Inside a laboratory somewhere in the bowels of Metropolis,John Corben opened his eyes.
A male voice asked,'Hello,John.How do you feel?"
He had been on the run from the law for weeks after a failed stick-up ended in murder being added to his list of accomplishments.He had no money,no friends and ended up scavenging in the dirty backwater alleys.He had gotten so desperate that in a last ditch chance to survive,he stole a car and ended up in a horrific accident where he suffered third degree burns on his face and was paralyzed from the waist down. His first deed when he was able had been to try to slit his wrists and consequently he had to be transferred out to a psychiatric hospital.There he met the doctor and scientist who would change his life forever.
The man had said he was working on an experiment to create a watershed in human potential and talent.He needed someone who really wanted to change,to have a chance at a new beginning.Corben had heard the rumors in the city,of individuals with strange abilities emerging in the last ten years.Individuals with powers.Some would rampage the city;others would wear masks and call themselves heroes.Hence the coining of the new word meta-human.John volunteered and didn't care that the scientist was doing the experiment without sanction from his superiors.He wanted to be meta come what may.
Now he was looking at the man.He recalled little other than being smuggled out of the hospital.and then being wheeled into a lab and being put to sleep.He blinked.The light in his eyes was strangely crisp and he felt heavy as he sat up."I feel fine.In fact very alert and strong.What did you do to me,Doc?"
"I made you into what you wanted.A meta.Better.Stronger.No one will be able to hurt you like before."
Corben tried to smile,but felt no muscles in his face.He looked down and let out a shriek as he saw what was supposed to be his hands.Metallic silver digits flexed before his eyes.
"Jesus Christ!"
He jumped to the floor and heard the sound of friction on the ground.He saw metal limbs move.He touched his face and instead of soft flesh,he touched metal."God!God!What have you done to me?!"
He stumbled over to a glass pane and gasped in horror.His slim,fox face was gone.Instead a skeletal metal face grinned at him.He screamed."What have you done?!"
"I made you better!"
"Better?!I'm a freak!You took my body away from me.You made me into a monster!"He smashed the pane.
"No,you have your brain,protected in a cranium made of titanium alloy.You think therefore you are still John Corben.It is just your body is now stronger and faster.It knows no limitations of disability nor pain.Your core is powered by uranium."said the scientist,his eyes wide with a kind of wild triumph.
"Insane!You're insane!'' Corben roared and collared him."Where the hell did you get the idea?The money?You have to undo this.Get me back into my body!"
"Your body was burnt and crippled.This is better.Thanks to the rescources of Queen industries.........."
"What?Queen Industries sanctioned this madness?"
"Well,he has been funding research........."he began,failing to say that he had in fact used what he learned at Queen industries and was secretly off doing his experiments by himself.
Corben's robotic eyes blared red.He began to choke the man by the neck."It's not better.It's absolute madness.I will kill you!"
The man's eyes began to bulge.'"John.........no........Think of the possibilities...............Aaaaaaah!"
The man's face turned blue and he slithered to the floor.Enraged Corben looked around and began to trash the lab,until it was a mangled burning wreckage.He then smashed his way out and vanished into the night.
*****************
"Will you stop being so fidgety?",asked Chloe as she tried to wind Diana's hair into a neat chignon.
Diana sat still and sighed for the dozenth time.She had been coaxed into a formal blouse and a knee length skirt,and heels.She was due to go and meet Oliver Queen.He had been convinced to give her a hearing to see what she could do or where she could be fitted in his company.Lois Lane had asked him but he was really doing this as a favor to Clark Kent, who not only knew his identity as a masked vigilante but who helped him on several occasions since they had fought united three years ago.
Diana had made the trip to Metropolis after Martha Kent had heard her son's pitch and agreed that if they could get Diana something to do then it would go a long way to getting her integrated into society.Dropping her in an unknown situation,be it school,or work,without the assistance of friends would not have worked as well as this idea.If Diana got a situation, then it was agreed she'd room with Lois and Chloe in their two bedroom apartment,until suitable accommodation could be found for her.She was at first disappointed she couldn't room with Clark and his friends even when Martha pointed out that it really wouldn't be appropriate for her to remain indefinitely in a house of three young men.Diana, who liked John and Michael,had voiced calmly she would have no problem with this.So Martha tried the guilt tactic about having Clark sleeping on a couch and depriving him of his room,which ultimately did the trick.When Diana realized the girls' place was only ten minutes away from Oakfield Avenue she was even happier.
"There,"said Chloe,stepping back to view her handiwork."You look neat and professional and capable."
Diana glanced at herself in the mirror.They were in Chloe's room,Diana was sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room for now;she said ruefully,"Physical appearance seem to be more important in this world,than what is in a person's heart."
"Well,it's what one sees first on a person.One can't read a person's heart.The perfect outfit is like armor that a soldier might wear.It says something.It symbolizes one's inner self as much as cementing identity and personality.You can't just go in jeans and a tee and expect someone like Mr Queen,C.E.O to Queen Industries to take you seriously."
Diana rose shakily.She looked at the heels and groaned."Must I wear these things?"
Chloe tutted."It's not that high.You had practice with Mrs Kent;just remember to walk slowly."
She winced."How women can submit to torture like this is beyond my understanding."
Chloe grinned."Come on,Clark is waiting to take you."
They stepped out into the living area,which was divided into a sitting room and kitchen.Clark was standing near the window peering out at the view.They were seven floors up and he could see the tops of the University from where he stood.He had come in five minutes ago and had met Lois who was on her way out to pick up the mail in the foyer.He heard the door open and the two girls come out.
Diana's eyes met his."Do I look,as you would say,okay?"
He half smiled.She looked more than okay.He rubbed his chin."Well,you certainly look different.I think you might just be allowed in the building.But then I have been known to be wrong from time to time."
Diana asked perplexed,"Really?You mean I could fail to even be allowed entry?"
He responded, with a twinkle in his eye,"Entry?Once inside they may not let you out."
Diana looked really worried now.She began,"Chloe,Clark thinks they will incarcerate me........"
"Stop teasing her,Clark,"commanded Chloe.She patted Diana's arm."Don't mind him.You look perfect.Typical guy;can't come outright and tell a girl she looks nice.''
Diana sighed and repeated,"Yes,stop teasing me,Clark.I feel out of my depth already in this costume."
He reassured her."You'll be fine.Oliver helped with the Beastiamorph.He also knows my secret.I haven't told him about your origin because I thought that should be left up to you."
Chloe exclaimed,"Oh!We forgot the handbag.Let me go get it."
She went back into the bedroom,and Diana walked very carefully towards Clark saying,"He sounds a good friend.I am so grateful to you all for trying to get me something to do until such time I........."
Her toe went under the rug on the floor and Diana drunkenly lurched towards him.He steadied her before she could fall.She held onto his shirt with a dismayed,"These ridiculous shoes!What good are they for,I ask you,other than injuring ones dignity and ones self!?"
His hands were still supporting her as he smiled."Well,you can look me in the eye with them on."It was true.With her heels on she was almost as tall as he.Diana felt the warmth of his blue gaze and remembered, unbidden,how it was to have his breath on her skin.She looked at him in a kind of perplexed awe.
The door suddenly opened and Lois came in,carrying the mail,saying,"Bills,bills and more bills.I tell you living off a student loan and credit cards will kill me.I........"
She stopped and narrowed her eyes.Clark had his hands on Diana's upper arms and she was resting a palm against his chest.The minute Lois entered the pair moved apart.
Clark said briskly,"Well,shall we go?Ah,here's Chloe with your bag."
Diana turned in relief to Chloe.Lois frowned and dropped the mail on the kitchen table.She folded her arms and queried,"So,Smallville,you are the chaperon for your cousin,are you?I thought you had your beat to cover to day."
Clark caught the mocking tone in her voice."Perry gave me a couple of hours off."
"How kind of him.I should find myself a cousin to baby sit too........I could use the time off........"she muttered dryly,brushing past him and going to Diana."Well,you look great.Tell Oliver I said hi.''
Diana said,"Thank you,Lois,for speaking to him for me."
She waved dismissively."Let's just say he owes me."
Clark said,"Let's go.I called a taxi for us."
Diana thanked Chloe for her help and she and Clark departed.The minute the door closed,Lois rounded on her cousin."What's going on here?"
Chloe blinked."What?''
"Come on,you can't tell me that she is his cousin.Not with the way they was looking at each other two minutes ago."
"What are you on about?"
"When I came in just now they looked way too cosy together to be related.It's just too weird."
Chloe said wryly,"You're letting your imagination run wild again,Lois.I see nothing amiss with them.It's getting late.I have to get into work.Haven't you got to finish that article for Perry?"
Chloe left her and went into her room.Lois frowned.Chloe would never lie to her.Maybe she was reading too much into it.
***********************
Oliver Queen had agreed to see the pair in his office.He was going to try to keep it informal as Lois had said it was Clark's Greek cousin.He had invited Dinah Lance his P.R. and girlfriend to be there as well.Oliver was out on the wide terrace of his office,and he was aiming his bow at the row of soda cans on the top of the parapet.Dinah was leaning against the wall watching him,as he took out three cans in swift succession.
She said,"You have that fund raiser on Friday.For the hurricane victims' housing project......."
"Ah,yes.Have we had good responses?"
"Some of the big fish are coming.Mayor.Ambassador.Lex turned your invitation down.
"Lex has been keeping a low profile these days.I think he believes it was me that destroyed his little venture."
"Well,you did take the creature in one of your labs.What happened with it?"
"Serum wore off but the poor man is too traumatized to go back into society. Drove him mad.Thinks he's a lizard.Spoke to a good friend of mine and he pulled some strings and Burke's been taken to Arkham."The doors to the terrace slid open.It was the secretary poking her head out."A Mr Kent and guest is here."
"Show them in,"he said.
As Clark and Diana were showed in,Oliver went to remove the arrows from the cans.Without turning,he said,"Morning,Clark.How are you?"
Clark replied,"I'm good.Hi,Dinah.Good to see you.I would like you to meet Diana."
Oliver walked back to his place with his arrows.He put them down as his eyes flickered over Diana,who nodded politely at him.He smiled suavely and shook her hands."Glad to meet you,Miss?"
"You can call me Diana,"she said hastily.
"Okay,Diana,this is Dinah,my P.R. person."
Dinah gave her a nod.Oliver said,"So,let's cut to the chase.What can you do,Diana?You know anything about engineering?Physics?Chemistry?"
Diana blinked at this sudden onslaught."No,Mr Queen,I do not."
"Well,we are a technological engineering firm,Diana.Can you do something else...maybe you can fit into another department.We need someone in payroll.What skills have you got?"
"Well,I am well versed in Ancient history and the classics.........."
Oliver said half amused."That'd be useful in a school or library,not here."
She continued,"I can speak several languages."
Oliver interrupted,"Know any Japanese?"
"No,but I speak......"
He cut her off."Pity.I could have done with a Japanese interpretor.I want to help,believe me.But it's a bit much to expect me to take in America's next Supermodel to work here."He looked at Clark and said dryly,"She looks as if she's barely got an I.D. to even drink liquor."
Dinah spoke up."Ollie,there's no need to be rude.........."
He said,"I'm not being rude.I'm being realistic."He took up an arrow and took aim.He released the arrow and before the green shaft could find its target Diana's hand shot out and she caught it.
Oliver's brows flew up.Dinah said,"Wow."
He said warily,"Okay,Diana,you have my attention.What else can you do?"
She came up to him,arrow in hand and snapped it into two and gave it to him with a rather imperious,"I understand your company manufactures strong,revolutionary arrows but that was like snapping a twig,Mr Queen."
Clark grinned.Oliver frowned."Okay,so you made your point.How did you do that?Is she like you,Clark?"
Clark chuckled."Oh,Diana's nothing like me.She's got her own unique thing going."
Oliver put down his bow."Let's go in.You guys have some explaining to do."
Fifteen minutes later,over coffee, Oliver and Dinah had gotten a summary of the events leading to Diana's arrival in Smallville and her origin.It seemed only fair then that they share their secrets with her.Dinah unfortunately couldn't give a demonstration of her sonic scream with the secretary outside.
Oliver said impressed,"You two have been very busy.It never occurred to me, Clark,that Lex was somehow involved in the museum theft.So the artifacts are negated?"
He nodded."Yeah.Now,how about we discuss what you're going to do for Diana?"
Dinah said,"I could do with an assistant,Ollie.Her multi-lingual ability will be very useful.I'm sure we can train her up."
Oliver asked,"Well,what do you think?It'll involve helping Dinah organize events and liaising with stakeholders and other firms;so it'll mean running errands, organizing paper work,that sort of thing.Mundane but necessary I think for someone who needs to feel her way around before we can plunk responsibility on her shoulders."
Clark looked at Diana."How does that sound?"
Diana nodded."It sounds very interesting."
Dinah smiled."Good.We have a fund-raiser this weekend.It's being held in the Plaza ballroom.Diana can start helping me with that."
Oliver looked at Clark."I've been trying to organize this event for a while.It's something close to my heart.I sent Lois an invite and that photographer friend of yours.We could always do with the publicity.Why don't you come too?I know you're shouldering social causes.Lane will cover the event as a whole,and probably won't have time to focus in on the victims' individual stories."
Clark nodded."Okay.I will."
"And it is a black tie affair.So rent a tux."He looked at Diana."You need to have a surname.You can't wander around as just Diana.I'll call in a favor and in twenty-four hours we'll have you with I.D,a birth paper and social security number.....the works."
********************* Friday came swiftly and with it the fund raising dinner of Mr Queen.Diana had to find a decent dress for it and lucky for her, Dinah stepped in and sent a black dress and matching shoes.She managed to dress herself,after some fumbling with her hair,which she eventually had sense to leave alone.A taxi came for her at six pm and she left the apartment before Lois and Chloe returned from work.She stepped out of the taxi and hurried past the doorman into the foyer and went towards the ballroom that she had helped Dinah organize,as she did her stole slipped off her shoulders and fell to the ground.A tall,blond man about twenty five entering the lobby from the elevator picked it up.He was in an air force uniform and he called,"Excuse me,Miss."
Diana turned.He held up her stole."You dropped this."
Diana felt her shoulder."Oh,I had not realized.Thank you."
He was looking at her curiously."You here for the reception,huh?Whose interest do you represent?"
She took it,with a polite nod."Mr Queen's interest.I am an employee.Excuse me."
She vanished into the ballroom.He stood on the threshold and watched her pensively as she went over to Miss Lance.A voice said behind him."Steve Trevor!Son of a gun!You came after all."
Lieutenant Steve Trevor turned to see Oliver Queen behind him."Hey,Ollie!Got your e-mail and when I called was told by Dinah about this fund raiser.You know I never could miss a party."
They shook hands warmly.Oliver said,"I knew you'd be finishing up your tenure out in the desert.Just wasn't sure when."
Steve said,"It was a tough assignment.Thank god,it's over and left to the U.N. peace keepers."
"You on furlough?"
"Yep,got myself a month off.Flew in yesterday.Thought I'd check up on you before I head off home to Washington.I see from the looks of things you're doing pretty well."
"Yeah.The relocation has gone better than I imagined.It's a bit early to go in.How about joining me in the bar for a drink?"
"Sure.Um,question.That dark haired girl...over on the stage now with Dinah...the tall ......."
Oliver grinned."The very pretty one?That's Miss Diana Prince.She's Dinah's assistant.She's working tonight,so lay off."
Steve said,"Sure,but it doesn't mean I can't talk to her or ask her out?"
"You don't beat around the bush,do you?''
He grinned,"When you stare death in the face as often as I have you just get on with it.Now,apart from her working tonight,any reason I can't ask her out?"
"Well,that's assuming she would want to go out with you."
"You never know unless you try."
********************
Clark,Jimmy and Lois entered the Plaza at eight as specified on their invitation.The young men were in black tuxedos and Lois was in a burgundy strapless dress.Lois looked a round at the decor and people already filling the room.
"Wow,talk about your filthy rich."
Clark looked around."I wonder if Lex is here?"
Jimmy fixed his lens around the room and saw Diana standing at the side of the room,a blond man in uniform standing next to her.He said,"I see Diana.Who's G.I. Joe?"
Lois craned her neck."I don't know the face,but he's a hottie."
Jimmy said irately,"And he seems to be chatting her up.Typical."
Clark's jaw tightened,but he said,"Let's go to our table.We all have work to do,Diana included."
The evening went along progressively.There were the presentations and speeches and then the dinner.Lois,Clark and Jimmy were at a table somewhere in the middle,and when the music started,all three took the opportunity to mingle and get their interviews and stories and photographs respectively.Diana was standing at the side of the room,looking at the crowd.Her first few days as Dinah's assistant had gone well.As a trained warrior,Diana was very capable of following direction and had a kind of discipline that impressed Dinah in one so young.She also absorbed knowledge like a sponge.Tonight,she had barely had time to even chat with Clark and the others.She had been able to only wave and flash them a smile in between running back and forth from the concierge to the catering staff and the band,whilst Dinah dealt with the press,security and the guests.She was finally able to catch a breather as the live jazz band began to play and the guests began to throw off formality and enjoy the evening.
Steve Trevor came to her."So are you going to grace me with that dance?"
Diana frowned,"Look,Mr Trevor,I do not dance."
"Please,it's Steve.How about a coffee then?Ten minutes,that's all I ask."
She looked exasperated."I told you I was busy before,do you not recall that?"
"Yes,but you aren't busy now,are you?"
"I am."
"What are you doing exactly?"
She said,"I....Goodness,you are very persistent,are you not?"
"Well as a matter of fact,I'm hoping after ten minutes minutes tonight,I can persuade you to sit with me an hour tomorrow."
"You mean like a date?"
"Yes."
"Well,I....do not know.I......."
"Have that coffee with me and if you feel after that you can't stomach me,I'll retire gracefully.Word of a soldier."
Maybe it was those words,or his roguish smile.She responded with a prim,"Very well.One coffee only."
****************
Clark was sitting with Lois.Jimmy had gone off to snap some more photos.Clark was making notes on a pad.Lois drummed her fingers on the table.He looked up."What bored,already?"
"Well,it is a party too.And I didn't get dressed up to work all night."
She tossed her third flute of champagne down.He warned,"Go easy."
"It's the only thing worthwhile doing.It's expensive and free."
He said,"Well,why are you sitting there?Go take a spin on the floor."
"I would if I could get a decent partner."
Clark looked up."What do you mean?There are loads of guys."
"Take a look around you,Smallville.Apart from Oliver and that dishy looking pilot that is chatting up Diana, all the men must be over forty.Of course,there's the catering staff and security but I can't expect them to ask me."
Clark had been acutely aware that Diana was standing behind him with Steve Trevor coffee cups in hand.He said,"Yeah,that's a drag.Want me to ask Jimmy to dance with you?"
She reached over and smacked his head with her sequined bag.Clark exclaimed,"What was that for?"
"You're an idiot.How many hints do I have to give you."
Clark frowned."What?You mean me?"
"Yes,farmboy,you."
"Well,I'm not very good at waltzing."
She collared him."You'll do fine.You just have to stand on one spot and sway."
Clark sighed as they took their place on the floor.Lois put her arms around his neck and he held her lightly around the waist.She looked at him."Did I mention that you clean up well,Smallville?"
Clark asked ironically,"Are you complimenting me?You must have drunk too much champagne."
She laughed."Always determined to underplay the moment.Okay,let's change the topic.Heard from Lana recently?"
"No."
"That's definitely over then is it?"
"Yes."
"Wow.You two have blown hot and cold for what?Eight years?It's like the end of an era."
Clark sighed,"Can we talk about something else,Lois?I really don't want to talk about my love life or lack of one."
She rolled her eyes."Yeah,well,whatever."
As they danced,Diana looked up and saw them.She blinked,suddenly not listening to Steve's travels in North Africa and the Gulf.Steve followed her eyes.He mused,"Isn't that your cousin?Oliver told me he's started with the Planet.What's his name again?''
She said slowly,"Clark Kent."
"The girl he's dancing with,she's a reporter too,isn't she?She his girlfriend?"
"Lois?No,they are friends.They work together at the Planet."
"Yeah?Okay if you say so.Well,are we on for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?"Diana was having a hard time concentrating on his words.
"Yeah,you're off,aren't you?How about I take you for a drink?"
"A drink of what?"
He laughed outright at her perplexed look."Touche.How about we go for a walk in City Park?The weather's nice and it'll give us a chance to chat.I'll come pick you up at say about two in the afternoon?"
"Well,I do not know if I .........."
"What? Have you got to get permission from him?"he asked giving Clark a queer look.
"No,of course not,"she returned hastily.
He took up a napkin and asked the catering staff for a pen."What's your phone number and address?"
Diana sighed and was about to take the offered pen and napkin,when the voice of the singer on stage was cut and the band stopped playing mid song.Diana looked up."What?"
They saw a tall,beefy man with a shock of brown hair on the stage;he carried a Gatling style hand held gun.He had yanked the microphone off the singer and had shoved him off the stage.The other band members who tried to help were similarly dealt with.He barked,"Nobody move.Now is time for the real money making venture.Where is Queen?"
Oliver,who was in the middle of the floor with Dinah,looked at her grimly."Get out."She tried to shake her head but he stepped forward."Who are you?What do you want?''
The man smiled,"Why you,Queen."
Security guards were running forward,armed with guns."Freeze!Put the weapon down!"
The man thought for a second."Um,no."
Bullets fired and to the amazement of all they hit the man and simply fell flattened slugs to the floor.
The man laughed."Go ahead.Your bullets can't hurt me."He jumped from where he stood on stage to stand before Oliver with an agility that was amazing.He cracked the floor where he landed.People backed away in alarm,turning to run.Lois hissed to Clark."You seeing this?Where's Jimmy when you need him!?"
Clark pushed her back with the crowd."Don't.This is dangerous.Get out of the way."
"What?Are you kidding me?This is a front page scoop,Clark!Clark!?"
"I'm going to get Diana."
She turned to see that she was alone and being carried along by the scared people.
The man was about to grab Oliver but someone came at him from behind with a chair.It was Steve Trevor.The chair fell apart and the man tutted,"Keep out of this,Flyboy."He punched him in the stomach and he fell to his knees.Diana was about to go forward,but a hand stayed her.She turned.Clark was behind her."No.Not in front of everyone."
Oliver was about to aim a punch at the man and the moment his fist met the long jaw he cried out in pain.It felt as if he had hit metal and his knuckles were split and bleeding.He held his fingers in pain.The man tutted,"Not a good idea.I bet your fingers are broken.Painful isn't it?Here,let me put you out of your agony."He picked up a champagne bottle from a table and smashed it over his head.Oliver fell forward unconscious.
Dinah came in with a flying kick.The man swat her like a fly into the drinks beverage table.She slithered to the ground,dazed.The man grabbed the unconscious Oliver,tossed him over a shoulder and fired off the Gatling gun.Instead of charges it fired gas canisters that choked and blinded everyone.
He laughed and made a leap towards the glass window and shattered it.He then could be seen leaping over five meters up onto the roof of the next building.The room was thick with the gas.Clark saw Diana covering her face and beginning to cough.He took a deep breath,covered her nose and mouth with a hand and pulled her back out of the hotel through the kitchen and back door to the alleyway before the catering staff could blink.
Gasping Diana looked up at him."W-who was that?"
He said,"I have no idea.But he has Oliver and I intend to find him."
Diana said,"I am coming."
Clark looked as if he was about to refuse,when she added,"I am not asking."
Clark looked half amused but reminded her."We cannot be seen."
She said,"I know that."
They took to the air and hovered above the rooftops.Clark used his vision and saw the figure leaping past the Daily Planet a mile away."Come,on.I see him."
The man moved in huge leaps and bounds and he landed on the rotating Atlas for a moment,when Clark used his x-ray to check out the man's physiology to check to see if there was some clues as to who they may be dealing with.He gasped.His skin and hair were not real;it was like a casing and wig and beneath them was a skeleton made of metal.And what was even more astonishing was the cranium.Inside the metal skull was an actual brain!!!!!!!!!
"It's a robot,Diana.....but it seems to have a human brain."
She looked horrified."Impossible!Such an aberration cannot exist,can it?"
"Aberrations seem to be the speciality of Metropolis these days and this one's got it in for Oliver.Let's go."
He followed him closely until he saw him vanish in an open manhole in a part of the city undergoing construction.They landed and Clark looked down.It was black as pitch.He tore off a piece of the wooden barrier around the manhole and used his heat vision to light it.Then with the torch they descended into the darkness.
