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The Watchtower

Despite the cold, quiet vacuum of space between him and the Earth J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter, felt the weight of the previous week’s tragedy all the more heavier. He sat in front of the tower’s monitor room where several screens showed news feed from around not only the United States but the entire world. Even with so much of the same news being shown to him even he could still not believe it.

Superman was dead.

The images before his still, red eyes showed everything from the fight between Superman, members of the Justice League, and the monstrous creature dubbed “Doomsday” in the middle of Metropolis, the Man of Steel fighting until his last breath to defeat the beast, the funeral held in Washington D.C. befitting a hero, and the memorial erected in Metropolis in the shape of his iconic S. Some of the feeds included interviews with citizens who witnessed the fight, government officials who were saved by him, and even members of the Justice League and other hero teams; including Booster Gold, Zatanna, Beast Boy, and Aquaman.

J’onn could still recall it himself. He remembered that morning when he and Superman were contemplating being among the last of their kind before the emergency about Doomsday’s attack had prompted them to join other league members in stopping it. He still shivered at the power Doomsday had shown, matching against Superman but practically crippling all others who fought; even him. Even with the intervention of Batman and Wonder Woman, who were both only satellite members at this point, could not stem the tide. Not until Superman was the only thing standing between the monster from almost out of nowhere and the Earth’s destruction was it all over, but at probably the greatest cost that anyone had to pay.

Too much of it weighed on J’onn’s mind, forcing him to turn the monitors off. Even with such control over his natural Martian telepathic powers he felt as though all thoughts were screaming in his mind. It distracted him from the fact that someone had walked up, putting a hand on his shoulder to gain his attention.

He looked to see Diana, a.k.a. Wonder Woman, standing there and saying “J’onn. Everyone’s ready. It’s…time.”

He nodded and stood before joining her as both began to walk off towards another part of the Watchtower. Both were silent, almost seeming to want to say something to the other but not having the courage to.

There came a point where Diana stopped, looking out the window in the hall to the view of Earth below. J’onn stopped a little ways in front of her, sensing her uneasy contemplation after Superman’s death.

“It feels so different now. Doesn’t it?” she asked.

Standing near her now he too looked down at the world, saying “Every time I look at it, it feels that much larger. That much more difficult to protect. He made it seem so easy.”

“After everyone else we lost, J’onn, his feels the worse. All of our fallen friends. Ted. Ronnie. …Barry. But never did we think it would happen to him. Not to Clark…”

J’onn approached her and embraced her, the two comforting the other, before J’onn simply stated “Even with all my abilities I know he can never be replaced. All we can do is know that he fought for all of us and we have to continue it for him.” That seemed to be enough for Diana as she finally let go, he reminding “Come. We shouldn’t keep the others waiting.”

The two continued on until finally reaching the meeting room of the Watchtower. They could see the other founding members of the Justice League waiting them. Bruce Wayne the Batman, King Orin Arthur Curry Aquaman, John Stewart Green Lantern, and Wally West, the third Flash; originally Kid Flash before the death of his mentor forced him to fill the mantel. Seeing Dian and J’onn everyone knew it was time, taking their assigned seats at their round table. Only one seat remained empty.

Before getting down to business Arthur had asked “Where’s Hal? I thought he’d be here for this.”

“Had to hurry back to Oa.” John explained. “One of the drawbacks to being in the Alpha Lantern Corp. Not a lot of time off. Not even for this.” He sighed and shook his head “Still having trouble coping with it myself.”

Batman finally brought the meeting to topic and said “We’ve had our time to mourn. Our time to remember. But now we need to address the more urgent matter.” He, and in-turn the others, all looked to the empty seat that once belonged to Superman as he said “The League needs a new member to fill the duties Superman once held. Despite all our members, our satellite groups and smaller, independent teams, the League has always been based upon the seven founding members.”

“Agreed.” Diana added. “Despite this loss we need to show the world the Justice League can remain strong. We can’t risk our enemies trying to take advantage. We need to prove we’re still strong together.”

“Then why should we bother trying to fill the void?” Wally asked. “The six of us can still lead. We can still get the job done. Why not show it?”

“For the same reason you and John replaced your predecessors.” Batman answered. “It started with seven and it needs to continue with seven.”

J’onn then explained “While the league continues to take on new members and has several, smaller groups, everyone looks to us. Not just within the League’s ranks but the world itself. Batman is right. We need to continue to show our strength by finding a suitable replacement for Superman. However it cannot be denied it will be a very large void to fill.”

“Which is why we’re here to discuss it then.” Arthur finished. “There must be a suitable replacement among the League’s ranks. What about Shazam?” After hitting a few buttons in front of his seat a hologram of the aforementioned hero appeared in the center of the table. “He’s called ‘Earth’s Mightiest Mortal’ for a reason. Strength and powers to match Superman’s in almost every way.”

“But also the alter ego of a 15 year old boy.” Diana pointed out, the hologram changing to show that of Billy Batson. “If ever his and possibly the rest of our identities were revealed we would seem carless to let someone so young into our ranks. Even with the powers of the gods.”

“Agreed.” John said. “It’s enough of a risk having him operate as is. Maybe we need more alien muscle on our side. Someone like Orion.” He changed the image to show the New God of New Genesis. “He may need technology to help him fly but he’s still as strong and near as invulnerable as Superman was.”

“The guy’s got a bit of a temper though.” Wally pointed out. “Doubt he’s the most level headed to be making the big decisions we do. Not unless it involves breaking arms in his case.”

“John might be right however.” J’onn pointed out. “Most denizens from New Genesis have strengths equaled to Superman. For instance Big Barda.” The image changed to show her this time. “Along with this she’s a skilled warrior and tactician.”

Arthur spoke up and pointed out “But she’s not as familiar with the world’s affairs as we are. The same problem applies to Orion and even Mister Miracle. What we need is someone who knows Earth as the same home we do.”

“Maybe one of the Hawks then?” Diana suggested, showing both Hawkman and Hawkgirl. “They may be aliens but they’ve been here long enough to establish secret identities and live among the rest of us practically unseen.”

“Part of that covert militant Thanagarian training no doubt.” John commented.

“But both tend to work together.” Batman pointed out. “Hard to have one without the other, and part of why they’re so strong is based on their teamwork.”

After hearing all the suggestions and why none would totally work Wally listed “So what we need is someone who can fill the power void, be old enough, and be raised on Earth like the rest of us. Yeah, not a long list really.”

“Indeed.” J’onn commented. “It is a shame there are not more Kryptonians left on Earth.”

Suddenly they all heard someone say “There just might be.”

All looked before John, surprised as the others, stated aloud “Supergirl!?!”

The young Kryptionian cousin to the man of steel stepped forward from the nearby hall. She looked no different than when last any had seen her, her uniform similar to her more famous cousin’s; with a very advanced looking touch-ups around the shoulders, chest and boots.

“Kara?” Wally asked as she approached the team. “You’re back? I thought you said you were going to stay in the 31th century with the Legion.”

“I did, up until I found out what they were hiding from me.” She explained before asking all of them “Is it true? Is Clark….? Is he gone?”

At first none could answer, more hurt to have to admit it to her, but Diana stepped forward and gave a comforting “I’m sorry.”

For a moment Kara seemed to fight back any outburst of emotions from that confirmation. Closing her eyes tightly and swelling her lips as a small streak of water leaked from her blue eyes. With a deep breath she finally opened her eyes and nodded, accepting the news with every grain of salt.

Batman broke the silence with “It’s good you’re back, Supergirl. But if you’re here for what I think you are, then the answer is ‘no’.”

Annoyed she replied “You said it yourself: you need someone old enough, strong enough and knowledge enough. You have that right here.” Pointing at herself she further explained “I’m as strong as Clark ever was. I’m over 18 years old and not only was I raised like Clark was, on this Earth, but I’ve seen its future and I know where it’s heading. If anything I might be overqualified.”

Hearing all that some of the others looked to each other, Arthur commenting “She may be right there. You said it yourself, J’onn. Who better to replace a Kryptonian than another Kryptonian.”

“A younger Kryptonian, that is.” J’onn added.

“Hey!” Kara pointed. “For the record I may look young but technically I’m older than Clark was.”

“But it’s more than just powers or knowledge.” Batman continued. “Superman was the leader of this team. Even you’re not ready for such responsibility.”

“Then make me ready.” Kara retorted. “Train me until you think I’m ready. In the meantime someone else can be in charge. But I’m not trying to be a leader. I’m trying to finish what Clark started. What all of you started when decided to make this group.” She glanced back at the view of the Earth and finished with “I’m trying to protect my home. The only home I have left.”

Everyone else was silent when Kara looked back. They looked among themselves, silently questioning what to do. Attention soon turned to Batman who seemed to be contemplating as well.

“Give us the room. Please.” He asked.

An agreeing look from Diana was enough for Supergirl to grant his request. As she exited, standing in the hall, the last thing she saw before the door closed was all members returning to their seats.

Every minute of waiting Kara felt as though precious hours were being wasted. So many times she could have knocked the door down and demanded her position on the team or flown back to Earth and shown them on her own terms. Every time though Kara knew it wasn’t what Clark wanted and would never do. Even at his worst he never went down that path and she always admired him for it.

Her time spent waiting drew her curiosity as she used her super-vision to look down towards the Earth. She could see Metropolis and the citizens, many still standing near the Superman memorial in the center of the city. She looked to the Dailey Planet, seeing the grieving Jimmy Olsen, Perry White and other staff members at the loss of Clark Kent; said to have died during Doomsday’s attack on the city. Finally she found Clark’s apartment and sitting inside was a silently crying Lois Lane, holding a picture of her wedding day.

All the images bared heavily on Kara, a harsh reminder of how she could have saved Clark’s life had she been here. Had she not been fooling around in the future to a group of heroes she thought were her friends, yet all of them hiding this dark truth from her. None of that could be changed now. All she could change was that it would never happen to anyone else.

Finally the doors to the room opened, Kara turning to see all members of the League standing there; Batman at the forefront. All of their expressions were serious, giving an uneasy feeling towards what their final decision was for her.

Finally Batman stepped forward and said “Training with Wally and John starts tomorrow. After that sessions with J’onn to prepare your mental state.”

Kara’s eyes lit up as everyone soon smirked or smiled, except Batman, as she tried to ask “You mean…?”

“I’ve agreed to act as leader and figured head of the Justice League for now.” Diana explained. “I do have experience as a diplomat after all.”

Arthur then stepped up and added “It’s not just about training you to be a leader, sistah. It’s about making you ready for whatever threats might be out there. Your cousin knew that and got training from all of us.”

“But that’s not to say we didn’t learn a little from him as well.” John then added. “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure you’ll be ready from anything to intergalactic conquerors or some lucky punk with a fist full of Kryptonite.”

“Provided you can keep up of course.” Wally quipped.

Kara had been smiling the whole time as she listened to them, finally giving a heartfelt “Thank you. All of you.” To them.

Batman stepped up and added “We’ll make a public statement by tomorrow. But for now welcome to the Justice League, Supergirl.”

Hearing that seemed to give a further boost of confidence to Supergirl’s attitude. Her body language and expression was enough to warm everyone, except Batman however. The Dark Knight simply walked off after that, making his way back for the transports and eventually back to Gotham City.

Once he was out of earshot Kara had commented “And here I thought he was going to say ‘no’.”

“He didn’t need much convincing.” J’onn said. “Just enough.”

After that Arthur stated “I need to get back to Atlantis. I’ll stay in touch with all of you.” He gave one final “Welcome to the team, Kara.” Before walking off himself.

Diana then asked “Do you need somewhere to stay while you wait, Kara? J’onn can show you a room here on the Watchtower.”

Wally then joked “Foods not bad either. It’s the line for the bathroom that’s the killer.”

“No. I’ll be fine.” She responded before saying “There is one thing I need to do though…”

**********

Smallville, Kansas, several hours later…

J’onn and Diana, both in disguises, stood by the small grave site where the tombstone of Clark Kent sat. Kara was in front of it, on her knees while wearing a disguise of Kara Kent Danvers herself; including her wig and glasses. She was told how this was where Clark’s actual body was buried, the Justice League making deals with the U.S. government to have everyone think it was buried in Washington.

Kara had been reciting something in an odd language which Diana asked, J’onn explaining “It’s a Kryptonian prayer. I cannot make out the entirety of it but it’s mostly it’s a way of hoping his spirit will forever know peace.”

Now knowing this Diana nodded before asking “But will she find it too, J’onn?”

They both looked as Kara eventually finished. She stood there and looked at Clark’s grave as it sat right next to Jonathan Kent’s. Most of her only family was gone now and she was among the last to carry the name and legacy. Knowing that made it seem harder but a look back to Diana and J’onn put some comfort into her heart.

A final look towards the stone before Kara finally said “Goodbye, Clark.” She knelt down touching it as she wiped the remaining tears, and ended with “I promise. I won’t let you down.”

With all of her final words out of the way Kara stood, joining Diana and J’onn before all of them left. They left Clark’s grave to sit where it was, next to his adoptive father in his home state of Kansas. The only place left befitting someone like him.

However what none of them or anyone else on Earth for that matter knew was the Clark’s coffin was empty.

The End?