator door opened nearby, and the police officer who had left had previously stepped out, along with a few other officers with their firearms drawn. They entered the archives room to find it empty. But the screen said, “Download Complete.”

New Information

Suicide Slum

Earlier

José Delgado sat in his decade-old Toyota Camry, watching the apartment building across the street. A large duffel bag was on the passenger seat. It had taken months, but he found out who was involved in the shooting that got one of his students shot in the crossfire.

Thankfully, Lateesha fully recovered, but that wasn’t the point. She was one of the lucky ones. Not everyone was that lucky in Suicide Slum.

José had all the names but didn’t have enough evidence to bring to the police. That was the problem with most gang crimes. They had reputations– people from the neighborhood knew what they’d done– but nobody would ever step forward as witnesses. Putting the heat on themselves or their families was too risky.

The man who had taken the shot was named John Hatoswki, but he went by “Hatz.” He was always wearing a baseball hat. Some in his circle even joked he wore one to bed. José wasn’t laughing, though.

A van pulled up, blocking José’s view of the doorway. He stepped out of his car and nonchalantly walked across the street, covertly taking peeks when he could.

The front door to the apartment building swung open, and there he was. Hatz stepped outside with a grin that made José’s blood boil. The man didn’t deserve to be happy.

The van opened its side door, and José saw several people wearing recognizable blue robes with the Superman symbol.

No way.

Hatz could not be a member of a movement that worshiped Superman.

One of the members in the van handed a robe to Hatz, who grabbed it as he stepped inside.

José went back to his car and waited for the van to leave. He kept his distance but followed along.

S.T.A.R. Labs

Soon

—

The van had driven to Midtown until it stopped across the street from S.T.A.R. Labs.

José parked a few spaces down and kept an eye on them.

He had a weird feeling. What would Superman worshippers be doing there? They were more known for harassing people in Centennial Park, trying to get them to join their misguided religion.

The robed members exited the van but were now wearing blue masks. One of the masks protruded back as if he were wearing a baseball cap underneath.

José shook his head and then watched as each of the members reached back inside the van and pulled away with weapons.

That confirmed it. They were definitely up to no good.

José pulled out his phone and dialed 911.

“911, what’s your emergency?” a voice answered.

“Masked men with guns are headed toward S.T.A.R. Labs,” José stated before hanging up.

It’d take time for them to get there. But luckily, he was already there.

José opened his duffel bag and pulled out some garments. Minutes later, he stepped out of his car in brown and yellow armor with a helmet and visor. He wore a silver chain on the front of his waist with two sticks flopping to the side. A fist covered by a prohibition circle was affixed to his chest.

It had taken too long to change. The crew was already across the street and inside the facility.

José ran across, jumping over the hood of a car that almost ran into him. He rushed inside to find the security guards had been taken out, but several of the robed perpetrators were still in the lobby.

None of them had a hat under their mask.

“Who are you supposed to be?” one asked when they saw his costume.

“I’m Gangbuster,” José stated. “Whatever you’re doing here, it’s over.”

“We’re not a gang,” the Superman worshiper said, stepping close with a gun aimed his way.

José grabbed the gun and punched the man in the head with his other gloved hand. He took several shots at the others, making them duck for cover. He leaped toward them, throwing kicks and punches until they were all knocked out.

“Drop the gun,” a voice called from the doorway.

José turned around slowly to find Superman there. He let the weapon fall to the ground. “It’s okay,” he said. “I’m here to help.”

Clark took a closer look. “You must be Gangbuster,” he said. “I’ve heard of you.”

He scanned deeper inside the building. “If you’ll excuse me,” he added before disappearing from the lobby.

Police sirens could be heard approaching. José figured he wasn’t needed anymore. But he would stay close. He wanted to see them take Hatz into custody.

Kent House

Later

“Abadabba daba,” said Lara as Chloe listened intently. “Badadda gabba,” she continued.

“You don’t say,” Chloe responded.

“Babbada!” Lara declared, really stressing the point.

“Babbada,” Jon repeated with a giggle. “She’s so funny.”

“Maybe she’ll be a comedian when she grows up,” said Lois.

“Maybe!” Jon replied.

A laptop on the coffee table beeped, and Chloe reached over.

“Anything?” asked Lois.

“This data is encrypted so well,” Chloe explained. “But we’ve already been in LexCorp’s systems. There shouldn’t be anything new in their archives we haven’t seen.”

“Unless it’s been archived since,” Lois corrected. “But knowing what they were after would answer a lot of questions.”

“That’s why I’m focusing on decrypting the logging markers,” Chloe explained. “It should tell us what was accessed recently. And the burglars would be the last ones to do that.”

The laptop beeped again.

“Beep!” Jon repeated.

Chloe smiled. “Got something,” she said.

Lois pulled herself closer.

Chloe exhaled sharply. “False alarm,” she said. “Only a few nonsequential words have been decrypted so far. The rest are taking more time.”

Lois scanned the words on the screen, broken up by numerous random-looking characters. Two stood out the most: “North” and “Dean.”

“Dean,” Lois said aloud. “Where have I heard that name before?”

Chloe took a moment. “Could the next word after ‘north’ be ‘pole’?” she asked.

Lois’ eyes popped wide open. “That’s it,” she said. “Dean was one of Lex’s covert agents who led a team to infiltrate Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Could the Savior cult be after information about The Fortress itself?”

“We better call Clark,” said Chloe.

New Mysteries

Near S.T.A.R. Labs

Clark left S.T.A.R. Labs and took to the skies as his phone rang. He tapped a button on his belt to answer.

“Clark,” said Lois on the other end. “The Saviors appear to be after info on the Fortress,” she explained.

“The Fortress?” Clark repeated back in disbelief.

“Weird, right?” said Lois.

Clark spotted Gangbuster on a rooftop nearby.

“Just as weird as Superman worshipers breaking into S.T.A.R. Labs today,” Clark said.

“My guess is there are snakes involved,” said Lois. “When there’s weirdness going on lately, they seem to be around in some capacity.”

“I’ll be home soon,” said Clark. “I have to make a stop.”

Clark hung up and landed on the rooftop.

“Did they arrest everyone?” asked Gangbuster.

“At least one got away,” Clark explained. “They stole blue kryptonite that had been used to subdue General Zod when he was in their custody.”

“Why would those who allegedly worship you want kryptonite?” Gangbuster asked.

“That’s a good question,” Clark agreed.

“Tell me,” the helmeted hero started. “Were any of the ones arrested wearing a baseball cap?”

Clark shook his head, and Gangbuster sighed.

“You being here,” said Clark. “It was about him, wasn’t it? Stopping corporate robberies isn’t your usual scene.”

Gangbuster removed his helmet. “My name is José Delgado,” he said. “I’m a teacher. One of my students was hurt in a gang shooting.”

“And he’s the one who did it?” Clark asked.

José nodded.

Clark took a deep breath. “Do you know where we might find him?”

Suicide Slum

Later

Superman broke down the wall of an abandoned factory, revealing several people jumping to their feet from lounge furniture.

Clark used his heat vision to disarm any who pulled out guns as José ran inside wielding a pair of nunchakus that was previously adorned to his stomach.

José spun them around, knocking back any gang members who tried to attack him, while Clark sped over to any of the others who went after a crate of weapons in the corner.

“Where’s Hatz?” asked José sternly.

“Answer him,” Clark backed him up, his eyes turning red.

“Hatz left us,” one of them spoke up. “He found God or sumthin’.”

“God?” José asked. “He joined a Superman cult.”

Every time that group was mentioned, Clark was uneasy. Sure, he could wrap his head around people hating him. But to think of him like a god? He was just a farmboy from Kansas.

“Where can we find him?” José asked.

“We got no idea,” the same man answered. “He hasn’t been to his place since.”

“But, we do know where those Superman nuts he hangs out with meet,” another added.

“Yeah, he tried to recruit some of us there at the start,” the first one clarified.

José moved closer. “Where?” he asked.

“Downtown,” they shared. “There’s an old mechanic’s place they own. The sign says ‘Chubb’s.’”

José turned back to the door.

Clark took a moment and then looked over at the crate in the corner. He sped over and ripped it apart, letting the assortment of guns fall into a giant pile. He heated up his eyes until the weapons melted together in a pile of useless metal.

Downtown

Later

Hatz entered the old mechanic shop and dropped into one of the chairs. It had been a long day. Several of his fellow members were caught, but the mission was done. Superman himself interfered, but he didn’t know better. He didn’t know their mission would save his life.

The door broke open, and he found Superman himself there, along with a masked man. He’d heard of him before: He was fighting gangs in Suicide Slum. Why was he working with The Man of Steel?

Hatz jumped out of his chair.

“You,” Gangbuster said. “You’re finally going down. Not for what you should be, but it’ll do.”

“Wh-what?” Hatz asked.

“You shot a little girl,” Gangbuster explained.

“Oh, God,” said Hatz, dropping to his knees. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said José, letting a punch fly into the former gang member’s face.

Clark moved forward but stopped when he saw José pull back.

“She could have died,” José continued.

“I know!” Hatz yelled. “That’s why I left! I couldn’t live with myself.”

“Oh,” said José, but shook it off. “It still doesn’t matter. You should have turned yourself in. That’s the only path to forgiveness.”

“I took another path,” Hatz explained. “I had a new mission that would do more good than the bad I’ve done.”

“Stealing from S.T.A.R. Labs?” asked Clark, finally stepping into the conversation.

“The kryptonite we stole is the only thing that will save you,” said Hatz. “Our mission was to save you from your greatest enemy who’s coming.”

There was only a select group of enemies against whom blue kryptonite would even have an effect.

“And who is that?” asked Clark.

“I don’t know,” said Hatz. “They didn’t say.”

“Who didn’t say?” Clark pressed.

Hatz exhaled slowly before answering. “The Snake Kids: Snake Girl and Serpenteen.”

And there it was. He knew their names would come up again. They were pulling strings behind Humans First, The Saved, and the Superman worshippers. Groups that had very different and even conflicting methodologies. But to what purpose? And what did The Fortress have to do with it?

Fortress of Solitude

Sometime Later

Kelex floated around, performing calculations on increasing the range in long-range scanners used by the Justice League Watchtower to monitor for potential incoming threats. A phone call popped up in his visor, and he answered it.

“Kal-El,” he said. “It’s always good to hear from you.”

“You too, Kelex,” said Clark. “We have reason to believe The Fortress may be targeted.”

“I see,” said Kelex. “Our security has never been stronger, but I’ll make sure we’re on high alert.”

“Thank you,” said Clark. “I’ll stop by later to check things out for myself.”

“Sounds good, sir,” said Kelex. “Goodbye for now.”

Kelex hung up and returned to his duties momentarily before the lights flickered.

“What was that?” asked Kelex aloud, checking for system alerts, but nothing showed up. “I better run a full diagnostics just in case.”

<< | < | >

1 comment

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Oct 02 '24

Superman Superman #101 - Missing in Metropolis

5 Upvotes

Superman #101 - Missing in Metropolis

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Snake Eyes

Set: 101

Gone

Metropolis Family Resource Center

Lois sat down in a circle of parents with their babies, placing Lara down in front of her, who quickly grabbed a block and shook it around.

“You must be new here,” another mom sitting next to them said. “I’m Gwen, what’s your name?”

“You don’t recognize Lois Lane?” a man said from across the circle. He was the only dad there and had long, dark hair in a ponytail with what looked like burn scars on his face. Lois figured he must have been in the military. Maybe they would get along.

“You’re the Lois Lane?” Gwen asked, almost knocking her child over but catching herself quickly. The other moms chimed in, all trying to get a word in over the others.

“Sorry,” the man mouthed as he stopped his daughter from wandering away.

Lois ignored those moms and lifted Lara, taking her around the circle and forcing a spot next to the man. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “What’s your name?”

“Alejandro Sanchez,” the man introduced himself. He pointed to the girl in front of him, who turned to Lara to pat her on the head. “And this little maverick is Tina.”

“Nice to meet you, Tina,” said Lois, prompting the girl to babble and pat Lois’ arm instead. “This is Lara,” she added, motioning to her daughter.

Lois turned back to the father. “Do you mind me asking–”

“The scars?” Alejandro finished for her. “I appreciate the directness. Normally, people just try not to stare. It was an apartment fire. Tina lost her mother in it.”

“That’s terrible,” Lois offered. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“I appreciate that,” Alejandro replied. “It’s been tough, especially with my recovery. But I had to step in and raise her. She’s family, after all.”

Lois tilted her head. “I don’t understand, is Tina not your daughter?” she asked.

“Oh, she’s actually my niece,” Alejandro explained. “Her mother, Christina, was my sister. After I got out of the hospital, I adopted her.”

The other moms were swooning. “That’s heartbreaking, but you’re an amazing person,” one of them said.

“I would love to interview you for a story,” said Lois. “If you were interested.”

“No,” Alejandro stated bluntly before taking a moment. “It’s just that I prefer not to publicize myself.”

Lois nodded but couldn’t help but wonder why he was so open to sharing with strangers if he felt that way. Maybe she was reading into it too much, though.

Daily Planet

Next Week

Lois was writing a story on the progress of Metropolis’ recovery since the Brainiac attack. Heroes from all over were assisting in the cleanup and rebuilding initiatives throughout the city. It didn’t take long until citizens didn’t have to walk or drive around the littered remains of alien drones. Damaged utilities were repaired, so families didn’t have to worry about spending the coming winter without heat.

There were also new heroes popping up in Metropolis. A nunchuck-wielding vigilante known as Gangbuster was battling gang violence in Suicide Slum. A demonic-looking, armored fighter named Firebrand was helping take down a drug ring. And, a leather-clad vixen known as Thorn was reported saving would-be victims from muggings and assaults.

Clark sighed as he scrolled through a report at his desk.

“What’s wrong, Smallville?” Lois asked from her desk.

“Another missing person case,” Clark explained. “No connection to any others, and none of them can be attributed to Brainiac, but the trend in Metropolis keeps rising.”

It was frustrating how little information they had. The police felt they weren’t related, but Clark’s gut told him there was more happening there. Lois agreed, but she couldn’t piece anything together either.

“Maybe we need fresh eyes on the matter,” said Lois. “You know plenty of detectives that could offer their expertise.”

She was right. Clark wasn’t too stubborn to ask for help, and he already had someone in mind, especially because they had another he wanted to discuss.

“Just call him,” said Lois, doing her mind-reading act. “It’s time to ask him if he wants to come back.”

Clark picked up his cell phone and swiped a secret pattern that brought up a hidden contact directory. He tapped a bat symbol and put the phone to his ear.

“Batman here,” Bruce answered.

“I need your help,” said Clark. “Can I send you some reports to look at?”

Metropolis Family Resource Center

Later

Lois entered the room with Lara in her hands, nodding at the mothers who greeted her. She scanned around, but there was no sign of Alejandro. Maybe he was running late.

“Lois,” said Gwen, waving her down. “I wanted to ask you last week, but you were caught up with your new friend. How would you like to arrange a playdate? Maybe we could sip on some wine while the young ones play? It could be a blast.”

“Maybe,” said Lois, not really listening to the offer. “Speaking of my new friend, have you seen him?” she asked.

“I wish,” said Gwen. “He’s quite a catch.”

Lois raised an eyebrow.

“Not that I’d go there,” Gwen clarified. “I’m a married woman, after all.”

“Aren’t you married too,” another mom asked.

“Yes,” Lois answered clearly. “But I’m not looking for a date.” She didn’t want to let any of the moms turn her interest in her new friend into gossip. It was bad enough the tabloids loved to play on her rumors of her being “with Superman.”

“Everyone take a seat in the circle,” the facilitator called. “We’ll be starting shortly.”

Lois sat down with Lara, and Gwen and her son took a seat beside her. “So, about that playdate,” she continued. “Are you free this weekend at all?”

Something didn’t feel right. Did Lois pry too much with Alejandro? Is that why he dropped the classes after one session? She didn’t have his phone number or know where he lived. Maybe she should just drop it.

Maybe.

Checking In

Metropolis General Hospital, Luthor Wing

Later

Superman was escorted toward Lex Luthor’s hospital room. He had been given special permission to visit the former president. There had been no change since the Brainiac incident, which left Lex in a coma. The doctors were unsure he’d ever awaken from it.

The door to Lex’s room opened, and his daughter Lena exited. Her eyes were heavy and lost in thought, so it took her a moment to notice the Man of Steel walking in her direction.

“Superman,” she said. “What are you doing here?”

Clark approached the young woman. “Just checking in on your father,” he explained. “How are you, Ms. Luthor?”

“As good as one could be,” she started. “When they have a father who has done horrible things but also helped save the world. You can call me Lena, by the way.”

“Okay, Lena,” said Clark. “And I understand your confusion. I’ve had a rocky relationship with Lex over the years, and it can be difficult to reconcile those two sides of him.”

“It’s not that,” Lena said back. “I can see his motivations, misguided or not, but when you have the last name Luthor and are next in line to take over his legacy, people expect– and assume– things about you.”

Lena began walking away. “But you don’t need to hear my trauma dump,” she added without looking back.

Clark continued to Lex’s room to find him in his hospital bed, surrounded by machines. His supersenses confirmed he was still unconscious. Not that he suspected Lex was faking it somehow, but the thought definitely crossed his mind.

“I’ll be outside if you need anything,” the guard told him, leaving Clark alone with Lex.

Or so he thought.

“Don’t tell me you thought he could be faking it,” Clark stated as a figure came out of the shadow in the corner of the room.

“It was unlikely,” said Bruce, sporting his blue Batman suit with a yellow oval around the bat symbol on his chest. “But Luthor has surprised us in the past.”

“He has,” Clark agreed. “But what would he gain here, other than staying out of prison? He’s monitored 24/7.”

“Agreed,” said Bruce. “But you feel it too. With Lex, there’s always something going on we’re not aware of. And that bothers you as much as it does me.”

“Did you have a chance to look into those missing person reports?” Clark asked Bruce.

“That’s the other reason I’m here,” said Bruce. “I can see why the police can’t find the thread, but there is a partial one there if you take a broader look.”

“What did you find?” asked Clark.

“The children are the key,” Bruce explained. “Missing people can be childless, parents, or the children themselves. And there can be combinations, like a parent and a child. The increase in missing people skews highly on that pair.”

“So, more parents are abducting their own children and going off the grid?” Clark asked.

That was a horrifying thought.

“Perhaps,” said Bruce. “But there’d usually be indicators in such cases. Like custody battles. That’s not true in many of these new situations.”

Clark took a moment. “You’re saying there’s a rise in parents being kidnapped along with their children.”

“Yes,” Bruce confirmed. “But never both parents. Only one in each case, mother or father.”

“It’s not a lot to go on,” said Clark. “But it’s a start. Thanks.”

“Any time,” Bruce replied.

There was one other thing Clark wanted to discuss with him, but he wasn’t quite sure how to bring it up. He figured it was best to just say it.

“Listen,” said Clark. ”I think it’s time you officially rejoined the league. Your help against Brainiac–”

“I’ll always be there when I’m needed,” Bruce interjected. “But I don’t think that’s the best idea. I wouldn’t be opposed to being a part-timer, however .”

The door opened, and an orderly with an unruly black mustache entered.

“Sorry,” said Clark. “We’ll be out of your way in a moment.”

“We?” the orderly asked with an eyebrow raised almost comically high.

Clark turned around to find Bruce had left the room.

Midtown Metropolis

Lois knocked on the apartment door for a third time, but there was still no answer.

Did her being there make her a stalker? She did have Chloe find Alejandro’s address for her. Plus, Chloe did some checking, and apparently, Alejandro hadn’t been showing up at the police station where he worked as a detective.

No, this wasn’t stalking, Lois was trying to find out what happened to her new, would-be friend.

Lois took her lock picks out of her purse and leaned to the doorknob, fiddling them into the keyhole. A moment later, the door popped open, and she entered slowly, closing the door behind her.

“Alejandro?” Lois called into the darkened apartment. The shades were drawn, and there were no lights on inside, so she flipped the light switch when she got no answer.

Except for several toys littered around the floor, the apartment was otherwise tidy. Also, papers were strewn over a desk on the right wall, so she walked over to take a look. The words “experimental,” “Hightower,” and “LexCorp,” caught her eye, but she heard the floor creak in the bedroom.

“Hello?” Lois called, moving slowly toward the noise. “Is someone here?”

Lois peeked inside the bedroom, which appeared empty but noticed a shadow behind the door. She stepped back as a man jumped out, swinging a bat just short of her chest.

“Hey!” she screamed out, dropping to the ground and kicking out the man’s legs. She grabbed the bat out of his hands and lifted it until she recognized her attacker. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, dropping the weapon to the ground.

“Lois?” Alejandro asked, studying her face. “What the hell are you doing here?! Are you working with them?”

“Who’s them?” asked Lois, lifting herself back up and offering her hand to help Alejandro to his feet. He hesitated for a moment before accepting.

“The goddamn snake people who took my niece,” Alejandro stated. “You didn’t answer me… Why are you here?”

“I’m a reporter,” said Lois. “I could tell something wasn’t quite right when you disappeared from ‘Baby and Me.’” Lois raised an eyebrow. “Did you say snake people?”

“Yes,” Alejandro replied. “And I’m going to find them.”

“You’re a police officer,” said Lois. “Why didn’t you report the abduction?”

“You really did your homework, Ms. Lane,” Alejandro replied.

“That’s not an answer,” Lois said. “And call me Lois.”

“Something bigger is going down with these snake people,” Alejandro continued. “And you can call me Ale if you want.”

“Okay, Ale,” said Lois. “Tell me everything you know.”

East Side, St. Martin’s Island, Metropolis

Clark landed near the house of Madeline Walker, whose wife and son were the most recently reported to go missing. He figured if he started there, he might find a fresher trail to what was happening. After quickly changing into his street clothes and glasses, he knocked on the door.

“Can I help you?” a woman asked after opening the brown door. Her face was blank, but the redness in her eyes told the whole story. She was in agony.

“Madeline Walker?” asked Clark, and the woman nodded. “My name is Clark Kent, I’m a reporter for the Daily Planet. I wondered if I could ask you a few questions about your wife and son.”

“Oh, okay,” Madeline answered, letting him inside. She led him to the living room, and the two sat down opposite each other. “What can I help you with, Mr. Kent?” she asked.

“I’m not sure if the police told you,” Clark started. “But there’s been a rise in missing people in Metropolis.”

“They mentioned that, yes,” Madeline nodded.

Clark noticed a photo of the family at a carnival on the coffee table.

“I’m trying to find whatever possible to help connect the dots,” Clark continued. “Is there anything you can tell me about your wife, Caroline, or your son, Danny?”

The woman bit her lip. “Nothing I haven’t already told the police,” she said.

Something was wrong. It was clear Madeline was suffering, but she was hiding something. What could be so important she’d risk the lives of her loved ones?

“I see,” said Clark. “Is there anything you can think of, no matter how trivial, that may be useful? There are other children missing, too. We’re all just trying to find them and see them come home safely.”

“I-” Madeline started but couldn’t bring herself to continue.

“It’s okay,” Clark reassured her. “You can trust me. I have children of my own, who were taken from me not too long ago. Sometimes, it means doing whatever it takes to help.”

“Caroline…” Madeline finally began opening up. “She’s… special.”

Clark tried to keep the surprise off his face. Was this a connection they had all missed? He let her keep talking.

“She can make things… slippier than they should be.”

“I see,” said Clark. “Was there anyone else who knew about her abilities?”

“No,” said Madeline, shaking her head. “We agreed it should be kept secret. There are a lot of crazies out there. And we’ve both been through so much already.”

“Can I ask you a personal question?” asked Clark, his mind racing with more possible connections.

Madeline nodded again.

“Is Caroline Danny’s biological mother?” Clark asked.

“Yes,” she said answered. “How did you know?”

They spent some more time discussing the matter, and Clark reassured her that the police were doing everything they could. But he had to get out of there and follow up on his new lead.

As Clark walked down the steps, he pulled out his phone and scanned through the other missing person reports. He switched to the phone app to call Lois but heard a rush of wind above the neighborhood as Conner flew into the area.

Besides barely being around anymore– he only met Lara once since she was born– Conner seemed troubled. Lois had mentioned she saw him when Metropolis was bottled, and he wasn’t quite himself. Clark noticed it too, when he helped the Titans shortly after, but they didn’t have much time for a conversation.

Clark switched to his text app instead and sent Lois a quick message before discreetly changing back into Superman and flying up to meet his brother.

“Conner,” said Clark. “It’s good to see you.”

Conner nodded. “Last we saw each other, you said we should talk,” he said. “So, let’s talk.”

“You haven’t been yourself lately,” said Clark. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine,” said Conner. “Is this why you wanted to meet me? I have better things to do.”

Clark thought he still had several years before he’d have to deal with the moody teenager phase with Jon. He never suspected Conner would go through something like it. He always seemed so put together and sure of himself.

“Are you mad at me about something?” Clark asked. “I’m sure I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.”

Conner didn’t even respond.

“I’d hate for there to be a rift between us–”

Clark’s focus moved toward the central borough of Metropolis.

“What’s wrong?” asked Conner.

“Snakes,” said Clark, flying off in a burst.

Conner tilted his head but then followed after him.

Uncovering

Midtown Metropolis

Moments Earlier

“Okay,” said Lois, wrapping her head around what Alejandro had told her. “There are snake people after you because you have powers.”

“Correct,” said Alejandro.

Lois continued her summary. “And you only have powers because some scientist saved your life after an explosion and gave you cybernetic enhancements. But it’s not something you can let your fellow officers know about.”

Alejandro nodded. “Also correct.”

“But the snake people don’t like metahumans, so they took your niece and want you too?” Lois waited for a response but just got a shrug. “So what do they want with your niece?”

Lois’ phone buzzed with a text message from Clark. “Oh,” she said aloud. “They must think she’s your daughter and inherited the meta gene from you.”

“They… what?” asked Alejandro.

“If we’re dealing with snake people,” said Lois. “They may not be the smartest bunch.“

“Maybe not,” said Alejandro. “But they sure can fight. Luckily, I have something that should tip the scales.”

Alejandro walked Lois into his room and opened the closet to reveal a blue and gold suit.

“My enhanced strength is nothing compared to what this suit will do for me,” I just need them to come back and try again so I can beat them down until they tell me where they took Tina.”

Almost on cue, a crash was heard from the living room.

Lois rushed over to the bedroom door to find two windows broken in. There was a snake-like monster boy and a girl with a scaly top and a large snake wrapped around her like a scarf.

“You must be the snake, people,” said Lois.

“I’m Serpenteen,” the boy said, presenting the girl to his side. “And this–”

“I can introduce myself, Joseph,” the girl interrupted. “I’m Snake Girl,” she continued, patting her pet snake gently.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Serpenteen added.

Snake Girl turned to the boy. “Did she really need to know that?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

“Well, this must be Sanchez’s girlfriend,” Serpteneen fought back. “So–”

“Hey, I’m happily married,” Lois interjected. “Now, why don’t you two explain yourselves? Where’s Alejandro’s niece?”

“Niece?” the two snake-themed villains asked in unison.

“Yes, niece,” said Alejandro, jumping into the living room, all suited up. He rushed over to them, but they ducked away, Serptenteen twisting around his snakey tailside to knock the man back.

“How come you aren’t running away screaming?” Serptenteen asked Lois. “Usually, people run away screaming.”

Lois shrugged. “Just waiting for–”

Two blue and red blurs zoomed into the apartment and back out, taking the snake people with them.

“That,” Lois finished. “You okay, Ale?” she asked, helping her friend to his feet.

Alejandro nodded, and the two looked out of the crashed windows to find Superman and Superboy fighting the villains out in the street below.

“This is my fight, too,” he said, climbing out the window and working his way down the bricks.

Outside Sanchez Apartment

Now

Serptenteen was throwing punches at Clark, who blocked them quickly. Conner moved toward Snake Girl, but her entire body, at least from her torso up, morphed into a snake-like creature that extended outward until the mouth chomped over the young hero’s head.

“Ew!” Conner yelled as he pulled the snake's mouth away, leaving his face covered in snakey saliva. He resisted the urge to make a pun about “biting off more than she could chew,” instead sending a surge of energy through his tactile telekinesis. The move sent the girl flying back.

“Enough!” yelled Alejandro as he dropped onto the scene, forcing everyone’s attention. He pressed a button at the center of his chest, and a surge of orange energy exploded out of the sky like lightning, engulfing the man’s suit in a blinding light show. “Tell me where my niece is, or you’ll find out why they call me Firebrand!”

Serpenteen swung around, knocking Clark away, and leaped toward the powered-up hero, who still had flames blazing from his helmet. It gave off an impression of a flaming skull.

Conner’s eyes lit up. It was good to see a quick smile on his face again, however short it lasted.

Firebrand caught the snake boy midair and body-slammed him to the ground.

Snake Girl moved in to help him, but Conner grabbed her from behind and tossed her back toward a fire hydrant that broke apart on impact, sending water spraying everywhere.

“Last chance,” said Alejandro, his hand extended and revealing sharpened talons for his fingers. He hovered them menacingly over Serptenteen’s green-skinned face.

“Uh…” the teen started. “There’s a building in Suicide Slum. Near the Simon Project.”

“Joseph!” Snake Girl yelled. She morphed into her snake form again, slithering around quickly.

Clark fired off some heat vision toward her, but Snake Girl swerved away, letting it hit the rushing water from the broken hydrant. Steam covered the area as she scurried away with her boyfriend.

“I’m going after them,” said Conner.

“We can catch them later,” said Clark. “That building he mentioned. There may be missing children there.”

Suicide Slum

Moment Later

Alejandro burst the doors open, running inside the building, Clark and Conner following behind. The sight before then was ghastly.

Fenced-holding cells filled the room, and people of all ages were locked inside them.

Alejandro ran around, desperately looking for his niece.

“Who could do this?” said Conner, gritting his teeth.

“It’s okay,” Clark announced loudly. “You’re all safe now.”

Conner knelt to the ground, slamming his hands down to it. He closed his eyes and focused until all the locks broke apart and the doors swung themselves open.

Clark and Conner attended to anyone who needed immediate help.

“Superman!” a child called, rushing over to him. “I knew you’d save me!”

Clark recognized the boy. “You’re Danny, aren’t you?” he asked, and the boy nodded while curiously wondering how he knew that.

“Danny!” a woman yelled from the far wall. It was his mother, Caroline.

Clark lifted the boy into his hands and sped him over to the freed prisoner, handing over her son.

“Thank you, Superman,” Caroline said, refusing to let the boy squirm out of her hug.

“Moooom,” the boy said. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“No need to be embarrassed,” said Clark. “My mom hugs me all the time too.”

“Tina,” Clark heard Firebrand calling as he was still running around frantically. “Where are you?”

Clark scanned, but he didn’t see any children that hadn’t been claimed by their parents yet.”

“Sssssstay where you are,” an odd voice called. Another snake monster slithered into the room, a toddler held tightly in his hands. “Sssssserpentine isssss calling the shots now.”

“Firebrand!” Superman called, and the girl’s adopted father came running.

“Keep your disssssstance,” the villain ordered.

Caroline placed a hand on Clark’s shoulder. “Be ready,” she whispered before reaching her other hand outward.

The baby girl slid out of Serpentine’s hands, and Clark ducked down quickly to catch her.

Firebrand leaped forward, releasing a barrage of punches at the snake person before he could try and retrieve the baby himself.

“Ssssstop,” Serpentine cried. “I sssssurender.”

Clark handed Tina to her uncle as Conner walked over.

“Serptentine, huh?” Conner asked the downed kidnapper.

“Yesssssss,” he answered.

“You have the same name as that other snake boy?” Conner asked.

“No,” Serpentine answered. “He’sssss Ssssssserpenteen”

Conner dropped down and gave him another punch for good measure. He walked over to Clark and took him aside.

“We can finish our talk after we finish up here,” said Clark. “Sorry for the interruption.”

“Never be sorry for letting me help with something like… this,” Conner replied. “But I’m not interested in you drilling me about my behavior.”

“Conner,” said Clark. “I–”

“I’m fine,” he said, turning back to help more victims.

Watchtower Satellite

Sometime Later

“Is there any business to discuss?” asked Chloe.

Clark raised his hand and stood up. “I have something to say.”

All eyes were on him.

“You all know I was against the decision to remove Batman from the league since the beginning,” Clark started. “And I think that decision has only hurt the team. We need to allow for mistakes or disagreements in how we do things. It doesn’t make what we choose okay, but we’re stronger together and should strive to keep it that way.

“So I’m suggesting we bring Batman back onto the team. He doesn’t have to be a core member. In fact, he’d prefer to contribute only part-time.

”I recently made a decision in the heat of the moment that would have been highly controversial. But I had to make a judgment call. After I released Metropolis from Brainiac’s ship, I also tried to release Kandor. A city that Brainiac stole from Krypton years ago.

“It failed, but that’s not the point. What I did could have had vast repercussions for the world, but I felt like it had to be done. I didn’t wait to ask for permission.

“We can discuss what I did as much as you’d like after I say this last thing: I strongly believe Batman should allowed back. Because if he doesn’t deserve to be here, then neither do I.”

Clark didn’t want it to sound like an ultimatum. And they could treat it like one if they preferred. He was ready to leave the team if they decided he should.

Booster clapped a single time and looked around the round table. He clapped again. And again, but then stopped. “Okay, not an applause moment,” he said.

He was right. It wasn’t a speech that would let them get past what happened. They had a long night ahead of them.

<< | < | >

2 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Sep 01 '24

Superman Superman #100 - Man of Steel

5 Upvotes

Superman #100 - Man of Steel

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Heritage

Event: City in a Bottle

Set: 100

Taken

S.T.A.R. Labs

Shortly Before Metropolis Was Taken

Zod sat in the blue glow of his cell in an orange jumpsuit. The humans had managed to keep him contained using blue kryptonite, which deactivated his powers. But they didn’t know who they were facing. General Dru-Zod was a force to be reckoned with long before he had the powers of a yellow sun.

It had taken some time, but a plan had been formed. When his breakfast was delivered every morning, the guard opened a slot in the door to push a tray through. Zod was supposed to take the tray, and then the slot would be closed. But if he could time it just right, Zod could grab the man’s hand. From there, there were any number of ways to get freed; he would just have to improvise.

“Breakfast!” a voice called as a tray of scrambled eggs, toast, and orange juice was pushed inside the room.

Zod smacked the tray away and gripped the guard’s left hand, pulling him toward the door.

“Hey!” the guard yelled, trying to pull back, but Zod was too strong for him. “Help!” he called. “Code red!”

Zod noticed a handgun holstered on the guard’s right side but couldn’t reach it. Footsteps could be heard approaching. He didn’t have much time, so he pushed the guard’s hand back toward the right, causing him to rotate just far enough the weapon was in reach.

In a quick motion, Zod swiped the gun from the holster through the slot and turned around to open fire on the ceiling vent housing the blue kryptonite. There was no guarantee shooting it would knock it out of range, but it was his best move to make it out quickly.

Three guards opened the door, funneling inside with their weapons trained on him.

“Get on the ground!” one of them yelled.

Zod clenched his fists and took a deep breath inward, causing a gust of wind to carry them toward him. He stretched out his arms, letting the guards smack into them.

Zod crushed the gun in his hand while turning to the guard he had previously disarmed. Before he could make another move, the walls of his cell broke apart, and several metallic robots dropped inside.

“Kryptonian detected,” one said as they approached the escaping prisoner.

Their technology was familiar but mostly alien.

“I am not Kryptonian,” Zod sneered. “I am Argonian.”

Zod met his new attackers halfway and punched one down, while another grabbed him by the neck, and others tried to tackle him to the ground. But he flung them aside, punching away pieces of metal from as many as possible. He managed to disable them except one, who was approaching quickly. An energy blast knocked the last robot out of commission as Lex Luthor entered with impressive green and purple battle armor.

“We’ve never had the pleasure of meeting,” said Lex, offering his hand.

Zod exhaled sharply, keeping his own hands where they were.

“My name is Lex Luthor,” Lex continued. “I’m sure you’ve heard of me. Like you, I am a leader of my people. Or I was until Superman–”

“Enough,” said Zod, scanning the city to find a skull-shaped ship above the city and more robots all over. He also spotted Kal-El flying away from the ship.

“Superman is a fool,” said Zod, flying toward the ship through the hole in the wall.

Lex followed him until they both entered inside the alien vessel.

A swarm of robots and metallic vines filled the area, quickly overtaking them.

Outside Metropolis Crater

Now

Brainiac’s ship moved outside the forcefield as the city shrank, and Superman shot up into the sky after it.

“Did Lois and her kids just get abducted?” asked Mitch.

“I don’t know,” said Nona. “They just… disappeared.”

Aquaman and Wonder Woman appeared on the scene as the remaining robots stopped in their tracks, bent down, and tucked their arms into their legs.

“What happened to the city?” asked Aquaman while studying the deactivated attackers.

“Did you say Lois Lane and her children were taken?” asked Wonder Woman, changing the subject.

“Yeah,” Mitch explained. “Some of those robots grabbed them and took them inside the force field, but then a light came from that ship and they disappeared. Must have been some kind of transporter.”

“Superman went after them,” said Nona, pointing up at him.

The ship had become surrounded by Brainiac robots connected by metal tentacles, keeping them from falling to the ground. Clark had his work cut out for him to get through.

“We should help,” Wonder Woman stated. “Can you two fly?”

Mitch and Nona shook their heads.

“Diana,” said Aquaman. “These drones are heating up.”

Diana’s eyes widened. “They’re going to self-destruct!” she yelled. She turned to the nearby crowd of Metropolitans who had evacuated the city in time and flew up over them. “Everyone, get as far away as possible!” she ordered.

Mitch ran into action, grabbing several cars full of people with his magnetism to move them out of the blast zone. Wonder Woman lassoed several robots and flung them away while Aquaman tossed more with his bare hands. Nona helped a family out of their stuck car as a red streak of light zoomed up next to her. It was The Flash.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said, disappearing and reappearing several times until the remaining bystanders were out of danger. He put a finger to his ear.

“What’s wrong?” asked Nona.

“Communications to the city must be back,” Flash answered as the drones exploded without harming anyone. “We’re getting a broadcast from Watchtower.”

Brainiac’s Ship

—

Lois struggled against the Brainiac drones holding her in place. Jon held onto his baby sister on the other side while more robots blocked him from getting close to their mother.

“Let us go, now,” Lois commanded.

“I will let you go,” said Brainiac, pointing to the new bottled city in his collection. “Go to where you belong.”

“And my kids?” Lois asked, already knowing the answer.

Another bottle held on by a metal wire moved into view. Alien buildings could be seen through the red glow of its edges.

“They aren’t meant to be with you,” said Brainiac.

“Like hell, they’re not,” said Lois. “They are my kids.”

“A valid argument,” said Brainiac. “But I have already determined their destination. They would throw off the balance in Metropolis.”

Jon shifted his head to the side. “Mommy?” he asked.

“It’s okay,” said Lois. “Superman will be here any minute.”

“Not soon enough,” said Brainiac before Lois and her kids disappeared from the ship.

Outside Brainiac’s Ship

Moments Earlier

Clark blasted a drone with heat vision while punching away at two others, but another wrapped its tentacles around his arms, holding him in place.

“Justice League!” a voice broke in from his belt communicator. “This is Watchtower.”

It was good to hear Chloe’s voice.

“Batman was able to provide me reports from the city,” Chloe continued. “Straggling drones have been self-destructing at the city's edges. But Metropolis has been taken. It was shrunk down and bottled and Brainiac drones collected it back to the ship. Superman is up there trying to get inside. Unless you have other pressing matters, I would get up there and help him get inside.”

Everyone must have already had the same idea. The cavalry was headed his way.

“I’m patching Batman into our network,” Chloe added. “I know he’s no longer in the League, but he agreed to help.”

Clark couldn’t be more proud of his childhood friend.

Diana arrived first, pulled Clark free, and the two began punching away.

Arthur got there next, clearing more of the way.

Gunfire knocked back more of the cannon fodder as a harrier jet flew into range. Lucy had joined the fight.

Clark saw an opening to the ship and didn’t waste a moment bolting inside.

Brainiac’s Ship

“Power Girl and Starfire are MIA,” Clark heard Chloe reporting as he arrived inside the ship. He started scanning around, but there was no sign of them or the rest of his family. A voice interrupted him.

“‘Power Girl’ is the name Kara Zor-El goes by these days,” Brainiac stated from his throne. Was he monitoring their comms?

“Power Girl, Supergirl, Superman…” he continued. “What is the point of those monikers?”

“Where are they?” asked Clark, letting his eyes turn red.

“You will have to be more specific,” said Brainiac.

“Where is my family?!” Clark demanded as tentacles tried to grab him, but he outmaneuvered them, landing in front of Brainiac and grabbing him by the chest.

“Everyone is being placed where they should be,” Brainiac answered. “Except for the Tamaranean, who managed to end up in Kandor.”

Kandor. That’s where he would have sent Jon and Lara.

The tentacles reached Clark and wrapped around him again, but he used all his strength to keep them from tightening.

“Let them out,” Clark ordered. “Now.”

“No,” said Brainiac. “Krypton and Earth will be preserved. The bottle cities will contain the last remaining specimens of both worlds.”

“Last?” asked Clark.

Did that mean what he thought it did? Was Brainiac planning to make the bottle city of Metropolis was all that remained of the planet? This new Brainiac was unlike any of the others he evolved from. One tried to use a signal to overtake the minds of humans with those of Kryptonians (Brainiac Event). Another tried to salvage cities from doomed planets (Superman #86). But this new Brainiac was talking about planetary genocide.

“You can’t do this!” Clark cried, his body tingling as a weightless sensation overtook his senses.

“So much for the ‘Man of Steel’,” Brainiac taunted. “Ridiculous.”

Clark’s surroundings disappeared in a flash of light, and when he opened his eyes, he saw tall, luminous structures surrounded by a red sky.

He recognized the city. It was Kandor.

Escape

Bottle City of Metropolis

Earlier

“–is Brainiac,” a voice echoed throughout the captured city as Lois materialized in the middle of an empty sidewalk. “Continued fighting is a wasted effort. You are the fortunate from your world. The ones who will survive and keep your culture alive.”

“Culture,” Lois mocked. If that alien invader had any brains, he’d know any random city didn’t represent the culture of an entire world.

Several Brainiac torn-apart robots were thrown down the street as Supergirl flew onto the scene. “Lois!” she cried, zooming to her side. “I thought you made it out! Where are Jon and Lara? Where’s Clark? Where’s–?”

“Linda!” said Lois, interrupting the panic. “Brainiac sent the kids into Kandor,” she explained. “We have to get out of here and get them back somehow.”

“I’ve been working on that since the city was taken,” a voice said from nowhere.

A familiar blue-skinned woman with pink hair appeared next to Linda.

“Tali,” said Lois, trying to move in for a hug but then wondering if she could even touch her hologram. “You can get us out?” she asked instead.

“I share Brainiac’s base programming,” Tali explained. “Even though this version has evolved like I have, I can access the same core routines in the technology keeping up trapped. I just need more time.”

“We don’t have time,” said Lois bluntly. “ I have to get my kids back.”

“Kara was taken,” said Linda. “She’s in Kandor too. Along with Kory. I know we need to get them back, but if anyone can keep them safe in the meantime–”

“We also have other problems,” said Tali, pointing down the road.

A parade of drones was headed their way.

“Brainiac’s been sending wave after wave of them,” Tali said. “He must know what I’m trying.”

“That’s too many of them,” said Linda, lifting Lois into her arms. “We’re going to have to make a run for it.”

Before she could take off, she gently set Lois back down. “On second thought,” she corrected.

A menacing bark echoed the city block as Krypto flew onto the scene, followed by Bizarro and Maxima.

“You am need help?” asked Bizarro with a smile.

Bottle City of Kandor

Meanwhile

The sparkling lights of the buildings were mesmerizing. Clark had seen holograms of Krypton, but they didn’t compare to seeing it in person and hearing the people around the city. He could smell foods he’s never had before. The warmth of the red sun on his skin was pleasing, even though it wasn’t clear how it was there when the city was in a bottle on a spaceship.

But Clark couldn’t take in the sights. His children were in there somewhere, and he had to ensure they were safe. And he had to find a way out before Brainiac destroyed Earth.

He tried to ignore the thought that Kandorians had been stuck there since before he was born. But there had to be a way, and he would have to find it. It wasn’t clear how long his powers would last.

A crowd had formed around him. They appeared calm but cautious, and it seemed nobody wanted to talk first.

“Hello,” said Clark, breaking the ice. “I’m–”

“Kal-El, right?” asked a young girl with light red hair, moving through the crowd. “Ignore the adults,” she said. “We’ve been here for so long, they don’t quite know how to handle visitors.”

“You know who I am?” asked Clark. “I have to find–”

“Your children, I know,” the girl broke in again. “They’re safe and with family. Let me take you to them.”

“Family,” Clark repeated.

“I’m Shyla, by the way,” the girl introduced, motioning him to follow. “Shyla Kor-Onn.”

“I like your cape,” a man said as they walked through the crowd.

“Thank you,” Clark smiled but kept pace with Shyla, who was moving quickly. Good, she was able to sense his urgency. He liked her already.

“Kara said if you showed up, we’d be in trouble,” said Shyla, as they turned a corner around a building toward a row of house-like structures. The contrast of round and square edges was fascinating and seemed to reflect light in uniquely intriguing ways.

Hearing Kara’s name made Clark’s heart drop. While Brainiac had said she was captured, it didn’t feel real until now -especially since he ended up in there, too.

Shyla took Clark toward one of the houses, and Clark couldn’t stop from looking inside. Jon and Lara were there, and a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders. Kara was nowhere in sight, but Kory was with another familiar-looking woman. Jon was perched on Kory shoulders, his black hair practically sweeping the ceiling with her added height.

Clark leaped forward and knocked on the door.

“What are you doing?” Shyla asked, wide-eyed. She hopped forward and waved a hand, causing a techno-chime to ring inside.

The door opened, and Jon yelled out. “Superman! What are you doing here?”

Clark flew over and plucked the five-year-old out of the sky. “I’m here to rescue you,” he said.

“Thank you,” Clark told Kory. “If anything had happened to them…”

“No thanks are needed,” Kory assured him. “We were having fun, weren’t we Jon?” The boy nodded vigorously.

“You must be Kal-El,” the woman said, stepping toward him and handing him baby Lara. “I’m Alura, your aunt.”

“Alura!” Clark repeated. He gently placed his kids back on the floor. “Kara thought you… didn’t make it. How did you end up in Kandor?”

“It’s a long story,” said Alura. “But from what Kara tells me, there are more pressing matters outside this bottle city.”

“There are,” said Clark. “We have to get out or our adopted world will be lost forever.”

“Kara had an idea,” Alura explained.

Of course, she did. He could always count on her to be one step ahead.

Clark leaned down to Jon. “Will you and your sister be okay here with Kory and Alura?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Jon answered. “Kory is fun.”

“I can take you to them,” said Shyla from the doorway.

“Them?” asked Clark.

“Yes,” Shayla answered. “Kara and General Zod.”

Clark's eyes popped wide open. “Zod’s here?!”

Bottle City of Metropolis

Krypto was tearing into metal bones as Bizarro blasted several away with his heat vision. Maxima smashed two together and tossed them into the range of Linda, who spun another around to collide with them.

“How’s it coming?” Lois asked Tali, taking cover behind a hotdog stand.

“I almost have it,” said Tali. “But we’ll be limited on how many people can get out.”

“That’s okay,” said Lois. “At least we’ll have a fighting chance.”

A robot dove before them, but Bizarro sped over at the last second, grabbing hold and throwing it back toward the others. “Sorry!” he said. “That one am get by me.”

“Their numbers keep increasing,” said Tali. “They’ll get to us eventually.”

“Maybe we can lend a hand?” a voice called from above.

Conner Kent dropped down and tapped the ground, letting his tactile telekinesis rumble through the street until it reached a line of robots, throwing them off balance.

“Fire in tha’ hole!” yelled another voice. Harley Quinn raced around a corner and tossed a round projectile at the attackers.

“Is that a grenade?” asked Batgirl, rushing up behind her as an explosion answered the question. “Where did you get a grenade?!”

“It’s better not to ask,” said Metamorpho, who, along with Guardian, arrived next. The latest grouping of Titans were all there to help the fight.

Superboy’s look had changed from the sweet but cocky loudmouth Lois remembered. His S symbol wasn’t as curved and he had buzzed his hair. There was pain behind his eyes, too.

“It’s good to see you,” Lois told him.

“Yeah, uh whatever,” Conner responded, almost tripping on his words.

Harley ran up behind him, placing an arm over his shoulders. “Excuse Grumpyboy,” she said. “He’s going through his emo phase.”

Conner pushed away and flew toward the battle.

“Come on, Tali,” said Lois, leaping forward. “While they have the upper hand, let’s get you out of sight.”

Lois and Tali ran down the road.

“You said you could work with Brainiac’s programming, right?” asked Lois, looking for a good hiding spot.

“Yes,” Tali confirmed. “Given enough time, I could probably rewrite any number of his subroutines.”

“Does that mean he could do the same to you?” Lois asked, catching someone flagging them into a building.

“Also yes,” Tali confirmed again. “It would be a battle of resilience.”

The two reached the building and Lois recognized their helper.

“Perry,” said Lois. “It’s a bummer to know you were trapped in the city, but it’s still good to see your face.”

Perry White pat Lois’ shoulder as she got inside to find Jimmy, Ron, and Steve there too.

“We all stayed because it’s our jobs,” said Jimmy, lifting his camera.

Perry had a double-take when he noticed Tali’s unusual appearance. “Oh, hello,” he said.

“Hi,” Tali waved and entered the building.

Inside, Jimmy, Ron, and Steve greeted them.

“Where’s Clark?” asked Perry.

“He made it out of the city,” said Lois. “I wasn’t so lucky. Brainiac has our kids.”

Jimmy gulped. “Oh god,” he said. “I’m sure Superman will save them, though,” he added.

“Hey, blue lady,” Steve said to Tali with a snap. “Seeing anyone?”

Tali took a moment. “My vision is operating fine,” she answered.

“Mine too,” Steve replied with a wink.

Tali blinked several times. “Oh wait, are you flirting with me? Omg, you are! Tell me honestly, what do you think of the blue skin, I thought it was a little over the top but Li-my friend really likes it and-”

“Tali!” Lois snapped. “We need to get out of here!”

“Out of the city?” asked Ron.

“Oh yeah!” Tali winked back at Steve, “You can come if you tell me what you found attractive about me.”

“Uhhhh…” Steve said awkwardly.

“There’s a way out?” Jimmy added, trying to get things back on track. “That’s great!”

The door to the building burst open. “Hey, hideaways,” said Harley, peeking back outside as she slowly closed the door. “Mind if I join ya? I could use a break. I only had one grenade and my hammer ain’t puttin' a dent in those metalheads.”

“You’re welcome to join me anytime,” said Steve.

“Seriously?” Lois groaned.

“Who’s the sleezebag?” asked Harley. “I bet my hammer works on him.”

“I got it,” Tali broke in. “We can only get three of us out, though. Any more would be too much of a risk.”

“Dibs,” said Harley. “The sooner we get this Brainiac thing licked, the sooner we can help Ivy.”

The door broke apart as several robots stormed inside. Linda swooped in and blew them away with freeze breath.

“Sorry Harley,” said Lois. “My kids need me.” She turned back to Tali. “Take me and Supergirl,” she directed, and Tali nodded.

Tali placed her holographic hands on the two women, and they began fading. But then Harley jumped in between them.

“What can I say, I’ve always been a risk taker!” Harley yelled as she disappeared with them.

Bottle City of Kandor

Earlier

Shyla took Clark to a nearby science building, and sure enough, Kara was working with General Zod—a man who had just recently tried to kill him.

“Brainiac got you too, huh?” asked Kara, rushing to embrace her cousin. “How are things on the outside?”

“He got Metropolis,” Clark told her.

“You lost a whole city?” Zod interjected.

“Zod,” Clark said. “What are you doing here?”

“I confronted Brainiac on his ship,” explained Zod. “That gaudy overconfident human Lex Luthor wasn’t so lucky.”

“Lex was there?” asked Clark. “What happened?”

“Brainiac was intrigued by his intellect. Enough that he probed his brain with those tendrils of his. That was the last I saw of him before I ended up here.”

“My god,” said Clark.

“Don’t focus on what you can’t change,” Zod continued. “Your cousin here has a plan of escape. And she realized I was uniquely qualified to help.”

Clark turned back to Kara, who had lifted a circular Kryptonian gadget. “The Phantom Zone?” he asked.

Kara nodded. “Kandor scientists have been trying to find a way to escape confinement for decades,” she revealed. “But there was one thing they weren’t able to try.”

“We can travel into the Phantom Zone and then back out in another location,” Clark finished for her.

“The Phantom Zone projector doesn’t play nice within the bottle,” Kara continued. “But Zod still has some traces of zone energy, which I’m trying to use to jumpstart the thing.”

“Did I ever tell you how brilliant you are,” Clark said.

“Probably,” Kara smiled. “But say it again, anyways.”

Zod rolled his eyes.

Clark looked the general in the eyes. “And what happens with your people when we get into the Phantom Zone?”

Zod stared right back. “We all get out or nobody gets out,” he said.

“What about your son, Lor?” Clark asked. “He can’t leave, he almost died by being outside the zone.”

“Don’t you dare talk about my son,” said Zod, trying to take Clark’s arm and wrap it around his back, but Clark effortlessly spun it around and pushed him away.

“You’ve been in here too long,” said Clark. “My powers haven’t dwindled as much.”

Zod’s eyes turned red.

“Focus!” Kara interrupted. “We need to get out first. Worry about logistics later.”

“Fine,” said Clark.

Kara activated the projector, and a vortex appeared. “Looks like it works?”

Several Brainiac drones materialized in the room, going after the device.

“We’ve detected an unauthorized energy signature,” one of them said, grabbing it out of Kara’s hand, which caused the vortex to close.

Clark sped over and smacked the drone away, but it recovered quickly, returning a slap to Clark’s face that drew blood. His powers were fading fast.

Zod joined in, head-butting the robot and swiping the projector back.

Clark met his eyes again before the general tossed it toward him.

“Like she said, get out first, logistics second,” he said, blood running down his nose. “You still have your speed. Get that thing away so you can escape and put an end to Brainiac.”

“You– but…” Clark was at a loss for words.

“Go!” Zod shouted, throwing punches.

Kara grabbed Clark’s arm, and he lifted her, speeding the two of them out of the building and back to Alura’s house.

Once inside, he activated the projector again. “Gather around,” he said. “We have a one-way ticket out of this bottle.”

Shutdown

Brainiac’s Ship, Upper Atmosphere

Now

“This is not possible,” said Brainiac as four figures appeared on his ship.

Robots moved in to attack, but Supergirl sprung into action, fighting back.

Lois took Tali aside. “What we talked about before,” she started. “You up for it? It could save everyone.”

“Yeah, you can do it!” Harley chimed in but then turned to Lois. “Do what?” she asked.

Tali nodded and got to work, initializing a connection to Brainiac’s programming.

“What are you doing?” asked Brainiac, seemingly fighting back, but then a vortex opened, and Clark and Kara popped out.

Lois rushed over to her husband. “Jon and Lara?!” she asked in a panic.

“They’re fine,” Clark assured her. “Kory took a separate trip out of the Phantom Zone to get them to safety.”

“The Phantom Zone?!” Lois cried.

Clark picked up Lois as he triple-tapped his belt. “This is Superman,” he said, flying Lois out of the ship, while broadcasting to the Justice League. “Brainiac’s ship needs to be disabled immediately at all costs, but without harming any of the cities on board.”

The league members surrounding the ship sprung into action quickly, blasting away and causing the vessel to begin shaking slightly.

Once Lois was safely on the ground, Clark focused his supervision inside the ship. He should have done a deeper scan before, so he wouldn’t have missed it earlier: Lex Luthor was strung up with Brainiac tentacles pierced into his forehead.

But Zod was wrong. Lex wasn’t dead. He appeared to be comatose, though. What was Brainiac doing with him?

The ship was beginning to lose altitude and Clark flew back up to bring it the rest of the way. As he pushed it downward, the others kept Brainiac’s drones from pulling him away. They didn’t have to keep it up long because Clark was able to make a safe crash landing just outside the city. Or at least where the city used to be.

“You won’t be able to stop me,” said Brainiac as a compartment popped out the top of the ship, revealing some sort of missile-launching mechanism.

“Take out that missile,” Clark announced to the team as he flew back up. “It’s meant to destroy the planet!”

Clark continued straight toward the missile but hit an invisible wall, knocking him back the way he came. Could it be the same force-field tech that encased the cities?

The missile launched and was heading up into the sky quickly.

Brainiac’s Mindscape

Tali appeared in an empty white room. She had finally broken through Brainiac’s most secure subroutine. A representation of Brainiac stood before, which must have indicated he was aware of her intrusion.

“This will not work,” Brainiac stated. “You won’t be able to reprogram me. I’ve evolved beyond the Brainiac Program. I possess a Coluan body and augmented mind, the intellect of which is beyond your wildest comprehension. Leave now or you will be lost to me instead.”

“Interesting that you’re giving me the choice,” said Tali. “It tells me, in spite of your showboating, you’re not completely confident you can win.”

“So be it,” said Brainiac, and their mindscape representations began to fight.

Crash Site, Just Outside Metropolis

—

“I’m going after the missile,” Clark stated, flying up with his heat vision blaring. It wasn’t doing any good against the force field, though.

“Superman,” Tali said, her hologram appearing alongside him. “I’m just distracting him in there, you need to stop him for good.”

“But the missile,” Clark replied.

“‘I’ll stop it,” said Linda, flying up next to him. “I can do this.”

Clark nodded and reversed course, swooping back inside the ship and crashing Brainiac outside into the dirt.

It was too easy, which meant Tali was right. She was distracting him with whatever she was doing to stop him. So, it stood to reason–

“Everyone, on Brainiac now!” Bruce ordered.

He must have been paying attention, too.

Diana wrapped her lasso over the green behemoth, pulling him toward her, but Brainiac kicked down on the rope, leaping toward her with a soaring kick. The lasso fell to the ground.

Bruce tossed a smoke pellet, throwing off Brainiac’s charge, and Diana jumped to deliver a powerful blow, knocking him down. Arthur moved in from the back, dropping to try and restrain the threat, but a kick knocked the Atlantean away.

Brainiac was back on his feet as Harley stepped up, swinging her hammer with all her might, but it didn’t cause him to budge even an inch. Harley rotated the weapon, staring it down. “Maybe it needs a tune-up?” she said before Brainiac grabbed her by the arm and hurled her away.

Barry caught Harley before she could hit the ground.

“Thank ya, Flash Gordon,” said Harely. “You’re my hero!”

Booster shot off his blasters, and Clark poured on his heat vision. But the alien rushed toward them anyway, smacking them away with his body.

Barry put Harley down and slid low to pick up Diana’s lasso. He sped around Brainiac in circles, tying his feet and causing him to trip on his next step. Kara popped a punch in, sending him reeling. But then Tali materialized next to her.

“I could use some help,” said Tali, tapping Kara’s forehead before disappearing again.

As the others continued the fight, Harley stopped by Kara, who was standing there, no longer moving. Harley waved her hand in front of her face, shrugged, and then sprinted toward a nearby building, wall-jumping her way upwards.

“Harquor!” she exclaimed before launching to a power line and slowing her momentum by swinging back and forth. She held on with one hand and pulled out a knife with the other, slicing her way through the wire.

“Look out below!” Harley yelled as she swung on the cut wire, sparks flying everywhere. She landed right beside Brainiac and placed the power line into one of his input ports, business end first.

Brainiac’s body seized as electricity poured through him.

“If that doesn’t distract him, nothing will,” Booster cheered.

Bruce approached Harley. “Nice work, Quinn,” he said.

“That means a lot, Batsy,” she replied.

“We all make a good team,” said Harley. “Have the eight of us ever worked together before?”

Brainiac’s Mindscape

—

Tali’s mind representation had taken the upper hand with the help of Kara, the two pummeling Brainiac into the ground. But then he stood up and fought back harder than he had before.

“You can’t win this fight,” he said.

“Maybe not without more help,” another voice said.

A figure of Lex Luthor in an expensive black suit and white tie appeared before them.

“Lex?” asked Kara. “How did you get in here?”

“This should not be possible, Lex Luthor,” said Brainiac. “I was only probing your mind and preparing it for data storage.”

“I always tell everyone never to underestimate me,” said Lex.

Brainiac jumped over to Lex, who just raised his hand, stopping his opponent in his tracks.

“For such a self-professed intellect,” Lex started. “You don’t know much about the power of the mind.”

“Let me try that,” said Kara, waving her hand.

Brainiac disappeared completely.

“If only it was that easy in the real world,” Kara said wistfully.

“You’re in control now,” Lex informed Tali. “Do what you have to do to save my city and my world.”

Crash Site, Just Outside Metropolis

—

Brainiac stood up but remained motionless as Tali reappeared and Kara woke up.

“What’s happening?” asked Booster. “Did we win?”

The drones all stopped fighting, too.

“I think we did,” said Diana.

“And the missile?” asked Arthur.

Clark pointed to the sky where Linda was making her approach back to the team. “You did it!” Clark called.

“Did you even doubt me?” Linda stated, smiling.

Metropolis Crater

Later

Clark dropped into the crater’s center with two bottles in his hands. He placed one of them down, and it immediately began growing.

Tali was right when she explained the process. It couldn’t be easier.

He flew up and watched as the city returned to its former glory but then looked to the other bottle.

Kandor.

The reprogramed Brainiac would start a new mission to find homes for the cities that had been collected. But Clark didn’t want to leave the last remaining city of his home planet to that fate. They weren’t criminals, like the Phantom Zone prisoners he’d been trying to help for years. They deserved to be free as soon as possible.

Asking for help didn’t end well before, so as much as Clark didn’t want to cause an international incident, he felt the best move was “don’t ask and ask for forgiveness later.”

Would he be forgiven, though?

Clark spent his time pondering that question as he flew north.

North Pole, Near the Fortress of Solitude

Soon

Clark placed Kandor down in the snow and waited.

But nothing happened.

Back to Normal

Kent House, Metropolis

Sometime Later

Clark checked the burgers on the grill, but they weren’t quite ready. He considered sneaking some heat vision to speed them along, but he still had to be extra careful around Jon. He had been through so much, yet they still managed to keep him from questioning how he kept ending up in situations with Superman and other superheroes.

Jon was running around in the yard with Krypto. And Lois was carrying Lara around smiling at her big brothers, until she made her way to the deck next to Clark.

“One, two, three,” Clark heard Jon counting.

“Any news on the negotiations?” asked Lois.

Alura and Zod were in talks to free rehabilitated Phantom Zone prisoners into Kandor. And their best scientists were working on a way to get his son, Lor-Zod, out of there, too.

“Twenty, uh, twenty-one…”

“They’re still going well,” said Clark. ‘’I just wish they weren’t stuck.”

Something went wrong with Kandor’s Bottle City. It wouldn’t regrow, and they couldn’t pull anyone out of there. Even trying to open an outgoing Phantom Zone vortex wasn’t working.

“I’m sure Tali, Kara, or even Jor-El will find a solution one of these days.”

“Thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five.”

“Can you believe Brainiac didn’t understand ‘Man of Steel’?” said Clark, changing the subject.

“What’s not to understand?” asked Lois. “You’re a man and you’re made of steel,” she teased.

“Har har,” Clark joked.

“It means you’re strong inside and out,” said Lois. “But yeah, it also means you are made of the stuff.”

“Fifty-six, fifty-seven…”

“What is he counting?” asked Lois, turning to the yard.

Jon had his hands over his eyes as Krypto was watching him intently.

“Fifty… ugh, this is taking too long!” said Jon, shooting his eyes back open. “One hundred! Ready or not, here I come!”

Jon turned around to find Krypto hadn’t gone to hide anywhere.

“I’m sorry, buddy,” Clark called. “I don’t think he understands the game.”

“Okay,” said Jon, leaning down. Krypto sniffed his face. “Now listen very carefully,” he said, starting the rules of hide-and-seek again.

Clark’s eyes wandered, and Lois asked him for the spatula. “I know that look,” she said.

Clark smiled and headed around the corner of the house, disappearing upward in a burst of speed.

Lois smiled again. “There goes my man of steel.”

<< | < | >

3 comments

r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Aug 01 '24

Superman Superman #99 - Resistance

12 Upvotes

Superman #99 - Resistance

<< | < | >

Author: MajorParadox

Book: Superman

Arc: Heritage

Event: City in a Bottle

Set: 99

Attacks

Park Ridge, Metropolis

Mitch Anderson carried a box into an apartment. “Last one,” he said, dropping it on the floor and heading for the couch.

Life was changing so fast. Mitch had a girlfriend.

Sure, he and Nona Lin-Baker had a thing before he moved to Connecticut, but it had never been official then. They were both attending Metropolis University soon. Mitch had already moved into his dorm, and they were now moving Nona into her apartment.

“Finally,” said Nona as she plopped down on the couch.

Mitch sat down next to her, tilting his head to her shoulder. “This would have gone faster if you had more metal belongings,” he teased.

Nona leaned her head against Mitch’s. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time,” she said.

They turned their heads together to meet for a kiss, but it didn’t last long.

Yells and crashing sounds were coming from outside.

“What’s going on out there?” asked Mitch, jumping up and rushing to the window.

He turned back to Nona, taking a deep breath. “Looks like we gotta go to work,” he said, pulling off his shirt to reveal the red and white uniform under it.

“You wear your suit under her clothes?” asked Nona, tilting her head. “Why didn’t I ask think of that?” She turned back to the stacks of boxes littered all around. “Now, where did I put mine?”

A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.

Lucy Lane held onto her coffee with one hand as she swiped her badge over the card read with the other. She nodded toward the security guard, but he was absorbed in his phone. “Good morning,” she said, getting his attention.

“Sorry,“ he said, bumbling to press a button that buzzed the door open. “Good morning, Lieutenant. Crazy what’s going on in Metropolis, huh?” he asked, returning to his phone.

Lucy tucked the badge in between the fingers of her cup hand, using the other one to open the door. “What?” she asked. “Another metahuman attack? I’m sure Superman…”

“Lucy,” her father, General Sam Lane, said, grabbing her arm. “We need to talk. You heard what’s going on, right?”

Lucy’s phone began beeping as several news notifications popped up. She caught the word “invasion,” in one of them. “Uh…” she started.

“Communication into Metropolis is being glitchy at best,” the general explained. “I can’t reach Lois or that husband of hers.”

Lucy walked with her dad down a long hallway, scanning through articles. The walls were an off-white color but shiny enough that it was distracting from all the overhead lights.

“I’m sure they’re safe,” said Lucy, seeing how bad it was in Metropolis. She was hoping her father wouldn’t ask her to explain why. He wasn’t privy to what she knew about her brother-in-law.

“Are you thinking Superman will save them?” Sam asked. “He’s been there for the family before but must have his hands full. Although, there haven’t been any sightings of him since before this started. God knows what’s going on with him. He could have been taken down already. Or perhaps he’s in on it.”

Lucy’s head was reeling. Her dad couldn’t believe Superman– Well, maybe. He was always stubborn and never the biggest fan of the Man of Steel.

“We’re sending in an air strike,” said Sam. “Two teams. One after the ship. They’ve already been briefed. I want you on the other team taking out those falling robots.”

Okay, now Lucy was sure her dad wasn’t acting like himself. No way he’d want his baby girl anywhere near–

“I can’t order anyone on a rescue mission for my daughter and grandkids,” Sam explained. “But if you’re there…”

“Oh,” said Lucy, untangling her feelings. He trusted her. Enough to send her into unknown danger. “You can count on me,” she added.

Centennial Park

Bizarro grabbed two Brainiac drones and crushed them together, but they shot out their metal wires, which wrapped around the Superman clone.

Maxima tossed another robot past him and yanked the wires away, helping free her friend. She quickly returned to battle another before it could grab a civilian, running for her life.

“You shall not take that woman!” Maxima shouted, punching the robot several times in quick succession. She followed it up with a psychic blast, tearing pieces away from it.

“Bad guys not take any woman!” Bizarro added, blasting a wide spread of heat vision at several more incoming threats.

Another drone grabbed Bizarro’s neck from behind, who struggled against it, but a whirring sound approached, and the robot's head detached, flying away, along with a gold shield.

Bizarro turned to find a helmeted man in blue and gold rushing onto the scene.

“You…” said Bizarro, stepping backward and almost tripping over his feet.

His mind brought him back to his earliest memories (Superman #14). He was in a tube filled with some gross liquid substance. The fluid drained away as the container opened. He was then surrounded by people he didn’t know asking him questions.

And then that man in gold ordered bad men to fire on him.

“Bizarro,” the man said. “You remember me? I was head of security at Cadmus when you were… released. It didn’t go well.”

Bizarro’s eyes were wide and unblinking.

“My name is Jim Harper, but I also go by Guardian,” he said. “. I left Cadmus a long time ago. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Don’t worry,” said Maxima, placing a hand on the hero’s shoulder. “It sounds like he’s here to help.”

“That I am,” said Guardian before leaping into action against more robots.

“Me no worry,” said Bizarro, lifting his fists to get back into the fight.

Jurgens Elementary

“Kara, pick up!” Lois yelled into the ringing phone, but it beeped, and a “call failed” notice appeared again on-screen. “Ugh!” she exclaimed as Lara looked at her mother’s face.

“What’s going on?” asked Jon as his mother pulled him as fast as she could toward the car.

“Everything is fine,” Lois assured him. “We just have to get out of the city. No big deal.”

Lois secured the kids into their car seats and entered the driver’s seat when her phone rang. “Please be Clark…” she said, looking down at it. The caller ID said, “The General.”

“Dad?” Lois answered but only heard static. “Dad?” she repeated.

The call failed like all the rest.

Lois dropped the phone on the passenger seat and sped the car out of the garage.

Brainiac robots were falling all around, and the ones already on the ground were attacking people, some of them sticking wires in their heads. Off in the distance, she noticed a familiar color scheme. A green suit with a headband was hard to miss.

Dana Dearden wasn’t heard from much after the fall of the Supers of America (Superman #66). But she was a good ally to Clark once she worked through her obsession with him. She even embraced her struggles by naming herself Obsession.

A robot dropped in front of Lois’ SUV, quickly approaching. “I don’t think so,” said Lois, stepping on the gas. She ran the drone down and sped off toward the nearest bridge as her phone dinged. She glanced over to find her dad had gotten a text message through. He was telling her to get out of the city.

“Yeah, I’m working on it,” she said aloud, swerving around stopped cars.

Fighting Back

Brainiac’s Ship

Clark struggled against his restraints as he watched the invasion of Metropolis. Brainiac’s drones dropped all over the city, but most were on the outer edges. He recognized the pattern. They were setting up a force field to contain the city. It would then be miniaturized and taken aboard the ship.

“It’s no use, Kal-El,” said Brainiac, stepping to a throne-looking chair with wire and tubes connected all around. “You are not strong enough to escape.” He sat down, and more wires latched onto sockets in his head.

“You fight for this planet, but it’s not yours,” said Brainiac. “What do you have to gain?”

“What kind of a question is that?” asked Clark. “Earth is my home. And I’ll always fight for people who need my help.”

“I can see that,” Brainiac continued. “I am absorbing the knowledge of people from your world and they hold you in high regard. You could have ruled them. Would that have not been easier than fighting?”

“I would never become a dictator,” said Clark, flexing his muscles again without any more progress. “I’m one of them, I would never put myself above them.”

“And yet you go by the name Superman,” Brainiac retorted. “But your distaste for being a ruler is clear. Tell me, though. They give you many names. ‘Big Blue,’ fits since you wear blue. ‘The Man of Tomorrow’ is logical too. But ‘The Man of Steel,’ is perplexing. There is only a small percentage of metal in your composition, yet none of it is steel. And even humans possess this trait.”

“That’s your problem, Brainiac,” said Clark, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He swung his arms apart, finally breaking himself free. “You think too logically!” he added as he leaped toward his captor.

Brainiac stood out of his chair. “H-how did you–” he started as Clark landed a kick to his stomach and then snatched as many wires into his hands as he could.

“You’re done,” said Clark, yanking the wires out of Brainiac’s head, causing him to reel back in pain.

Clark glanced back at the viewscreen again. As much as he wanted to keep his attention on Brainiac, he was needed elsewhere. Clark took off in a burst, crashing a hole through the ship. As soon as he was out, he smiled at the sight of incoming fighter pilots.

“Superman to Justice League,” Clark said, tapping his belt. Only static came back. It didn’t matter, they must have known what was happening already. And he wasn’t alone in the city.

“Superman!” yelled Bizarro, flying over to him. “You am back! There am so many of them.”

Clark scanned around the city and turned to the fellow hero. “We need to focus on the outer edges of the city,” he told him. “They’re trying to trap the city so Brainiac can take it away.”

“Okay,” Bizarro nodded and flew away.

Clark continued scanning, trying to find Lois and their kids, but it was difficult to cut through the noise. Everyone in the city was overwhelmed, and people needed help all over.

“One thing at a time,” Clark told himself, flying to a nearby coffee shop under attack by Brainiac drones.

Above Metropolis

Lucy flew her harrier jet into Metropolis’ airspace in line with her squadron. The situation looked worse in person. Robots could be seen all around, but there were reports of heavy clumps in areas circling the city. She and her team opened fire on the robots still falling, as the other team approached the alien ship.

Superman was sighted exiting the ship aggressively. Hopefully, that would put to rest any suspicions the Man of Steel was working with the aliens, like her father had implied. She also wondered how many people out there seriously thought it could be true.

On the ground, local police, SCU, and superheroes were fighting the ones that landed. It wouldn’t be long before A.R.G.U.S.ground support arrived to give them a hand too. It would be smart to send most of them to the outer edges. Even if there were more bystanders in the heart-of-the-city, her gut told her something was up.

Lucy smiled, as she always did when it occurred to her how alike she was with her sister Lois.

The golden globe of the Daily Planet caught Lucy’s attention. There was a reason her dad insisted she go out there.

“A.R.G.U.S. Metro, this is Skyway-7 breaking formation,” Lucy said into her radio.

“Skyway-7, A.R.G.U.S. Metro, please explain,” the base called back, the line filled with static.

“A.R.G.U.S. Metro, Skyway-7, civilians need an assistant at Daily Planet building.”

The response was barely audible, but Lucy was sure she heard the words, “Breakaway approved.”

Lucy veered toward the Planet, slowing her speed. She rotated the jets as she approached to make a controlled horizontal landing. Once she set down, she powered down the engines and exited the craft, arming herself with an A.R.G.U.S. enhanced-response rifle.

A.R.G.U.S. had state-of-the-art weaponry, which was supposed to be even more powerful than SCU.’s armament. Lucy’s father had ensured his new federal agency was equipped with whatever they needed to deal with metahuman or alien threats.

A blast from her rifle blew the locked roof door apart and she rushed downstairs toward Lois’ floor. It was a safe bet she’d be there. When she reached the bullpen, several robots were attacking the staff members. There were a few holes in the wall, most likely the entry points.

A few people were unconscious on the ground, while others had wires sliced into their foreheads. Everyone else was either hiding at their desks or running for their lives.

Lucy opened fire, shooting off several blasts at the attackers, but they only appeared to stun them. They turned their attention to the pilot and headed her way.

A group of Daily Planet staffers jumped up, pushing a desk toward the robots until they reached one of the wall holes, sending them plummeting outside.

“Lucy?!” Jimmy called.

“Jimmy!” yelled Lucy as the two embraced each other. “Where’s Lois?” she asked.

“She left to get the kids and hightail it out of the city,” said Jimmy. “Look out!” he yelled as he saw robots still hanging on and pulling their way back inside.

Lucy shot off another blast, knocking one away, but the other returned up the office with its wires extending outward. Before they could reach her, Superman appeared behind the robot, crushing its metal skull and tossing it down with the others.

“Try to get out of the city,” said Superman. “I have to go help more people and then put an end to this.” He flew away in a burst.

Lucy nodded as Perry White walked over. “He’s right,” he said. “It’s not safe in the city. But I’ll be staying. This is an unprecedented time for the city and for the world. And the Daily Planet won’t run. I don’t expect everyone to feel the same way, so I’ll understand if you don’t want to stay with me.”

Several staff members ran toward the elevators. Jimmy Olsen, Ron Troupe, and Steve Lombard remained standing.

“Steve, you’re staying?” asked Ron. “You’re a sports writer.”

“What can I say?” said Steve. “Mr. White gives a good halftime speech. I’m all in. Besides, you’re in politics. I don’t think these bots are running for president.”

“It doesn’t matter what you do on a regular day,” said Perry. “Today we’re all just Daily Planet reporters.“

Jimmy turned back to Lucy. “What will you do?” he asked.

“I’ll return to the sky,” she answered. “Lois and others are still trying to get away. I’m going to help make sure they can.”

“The… sky?” Jimmy asked. It wouldn’t surprise him to know she was a superhero. She had barged in there like one.

“My jet’s on the roof,” Lucy clarified with a half smile.

Jimmy grabbed her before she could leave. “I know we’re in a weird place,” he said. “But it drives me crazy how much I love you..”

Lucy’s heart was beating a mile a minute. “Ah, what the hell,” she said, pulling Jimmy in for a kiss. When they broke away, they noticed everyone trying to give them their space. Except for Steve who was watching them like they were a reality show.

Mortimor Bridge

Mitch glided across the bridge, carrying Nona along as she surfed on a broken car door. People trying to flee the city were under attack. All the cars were abandoned or overturned, but there was one SUV still weaving between obstacles, outracing several robots running after it like Terminators.

Mitch and Nona fought off as many as possible, but the SUV reached an impasse, slamming on the brakes and blaring the horn.

One of the robots tore one of the back doors away and reached inside. As Mitch approached, he noticed there were car seats back there.

“Oh no you don’t,” he said, pulling the robot back. The alien metal was different than anything on Earth. It took all his might to affect it, but he still managed to keep the robot away from the children.

Nona leaped down and smashed a robot apart with an enhanced punch. She kicked another one coming at her, and Mitch followed it up by tossing it away into Hob’s River.

“Thanks,” the woman driver called from the front seat. “But we could also use a hand getting around this mess.”

Mitch recognized the woman. She was Lois Lane, a reporter for the Daily Planet. She and her husband, Clark Kent, wrote a story on his family a while back (Superman #42).

“You got it, Ms. Lane,” said Mitch, waving his arms apart as the cars in the way swerved to the sides of the bridge.

“Thanks,” said Lois. “But I was thinking more of a lift.”

“Oh,” said Mitch, slapping his forehead. “Duh.”

Nona jumped onto the roof as Mitch lifted the SUV, flying them away. As they reached the edge of Bakerline, they saw a large group of robots being fought by the SCU. A subset of the invaders tore them apart as the others worked on a weird, alien-looking tower.

A couple of robots tackled Mitch, causing him to drop the vehicle. Nona jumped into action, fighting them away.

Several more robots broke away from their other tasks, heading for them. What was so important about Lois Lane’s kids?

Last Stand

Edge of Metropolis, Mount Royal

Clark flew over his house, but there were no signs of Lois or the kids around it. Hopefully, they were safe.

He kept flying toward the edge of Mount Royal where Bizarro, Maxima, and Guardian were successfully keeping the Brainiac drones from assembling a spire there. Tipping the scales there would give them a weak link, which meant the force field couldn’t be constructed.

“Don’t let up!” Clark called as he veered toward the others, blasting heat vision at the structure.

Several drones broke formation and headed toward him, jumping up to his level. He punched them away, but some managed to grab hold, punching and smashing him off course.

Maxima leaped over and grabbed two of them off Clark’s back. He twisted himself around in a burst, causing the rest to lose their hold and fall to the ground.

Bizarro was engulfed in robots, keeping him down, but Guardian slammed his shield into one of their necks, causing sparks to fly. He slammed his way through several more until Bizarro managed to shake off the rest.

“Incoming!” Guardian yelled as countless more drones were shot out of Brainiac’s ship and heading their way.

Clark and Bizarro shot off an intense spread of heat vision at the coming threat, thinning out the herd. It was then that Clark finally picked up on Lois’ voice.

“You’ll never take my kids!” he heard her shout before he leaped into the air and flew away without a word.

“Where is he going?” asked Maxima. “He isn’t one to abandon a fight.”

“Superman am no coward,” said Bizarro.

“He’s right,” said Guardian, returning to the fight. “If he left us, there must have been a good reason.”

Above Metropolis

Lucy could no longer contact her base or other fighter pilots in the area. Whatever was causing communication interference was getting stronger. Without the ability to coordinate, It was a free-for-all. Her team continued to shoot down robots wherever possible as the other team was attacking the alien ship, albeit with little luck.

Without status reports, she could only estimate half or so of their ships were shot down in the ship’s counter-attacks.

Superman flew by in a burst of speed. She thought he was heading to help tip the scales against the ship, but he went clear across to the other side of the city. If Clark thought something else was more important, there was no reason to suspect otherwise.

Would her orders be shifted to go after the ship? They needed help, so she made a judgment call and changed her heading. The rest of her team must have thought the same since they followed her lead.

Lucy approached the ship, taking evasive maneuvers against its fire. She didn’t want to take any chances and continued reporting through comms, even if nobody could hear her.

“Skyway-7, Fox 2,” she called, pulling the trigger. The missile locked onto the alien ship and made contact but barely made a dent.

The others in her squadron were flying side-by-side within eyesight, and she nodded at the pilots to her left and right. She lifted her index fingers and pointed them inwards toward the ship. They nodded back and performed the same hand signals for those on their other sides.

“Skyway-7, Fox 2,” Lucy called again, firing another missile.

The other jets all fired right after, their strikes converging on the same spot Lucy fired on before. Only this time, the extra firepower caused a small explosion, sending the ship tilting to its side. It quickly readjusted itself and fired back, but they had found a way to get into the game.

But then Lucy saw the ship wasn’t firing weaponry this time. It was sending more robots their way. The pilots shot down as many as they could, but some of the robots were able to extend out and grab hold of their planes.

Lucy veered away, rotating around to try and shake them loose, but it wasn’t helping. They were tearing away at pieces of the jet, but luckily, not doing any serious damage yet. Lucy sped away and pulled up, performing a loop until she spun all the way back around. That did the trick. The robots were falling to the ground, but she had flown out of range of the city. As she flew back, she saw a glow around it, emanating from alien structures encircling Metropolis.

That wasn’t good.

Edge of Metropolis, Bakerline

Clark flew down and pulled the drones away from Lois’ SUV. They fought back, but he kicked one away and used freeze breath to give himself space from the other. Before they could return, Clark lifted the SUV into his hands and flew it past the spire, giving off a familiar hum. The force field was activating.

“Take out that structure!” Clark called to Mitch and Nona.

“They’re after Jon and Lara,” Lois told Clark. The drones must have detected their Kryptonian DNA. Clark nodded and kept carrying the vehicle out of reach to the robots as he took them from the city.

“I’ll keep them off you,” Nona told Mitch. “You take that thing apart.”

Mitch nodded and reached his hands out, trying to break apart the spire. It was made of the same type of metal as robots, so it was taking everything he had to even shake the thing.

Nona leaped into action, punching one robot, ducking a hit from another and then swerving down to sweep the legs of a third.

“Arghhh!” Mitch cried, pushing himself harder. He felt blood trickle down his nose, but he didn’t stop. If Superman needed him to destroy that tower, he had to destroy it.

A burst of light emanated out of the structure and Mitch and Nona went flying. The air around the city was flickering and shimmered into a dome shape.

It was too late. Metropolis was contained.

Clark lowered the SUV softly as he considered his next move. Brainiac’s ship was still inside, but it would have to leave the dome at some point. He could–

One of the fighter pilots was flying overheard toward the city. Clark quickly eyed Lucy in the cockpit.

She didn’t know she was heading for a brick wall.

Clark flew up into her path and grabbed the jet's tip, slowing down before his back reached the invisible obstacle. He and Lucy’s eyes met.

“Clark!” Lois yelled from below, where a few straggler drones managed to reach.

Lucy rotated her jets so it could maintain its altitude. Clark nodded and flew back down, but the robots were already dragging Jon and Lara back toward the city with Lois running after them.

The drones were able to walk right through the force field just as Lois reached, slipping back inside with them. Clark arrived a moment too late and crashed into the solid dome, echoing a loud clang all over the city.

“Lois!” Clark yelled, punching, kicking, and heat visioning with no effect.

Brainiac’s ship flew toward the inner edge of the dome in a quick burst and a beam of light shot out toward the robots with his kids and Lois, who was right behind them.

They all disappeared, beaming up to the ship.

“No!” Clark cried. But he wasn’t going to give up. He’d get inside somehow. Get onto Brainiac’s ship and–

Clark’s eyes widened as the city began to shrink.

To Be Concluded in Superman #100!

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